Bangladesh Visa RequirementsFor United States passport holders
US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Bangladesh for up to 30 days, with a fee of approximately $51. Advance e-visa applications are also available.
United States passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Bangladesh ports of entry.
Visa on arrival is available at Dhaka airport for US citizens. Requirements: passport valid for 6 months, passport-size photo, onward ticket, accommodation details, and $51 in cash (exact amount preferred). An online e-visa (evisa.immigration.gov.bd) can also be applied for in advance, which speeds up the arrival process. Validity is 30 days from date of issue (not entry), so apply close to your departure date.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date with at least 2 blank pages
Passport-size Photos
Two recent color photos (2x2 inches or 35x45mm). Bring extra copies as requirements may vary
Completed Arrival Card
Immigration arrival/departure card provided on flight or at port of entry
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel reservation, booking confirmation, or address where you will be staying
Return or Onward Flight Ticket
Confirmed flight booking showing departure from the country within visa validity
Visa Fee (Cash)
Payment for visa on arrival fee - bring exact amount in USD or local currency
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Cash, credit cards, or bank statements showing adequate funds for your stay
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended coverage for medical emergencies during your trip
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Bangladesh is generally safe for tourists but requires awareness. Dhaka is chaotic with challenging traffic. Political demonstrations can turn violent - avoid gatherings. Petty crime exists in cities. The Chittagong Hill Tracts have had security issues - check advisories. Most visitors have positive experiences with friendly locals.
Money & Costs
Currency
เงณ Bangladeshi Taka (BDT)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $25 ยท Mid: $60 ยท Luxury: $150+
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated. 10% in restaurants. Tips for guides and drivers are expected.
Practical Info
Power
Type A, C, D, G, K, 220V 50Hz
Driving
Left side
Emergency
999 (Emergency)
Getting There
Main Airports
Dhaka (DAC) ยท Chittagong (CGP)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bangladesh is from October to March during the cool, dry season. This is ideal for exploring cities and the Sundarbans. April-May is hot. The monsoon (June-September) brings flooding but also lush green landscapes. Cox's Bazar beach is pleasant year-round.
Cultural Notes
Bangladesh has a rich Bengali culture shared with West Bengal in India. Poetry, literature (Rabindranath Tagore), and music are highly valued. The country is predominantly Muslim but with Hindu and Buddhist minorities. Traditional crafts include jamdani muslin and nakshi kantha embroidery. Cricket and football are popular.
Insider Tips
Bengali is the official language; English is widely understood in cities. The Taka is the currency. Bangladesh is densely populated and chaotic, which can be overwhelming. The people are genuinely hospitable. Dress modestly. Rickshaw rides are part of the experience. The Sundarbans require tour arrangements.
Current Travel Situation
United States to Bangladesh: What You Need to Know
Bangladesh is accessible via Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC), the main international hub. Chittagong (CGP) has limited international connections. Direct flights from the US are not available; common connections are through Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates/flydubai), Abu Dhabi (Etihad), Kuala Lumpur (Biman/AirAsia), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines). The country is densely populated and offers a mix of Bengal Delta landscapes, ancient Mughal architecture, and the world's largest mangrove forest (Sundarbans). Travel advisories recommend heightened caution.
How to Get There
Kolkata (India) is a convenient hub for combined Bangladesh-India itineraries and is accessible by bus or train via the Benapole-Petrapole border crossing. Dhaka to Kolkata buses take about 10-12 hours including border processing. Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai are the main Western connection hubs for flights to Dhaka.
Money & Banking
Bangladesh uses the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). USD and major currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and licensed money changers in Dhaka. ATMs are available in Dhaka and major cities; rural areas are largely cash-only. Bangladesh is one of the most affordable destinations in South Asia: a restaurant meal costs $2-5, accommodation $15-40/night. Credit cards are accepted at upscale hotels and restaurants.
Practical Tips
Dhaka's Mughal-era Lalbagh Fort and Old Dhaka's narrow lanes and river ghats are must-sees. The Sundarbans mangrove forest (shared with India) is home to Bengal tigers and is a UNESCO site best visited on organized boat tours from Khulna. Cox's Bazar has the world's longest natural beach (120 km). The ancient Buddhist ruins of Mahasthangarh and the medieval Mosque City of Bagerhat are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in Bangladesh as a US citizen?
Yes. US citizens can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Dhaka airport. The fee is approximately $51 (cash, preferably exact amount). You need a valid passport, photo, onward ticket, and accommodation details. An advance e-visa is also available online and may speed up arrival processing.
Is Cox's Bazar the world's longest beach?
Yes. Cox's Bazar in southeastern Bangladesh stretches approximately 120 km (75 miles), making it the world's longest natural sandy sea beach. It is accessible by flight from Dhaka (45 minutes) or by bus (10-12 hours).
Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Bangladesh?
The CDC and WHO recommend being up to date on routine vaccines. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Cholera vaccines are advised. Malaria prophylaxis may be recommended for rural areas and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Yellow Fever vaccination is required if arriving from a country with Yellow Fever risk. Consult a travel health clinic before departure.