Fire and rescue services
Call 999.
Medical emergencies
Call 999 or go to the hospital.
Police
Call 999 or go to your local police station.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Bangladesh overall due to the threat of terrorism and the potential for public demonstrations which could escalate.
Higher levels apply in some areas.
Call 999.
Call 999 or go to the hospital.
Call 999 or go to your local police station.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Bangladesh overall due to the threat of terrorism and the potential for public demonstrations which could escalate.
Higher levels apply in some areas.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Bangladesh overall due to the threat of terrorism and the potential for public demonstrations which could escalate.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Bangladesh overall due to the threat of terrorism and the potential for public demonstrations which could escalate.
See Safety.
Reconsider your need to travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.
Reconsider your need to travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts region due to the threat of kidnapping, politically motivated violence, and the risk of being caught up in clashes between rival groups engaged in conflict.
See Safety.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Terrorist attacks are possible. Throughout 2019 and 2020, local and international groups published material online encouraging attacks in Bangladesh.
Between 2018 and 2020, there were improvised explosive device (IED) attacks around Bangladesh. No foreigners were targeted or killed during these attacks. Monitor the news and other sources for information on any such attacks and avoid these locations.
Australian Government staff in Bangladesh implement security measures because of the threat of terror attack. Security protocols at the Australian High Commission are under constant review.
Australian officials:
If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Criminal violence and armed robberies are common and occur in all large cities. In the past, expatriates have been victims of robbery, pickpocketing and 'snatch and grab' attacks.
Thieves, often armed and operating in teams, can target people travelling in rickshaws, taxis and the three-wheel vehicles known in Bangladesh as compressed natural gas vehicles (CNGs). Petty crime, including theft and purse snatching, is common. The risk of robbery increases after dark, especially on public transport.
Law enforcement agencies have increased the number of checkpoints around Dhaka, particularly in Dhaka's expatriate and diplomatic areas of Baridhara and Gulshan.
Women may experience unwanted attention and verbal and physical harassment. Assault and sexual assault are risks. Avoid travelling alone at night, and take care if you travel in public transportation, rickshaws or compressed natural gas vehicles.
More information:
Reconsider your need to travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts region. Politically motivated violence and kidnapping can occur, and you risk being caught up in clashes between rival groups engaged in violent crimes, armed robbery and assault.
If you travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts region:
The Bangladesh Government monitors access to refugee camps in the Cox's Bazar district of Southern Bangladesh. Crime and violent incidents have occurred in the camps and surrounding areas. Humanitarian assistance should be provided through agencies recognised by the Bangladesh Government. If you are providing humanitarian assistance, follow the security advice provided by your humanitarian agency and local authorities.
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent with little or no warning.
Increased political activity, including public demonstrations, rallies, blockades and strikes (hartals), is expected to continue in the lead-up to elections in Bangladesh, due to be held by January 2024. Public demonstrations, rallies, strikes (hartals) and blockades can turn violent without warning. Attacks against property and public transport are possible.
Random attacks with small improvised explosive devices, known as cocktails, happen from time to time in public areas.
International and political developments in the region may cause local protests.
Violence at political events has killed and injured people in recent years. These events included:
Strikes led by political groups can:
Blockades of rail, road and river transport networks led by political groups may result in:
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
Crowds commemorating significant dates and anniversaries have also been attacked. Dates of national significance include:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
If, despite the risks, you decide to travel to an area where there's a threat of kidnapping:
More information:
Fires are common in residential and commercial buildings, shopping centres and markets in Bangladesh due to unplanned urbanisation, lack of fire safety awareness and limited infrastructure and equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire exits. Remain aware of your surroundings and exit points.
Bangladesh experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
Be prepared for a major emergency. Keep an emergency kit.
If a natural disaster happens:
The monsoon season is from June to September.
The cyclone seasons are from May to June and from October to November.
During these times, flooding and landslides can happen with little warning.
Severe weather can affect services and transport.
The direction and strength of cyclones can change with little warning.
If there's a cyclone or severe storm:
To reduce your risk of getting caught in severe weather events:
If a cyclone is approaching:
If you're travelling during monsoon or cyclone season, ask your tour operator if the weather will affect your services.
More information:
Bangladesh also experiences earthquakes and tsunamis.
The US Geological Service website has real-time information on earthquakes.
If there's an earthquake:
Move to higher ground if:
Don't wait for official warnings. Once on high ground, monitor local media and weather services.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. Options for medical evacuation may be limited. Ensure you discuss your medical coverage with your travel insurer prior to travelling to Bangladesh.
The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Bangladesh. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Dengue is a virus carried by mosquitoes. It is endemic in Bangladesh.
There has been an outbreak of dengue in Bangladesh, with an increased number of cases, hospitalisations and deaths. Use mosquito repellents and take steps to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing clothing that covers as much skin as possible and using insect repellent.
Nipah virus is usually transmitted through contact with an infected person or through infected animals, such as bats, as well as food and materials contaminated with their saliva or urine. Avoid drinking raw date palm sap, which can contain the saliva of fruit bats.
