Bangladesh — Visas and Healthcare
Passports and Visas
Most nationalities require a visa which is valid for 90 days travel six months from issue date. Passports must be valid within three months of departure date. Although some visas are available on arrival these are limited and inconsistently 'given out'. Visa fees depend on embassy and nationality. Israelis are denied entry. A return or onward ticket is required and departure tax depends on onward destination.
Americans
United States passport holders require a valid passport as well as a visa.
UK Nationals
British passport holders require a valid passport as well as visa.
Canadians
Canadian passport holders require a valid passport as well as a visa.
Australians
Australian passport holders require a valid passport as well as a visa.
South Africans
South African passport holders require a valid passport as well as a visa.
Irish Nationals
Irish passport holders require a valid passport as well as a visa.
New Zealanders
New Zealand passport holders require a valid passport as well as a visa.
Healthcare
Medical facilities aren't close to the quality of most western hospitals and travelers with serious conditions should seek help outside of the country. Before travelers arrive they should consult a physician four to six weeks in advance to receive necessary immunizations and begin taking anti-malaria and typhoid medication. Malaria medication is needed for all areas outside of Dhaka. Make sure all ordinary immunizations are current. Hepatitis A and B immunizations are recommended as well as rabies and Japanese encephalitis for travelers to rural communities and the outdoors. Tuberculosis is also on the rise in Bangladesh. Travelers' diarrhoea is the most common affliction. Make sure to drink bottled water and keep sceptical of undercooked foods. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers older than one year of age arriving from a yellow-fever infected area.
Safety
The security situation in Bangladesh is fluid and travelers should contact their local embassy for advice closer to the time of travel. All protests should be avoided in case they turn violent. Chittagong Hill Tracks should be avoided by all tourists as they have had recent political unrest and violence. Armed robbery and theft is a problem especially in poor urban areas. Pickpocketing and purse snatching are common and directed at foreign travelers. Travelers should avoid walking or taking public transport at night because of crime. However city transport can be dangerous due to road and traffic conditions at all times. Ferries also result in fatalities each year. Monsoon season cyclones and flooding are a threat especially on coastal regions and near rivers.
