atlas•

Before you go to Bangladesh: what to know

Must know

  • Complete the arrival/departure registration required for foreign nationals; check the current electronic process.
  • Visa on arrival is discretionary; arrange a visa in advance where possible.
  • Flooding and cyclones can disrupt travel; Dhaka air quality is especially poor November-March.

Entry and visas

British citizens need a visa unless their passport has an applicable no-visa-required endorsement. A visa on arrival at Dhaka may be available but is discretionary and generally single-entry for 15-30 days. Carry return travel and proof of funds. Other nationalities should check a Bangladeshi mission. Foreign nationals must complete arrival/departure cards; an official e-arrival portal is available.

Online arrival forms and permits

  • Bangladesh E-Arrival Card ↗ optional
    Before arrival; confirm current submission arrangements with your airline · Foreign nationals must complete arrival/departure cards; confirm whether electronic submission is required.

Passport validity: Visa applications: six months from visa issue and two blank pages; confirm with your mission.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Obtain an entry stamp and retain evidence of permitted stay.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, kuwait.mofa.gov.bd ↗, specialbranch.gov.bd ↗, edcard.specialbranch.gov.bd ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • ATMs are available in most urban areas; fewer are available in rural areas.
  • Check international withdrawal fees and card compatibility with your bank.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗, gov.uk ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Illegal drugs; severe penalties can include life imprisonment or death.
  • Same-sex sexual activity.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Alcohol is regulated; a permit may be needed to drink in licensed venues.
  • Carry copies of your passport photo page and visa.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Bangladesh is a majority-Muslim country.

Clothing: Men and women should dress modestly; women should cover shoulders and legs in public.

Etiquette

  • Respect Ramadan observance.
  • Ask local hosts about restaurant opening hours.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Climate

Subtropical monsoon climate: hot, humid pre-monsoon months, rainy June-October and a cooler, drier winter. Flooding and cyclones can interrupt transport.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Cooler, drier winter
  • February: Feb: Winter; warming gradually
  • March: Mar: Hotter pre-monsoon period
  • April: Apr: Hot pre-monsoon conditions
  • May: May: Hot, humid; storm risk
  • June: Jun: Monsoon rain
  • July: Jul: Monsoon rain; flooding risk
  • August: Aug: Monsoon rain; flooding risk
  • September: Sep: Monsoon rain
  • October: Oct: Monsoon-to-dry-season transition
  • November: Nov: Cooler, drier conditions
  • December: Dec: Cooler, drier winter

Best season: Cooler dry months may suit outdoor travel; consider air quality, security and cyclone warnings.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: documents1.worldbank.org ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

What to pack

  • Passport and visa copies
  • Modest lightweight clothing
  • Rain protection for monsoon travel
  • A suitable adapter
  • A well-fitting particulate mask for polluted conditions

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Illegal drugs
  • Unregulated alcohol

Practical

Plugs: Types A, C, D, G and K; 220V, 50Hz. Check the socket at your accommodation.

Water: Water supplies are not potable; use sealed bottled or properly treated water.

Traffic: drives on the left

Health: Dhaka air quality is consistently poor and especially hazardous November-March.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗, travel.state.gov ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.