Chikungunya is a virus spread by mosquitoes.
Malaria occurs in rural areas. Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.
Outbreaks of other insect-borne diseases occur in many areas, including:
If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care recommends that you:
To protect yourself from illness:
Get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis.
HIV/AIDS is a risk.
Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.
Human cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in Bangladesh.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases happen, including:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical help straight away.
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
More information:
Outbreaks of coetaneous anthrax have occurred in the past and could occur again. Affected people either ate beef or had close contact with diseased animals.
It's safe to eat fully cooked beef and beef products from reliable sources.
To protect yourself from illness:
Avoid temporary black henna tattoos. They often contain a dye that can cause serious skin reactions.
The standard of medical facilities is poor. Medical facilities outside Dhaka are very limited.
Doctors and hospitals usually need up-front payment before they will treat you.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include mandatory jail sentences and the death penalty. Jail sentences are mandatory even in cases that involve just a small amount of illegal drugs.
Law enforcement agencies looking for illegal drugs raid places where teenagers and young people spend time.
Hookah pipes or smoking pipes are common in some bars and cafes. Criminals may spike them with illegal drugs. Avoid using these pipes.
More information:
The death penalty can apply for crimes including:
Authorities use corporal punishment such as whipping as an alternative to jail.
Local authorities can demand to see identification.
Always carry a copy of your passport with you, even if you're a dual national.
Same-sex acts are illegal. Penalties include jail sentences.
More information:
Bangladeshi civil law differs from Australian law. This includes family matters such as:
If you plan to do anything that involves local laws, including business and family matters:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
The Bangladeshi Government may consider you a Bangladeshi citizen if:
This may be the case even if you've never held a Bangladeshi passport or were born overseas.
This limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
It's illegal for Bangladeshi citizens to purchase, carry, possess, transport or consume alcohol without a permit.
These laws apply to dual nationals.
More information:
Dress and behaviour standards are conservative.
Public displays of affection aren't socially acceptable. They may attract unwanted public attention, including from law enforcement officials.
Take care not to offend. If in doubt, ask a local.
The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan is observed in Bangladesh. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.
During Ramadan, Muslims must not eat, drink and smoke between sunrise and sunset. If you're not fasting, authorities can detain you if you eat, drink or smoke in public during this time. They may even deport you. Seek local advice to avoid offence or detention.
Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
You need a visa to enter Bangladesh. Arrange it before you travel. Visa-on-arrival facilities may be available, but the process is time-consuming, lengthy and applicable only to specific categories of incoming passengers. Contact your local Bangladesh embassy or high commission for details.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Tax
If you're working in Bangladesh, each time you leave, you need to present either:
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
Never hand your passport over to strangers. If hotel staff ask to make a copy of it, make sure they return it straight away.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The local currency is the Bangladesh Taka (BDT).
You must declare amounts of more than $US5000 when you enter or exit the country. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
You can use credit cards and ATM facilities in major centres.
Credit card fraud happens. Take care not to expose your PIN. Monitor your bank statements for possible fraud.
You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Bangladesh.
Get an IDP before you leave Australia.
Violent protests and demonstrations occur in Dhaka and other districts. This includes on the main airport road.
These events can cause major traffic delays and disruptions.
Monitor local media. Follow the advice of local authorities.
Driving can be dangerous. Fatalities are common, as are accidents involving pedestrians.
You're more likely to be killed in a car accident in Bangladesh than in Australia.
Dangers include:
Head-on collisions are common.
Risks are higher at night and outside the major cities.
Cars, buses and trucks often drive at high speed either:
Many rickshaws and compressed natural gas (CNG) operated vehicles are unlit at night and are difficult to see in the dark. Australian officials in Bangladesh are not permitted to use rickshaws at night.
Monsoon floods can damage roads and make them impassable.
Traffic accidents, even minor ones, often attract large crowds of onlookers. This can quickly get out of control and turn violent.
Other issues that can increase accident risks and severity include:
If you intend to drive in Bangladesh:
If you're involved in an accident, immediately contact police and follow their instructions.
More information:
Australian officials in Bangladesh are not permitted to use motorbikes.
Check whether your travel insurance policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Australian High Commission staff are instructed not to use taxis or ride-sharing service due to safety concerns.
If you must use taxis, use only registered taxis and limousines. Try to book these through your hotel.
Australian High Commission staff are instructed not to use public transport, with the exception of rickshaws during daylight hours.
Travel by bus may be unsafe due to:
Train travel can be unsafe due to:
More information:
Overloading can occur on river craft, including ferries. Boats may also not have life-saving equipment on board. People die in major accidents.
Piracy occurs in coastal areas.
More information:
Check Bangladesh's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Only passengers are allowed to enter the main airport passenger terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 999.
Call 999 or go to the hospital.
Call 999 or go to your local police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular help, contact the Australian High Commission in Dhaka.
184 Gulshan Avenue
Gulshan 2
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Website: bangladesh.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Bangladesh
Email: Consular.Dhaka@dfat.gov.au
Check the Australian High Commission website and Facebook page for details about opening hours, appointments and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.