Summary

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to Bangladesh. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Travellers should note that the Irish Government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

Medical facilities are extremely poor.  The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to Bangladesh. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Irish citizens require a visa to travel to Bangladesh. For entry requirements for Bangladesh, please contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Bangladesh.  It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

Travellers should note that the Irish Government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

We advise against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (this does not include Chittagong City). 

Safety and Security

There is a risk of political volatility and civil unrest in Bangladesh.  The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called a series of hartals (public work stoppages and protests) demonstrations following the disappearance and apparent abduction of a BNP politician in Dhaka on 18 April. Several of these have resulted in serious street disorder and the loss of life.

Irish citizens should also be aware that there is a continuing threat from terrorism in Bangladesh. Political demonstrations are common in Bangladesh and can be disruptive and sometimes violent.  Irish citizens are advised to avoid such demonstrations and to exercise caution and vigilance at all times against the threat of terrorism and political violence. Local English language news broadcasts include ATN Bangla – 09:00 and 18:00, Bangla Vision – 18:00 and BTV – 10:00, 16:00 and 22:00. You may wish to monitor these.

We advise against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (this does not include Chittagong City).  If you must visit the area, you should only stay in the main towns of Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban and only travel on the main roads. There is a risk of being caught up in clashes between rival groups engaged in conflict there.

Road safety
Road safety is very poor.  Traffic is heavy and chaotic in urban areas.  Frequent and often lethal crashes are caused by speeding, very dangerous and aggressive overtaking, sudden manoeuvres without indication, vehicles travelling in the wrong lanes or against the flow of traffic and by vehicles entering junctions and main roads without warning. 

Drivers of larger vehicles expect to be given right of way. Roundabouts and junctions are a free-for-all. Pedestrians and rickshaws cross the road without looking.

Many vehicles are unlit at night, or travel on full-beam headlights. Poor road and vehicle maintenance compound these hazards. 

Travel between towns after dark, by train, bus or ferry, is particularly risky because of banditry.

Health
Medical facilities are extremely poor.  Routine tests and X-rays are unreliable.  You must have suitable medical insurance and be prepared to travel outside Bangladesh for treatment.

There is malaria and dengue fever in Bangladesh.  Malaria is usually restricted to specific rural areas, especially the Chittagong Hill Tracts.  Dengue fever is common in towns, including Dhaka.   Some over-the-counter prophylactics offer no protection.  Avoid mosquito bites by covering up and using mosquito repellents.

Visitors should also be conscious of health precautions and should consult a tropical medicine adviser before travel to or in Bangladesh.

Local Laws and Customs

There are severe penalties for possession and trafficking of illegal drugs.  Some drugs-related offences are punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws and regulations.  Common sense and discretion should be used in dress and behaviour. You are advised to respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.  During Ramadan, you should refrain from drinking, eating and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

Women should cover their shoulders and wear long skirts or trousers.  All visitors should dress modestly to avoid giving offence. 

Same sex relations are illegal.

Natural Disasters and Climate

Please be aware that Bangladesh is prone to natural disasters and adverse climate conditions, including cyclones and flooding. 

There is widespread flooding during the Monsoon between June and September, which disrupts travel, especially in rural areas.  You are advised to check that routes are passable before setting out on long journeys.

Please be aware that Bangladesh is located in a high-risk earthquake zone.

Additional Country Info

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS