See the Bangladesh Foreign Travel Advice. Before traveling to Bangladesh, ensure your destination offers adequate healthcare, and secure travel insurance, especially if you have health issues or are pregnant. In case of emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance, or a specialized one if it’s a heart attack. It might be quicker to get to the hospital yourself if possible. Notify your insurance company promptly if you require medical assistance.
Bangladesh Foreign Travel Advice
Eight weeks before your trip, check TravelHealthPro for vaccination and health risk information, particularly regarding diseases like dengue fever and malaria. Confirm the legality of bringing medication, and carry prescriptions and medical documents, being ready to explain to authorities if necessary. See the listing for the British High Commission Dhaka on here.
Healthcare facilities in Bangladesh are limited, and tests may not always be reliable. FCDO provides a list of English-speaking doctors in Bangladesh. Additionally, if you need urgent assistance regarding a friend or relative abroad, you can call FCDO in London at 020 7008 5000, available 24/7.
If FCDO advises against traveling to certain areas, it’s super important to pay attention because if you go against their advice, your travel insurance might not cover you. Plus, if you’re in trouble while you’re there, the help you can get from your country’s embassy might be limited. For example, FCDO says it’s best to only travel to places like the Chittagong Hill Tracts if you really have to. These are places like Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban.
Entry into Bangladesh
When it comes to going to Bangladesh, there are some rules you need to follow. The Bangladesh government decides who can enter the country and how. If you’re not sure about these rules, it’s a good idea to contact the Bangladesh High Commission in London.
Your passport needs to be in good shape with enough time left before it expires and some blank pages. Make sure your passport and other documents are up to date before you travel. You’ll need a visa to enter Bangladesh, except if you have a special stamp in your UK passport. If you’re planning to visit other countries from Bangladesh, make sure to get the right visa.
Bangladesh Visa
You might be able to get a visa when you arrive in Bangladesh, but it’s not guaranteed. If you overstay your visa, you could get in trouble. If you’re British and have roots in Bangladesh, there might be different rules for you. It’s best to check with the Bangladesh High Commission in London. If you’re just passing through Bangladesh on your way to another country, you usually don’t need a visa.
Before you go, make sure you’re up to date with your vaccinations. You might need things like a yellow fever shot or a polio vaccination, so check ahead of time. See more on the Bangladesh Foreign Travel Advice below.
Crime
Bangladesh has a history of political violence, especially during national elections like the one on 7 January. There are often rallies and protests that can get violent fast. These clashes might involve the police and lead to damage and injuries. It’s best to stay away from big crowds and political buildings. If you see a protest starting, find a safe place to go. Keep up with the news on local TV like Bangladesh TV (BTV) or through email updates.
Crime is a concern too. There are gangs in places like Dhaka, and they often target people for robbery or violence, especially at night. Be careful if you’re traveling alone, especially in taxis or rickshaws. Keep your belongings safe and avoid showing off expensive stuff like jewelry or big amounts of cash. Lastly also see the British Immigration 2013 on here as well.
Theft
At airports, watch out for theft and scams from taxi drivers. It’s smart to arrange transportation beforehand and keep your documents and valuables secure. Kidnappings happen, mostly involving locals, but it’s good to stay cautious. The UK government doesn’t negotiate with kidnappers, so it’s essential to be careful. Local customs in Bangladesh, being mainly Islamic, might be different from what you’re used to. Carry copies of your ID, dress modestly, and be respectful, especially during Ramadan. Ramadan might affect things like shop hours and dress codes. See more on the Bangladesh Foreign Travel Advice below
If you’re a dual British-Bangladeshi citizen, Bangladesh may consider you a Bangladeshi citizen, which could limit the UK’s help you can get. Check with the Bangladesh High Commission in London for more info. Alcohol laws are strict, and you might need a permit to drink. Drugs are a big no-no, with harsh penalties, including the death penalty in some cases.
If you get in trouble with the law, the legal system might not be as quick or fair as you’re used to. The British High Commission can help but be aware that prison conditions may not meet UK standards. Family matters, like custody disputes, can be tricky due to differences in laws. The British High Commission can’t help with property problems. Lastly, same-sex relations are illegal in Bangladesh, so LGBTQ+ travelers should be extra cautious. Likewise see also the British High Commission in India as well.
Healthcare
Before you go on your trip, it’s super important to make sure:
– The place you’re going to has the healthcare you might need.
– You’ve got travel insurance that covers medical stuff and you’ve got money set aside just in case you need treatment or help getting back home, especially if you’re pregnant or have any health issues.
If you have a medical emergency, you can dial 999 for an ambulance. If it’s a heart attack, ask for a special ambulance for that. Sometimes, it might be quicker to get yourself to the nearest hospital if you can.And if you need medical help, make sure to tell your insurance company right away. See more on the Bangladesh Foreign Travel Advice below. Likewise see also the India Foreign Travel Advice.
Vaccinations
– Check out TravelHealthPro’s guide about 8 weeks before you go.
– See if you need any shots and where you can get them. Sometimes you might have to pay.
– Watch out for things like dengue fever, which comes from mosquitoes and is more common during rainy season, and other diseases like malaria and Zika virus.
– Air pollution can be bad too, especially between November and March.
If you take any medicine, make sure it’s okay to bring it with you, as rules can be different in other countries. Carry your prescriptions with you and be ready to answer questions, especially if you’re stopped by police. Healthcare in Bangladesh isn’t the best, so be prepared. Routine tests and X-rays might not be reliable. And if you need to see a doctor who speaks English, FCDO has a list of them in Bangladesh. See also the article on the British National Overseas Visa.
Emergency services in Bangladesh Telephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police).
If something’s happened to a friend or family member while they’re abroad, and you need urgent help, you can give a ring to FCDO in London.
Just dial: 020 7008 5000. They’re available 24/7 to assist you.
