Travel advice for Bangladesh

Avoid unnecessary travel to Bangladesh because of security risks. Travel is not recommended to the Chittagong Hill Tracts or Myanmar border areas, where conflict, kidnapping and organised crime are risks. Take care in parts of Dhaka, busy city centres, and rural Rangpur and Rajshahi because unrest and protests may become violent. Prepare for dengue, measles, floods and landslides, especially around Cox's Bazar and Sylhet, plus energy shortages and flight disruption.

Exercise increased caution in Bangladesh amid unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping; avoid all gatherings because protests can suddenly turn violent without notice. Do not travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts Region, Burma border areas, or Cox’s Bazar refugee camps; unrest, crime and kidnapping are elevated, with terrorism a concern in the Hill Tracts. U.S. government employees must consult security staff before overnight travel in Dhaka or non-essential travel outside it.

Seriously reconsider travel to the Bangladesh Myanmar border area and avoid the Chittagong Hill Tracts, where rival ethnic group activity has made the area dangerous for tourists. Occasional extremist attacks have occurred in Dhaka and coastal areas, so remain highly alert and avoid demonstrations and gatherings. Respect local customs, especially during Ramadan and at places of worship. A visa is required, and entry conditions may change without immediate notice.

Avoid non-essential travel to Bangladesh because demonstrations and violent clashes occur nationwide, terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out, and petty crime is high. Regional or nationwide curfews and bans, plus phone and internet restrictions, may be imposed at short notice. Avoid the Myanmar and India border regions; Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban in the Chittagong Hill Tracts require official authorization, and avoid overland travel after dark.

Defer travel that is not essential because the situation remains volatile. Risks include terrorist threats, demonstrations, hartals, blockades, violent clashes, armed crime and monsoon flooding. Those in Bangladesh should remain vigilant, minimise outings, monitor local news and follow local instructions. Exercise particular caution in Dhaka and Savar, in Cox’s Bazar, near the Myanmar border, and when travelling at night or early morning.

Avoid non-essential travel to Bangladesh because protests and political gatherings can quickly become violent, and terrorist attacks are possible nationwide. Avoid the Chittagong Hill Tracts because of political violence, kidnappings and ethnic clashes. Exercise particular caution in Dhaka, Khulna, Chittagong and Sylhet, where attacks on police and security forces occur, and guard against armed robbery, pickpocketing and fraud, especially at night.

Denmark advises extra caution throughout Bangladesh because of terrorism, an unstable security situation, crime, demonstrations and natural hazards such as floods, landslides, cyclones, earthquakes and tsunamis. Avoid all non-essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban, because of violent clashes and kidnapping. Take particular care with chaotic traffic and strict local laws, including severe penalties for drugs and alcohol.

Remain alert throughout Bangladesh because political protests and interference may trigger sudden clashes and attacks around the planned general election. Bombs have exploded at churches, hospitals and major roads, and bus arson has caused casualties, while the threat of terrorism continues. Avoid non-essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts because ethnic tensions, counterterrorism operations and travel restrictions near the Myanmar border create an unsettled security situation.

Travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts only when essential because armed groups and drug smuggling make the region unsafe. The rest of Bangladesh is yellow, with risks of pickpocketing and theft, especially in CNGs and rickshaws, unwanted conduct towards women, dangerous transport, demonstrations, terrorism, flooding, cyclones, earthquakes and tsunamis. In Cox's Bazar district, remain in the coastal strip and avoid the Myanmar border because crime and violence are concerns.

Avoid all but essential travel to parts of Bangladesh. Additional border checks may apply during the election period, requiring onward or return tickets, proof of accommodation and contact details; invalid travel documents can result in denied entry, and overstaying may incur a fine.

Normal precautions apply in Bangladesh, but increased vigilance is required; avoid protests and gatherings. Avoid non-essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, except the port city of Chittagong. All travel to the Bangladesh-Myanmar border area is discouraged because of landmines and intensified conflict in Myanmar. Political unrest, terrorism and dengue require caution; avoid crowds, stay indoors during demonstrations and take dengue precautions during and after the monsoon.

Australia advises a high degree of caution for Bangladesh.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Bangladesh because demonstrations, clashes, general strikes and terrorist attacks may occur, sometimes with little warning. Avoid all travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts region because of politically motivated violence, kidnappings and sporadic ethnic clashes. Be vigilant in Dhaka and cities where rallies have turned violent, and avoid demonstrations and gatherings. Access to southern Bangladesh is regulated, and Cox's Bazar has limited basic resources.

Although travellers are not directly threatened, exercise increased caution in Bangladesh and avoid crowds, gatherings, demonstrations and clashes. Terrorist attacks, including IED attacks in large cities, target minorities, police and people viewed as opposing Islam. Take extra care in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, where violence and crime occur and permits may be needed. Visit Ukhia and Teknaf only if essential, and use caution along the Indian border due to gunfire.

Hong Kong residents should monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to personal safety and avoid protests and large gatherings. Avoid non-essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts because the security situation is unstable. Demonstrations, violent clashes, shootings and bomb attacks have caused casualties in several areas, including Dhaka, Rangamati, Sylhet and Rangpur.

Exercise a high degree of caution due to threats to Western and Irish citizens, including possible terrorist attacks and sporadic attacks against minority religious communities. Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and venues popular with expatriates and foreign tourists, while monitoring political volatility. Avoid all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Fuel shortages in Bangladesh and airspace closures in the Middle East and Gulf region may cause travel disruption.

Germany advises normal precautions for Bangladesh.