April 12, 2004
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Bangladesh has a developing economy. Tourist facilities outside major
cities and tourist areas are minimal. The capital city is Dhaka.
ENTRY/EXIT
REQUIREMENTS: A passport, visa and onward/return ticket are required.
All travelers to Bangladesh, including American citizens, must have a valid visa
in their passport prior to arrival. Note that airport visas (landing permits)
are no longer available upon arrival by air. Some Americans seeking visas from
the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C. or from Bangladesh Embassies or
Consulates in other countries have reported that they are erroneously advised to
enter Bangladesh on a landing permit. There are two recent exit requirements. As
of March 13, 2003, the government of Bangladesh has levied a departure tax on
foreign national adults and children age two and older. The amount of the
departure tax varies for travel to different regions. There is no tax for
transit passengers traveling through Bangladesh without a visa and in country
for 72 hours or less. These requirements may be subject to change, and travelers
are advised to check with the Embassy of Bangladesh before traveling. Also, as
of April 15, 2002, departing foreign nationals are required to comply with the
income tax ordinance of 1984 and submit an income tax clearance
certificate/income tax exemption certificate to local airline offices upon
departure from Bangladesh. For further information on entry requirements and
possible exceptions to the exit requirements, please contact the Embassy of the People's Republic of
Bangladesh, 3510 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008,
telephone 202-244-0183, fax 202-244-5366, website http://www.bangladoot.org , or the
Bangladesh Consulates in New York, 211 E. 43rd Street, Suite 502, New York, NY
10017, telephone 212-599-6767, or Los Angeles, 10850 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite
1250, Los Angeles, CA 90024, telephone 310-441-9399.
SAFETY AND SECURITY:
There may be an increasing threat to U.S. interests from extremists in
Bangladesh. In response to this potential threat, the U.S. Embassy in early 2004
took a number of measures to ensure the security of its staff.
In general, demonstrations
occur on Friday afternoons but may take place at any time and any place.
However, most demonstrations occur in downtown Dhaka, some five miles south of
the U.S. Embassy. Some of these demonstrations have been violent and, in some
instances, property belonging to U.S.-affiliated businesses has been damaged or
destroyed. During this period of heightened tension in the Middle East,
Americans are urged to avoid, if possible, travel to the downtown Dhaka area,
especially on Fridays.
In Bangladesh, attending
large gatherings or public events, as well as demonstrations, may pose a very
real safety risk for Americans. In December 2002, bombs exploded at four packed
movie theaters in the town of Mymensingh, located approximately 70 mi/112 km
north of Dhaka, killing or injuring many people. A similar coordinated attack
occurred in September 2002, when bombs exploded in a movie theater and at a
circus in the town of Satkira, located approximately 112 mi/180 km southwest of
Dhaka. There have been no American citizens among the victims of these bombings.
The Mymensingh bombings reinforce continued Embassy warnings about the
possibility of violence in public places where large crowds gather. While the
coordinated nature of these bombings raises further security concerns in
Bangladesh, the State Department has no information to indicate that these
bombings are related to terrorist attacks against Americans elsewhere in the
world.
Domestic, politically
inspired violence has not abated since the 2001 election campaign. This type of
violence is a particular problem on university campuses. While Americans in
Bangladesh have not been the targets of this violence, they should factor it in
when planning their movements. Public demonstrations, marches and labor strikes
are widely used as a means of political expression in Bangladesh. A number of
general strikes, or "hartals," have been called by the political opposition over
the past several years, resulting in the virtual shutdown of transportation and
commerce, and sometimes attacks on individuals who do not observe the hartals.
Clashes between rival political groups during hartals have resulted in deaths
and injuries. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid all political
protests, demonstrations, and marches. During hartals, American citizens should
exercise caution in all areas and remain inside their hotels, residences,
schools, or workplaces whenever possible.
Due to several kidnappings,
including those of foreign nationals, U.S. citizens are advised against
travelling to the Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts
(collectively known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts) unless the travel is
absolutely essential. Individuals who choose to visit these districts are urged
to exercise extreme caution. Visitors to Bangladesh should check with the
consular section at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka for updated information on planned
political activities.
For the latest security
information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the
Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public
Announcements can be found.
The Overseas Citizens
Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety
and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who
are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may
obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.
CRIME:
Crime is a growing problem, particularly in the major cities of Dhaka
and Chittagong. Weapons are increasingly used in criminal incidents.
Pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, and other forms of street crime occur often,
especially in areas frequented by foreigners. Visitors should avoid walking
alone after dark, carrying large sums of money, or wearing expensive jewelry.
Valuables should be stored in hotel safety deposit boxes and should not be left
unattended in hotel rooms.
The loss or theft abroad of
a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the U.S.
Embassy in Dhaka. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition
to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist
you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends, and
explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and
prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities,
consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process
and to find an attorney if needed.
U.S. citizens may refer to
the Department of State's pamphlets A Safe Trip Abroad
and Tips for Travelers to South
Asia for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlets are
available by mail from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the
Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov or
via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov .
MEDICAL FACILITIES:
Medical facilities in Bangladesh do not approach U.S. standards, even
in tourist areas. Medical evacuations to Bangkok or Singapore are often needed
for serious conditions.
MEDICAL INSURANCE:
The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their
medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their
policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a
medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs
incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased.
Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical
services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private
companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred
overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision
regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors
and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a
medical evacuation to the United States may cost well in excess of $50,000.
Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme
difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, please
ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if
you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance
policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of
remains in the event of death.
Useful information on
medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided
in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans
Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home
page.
OTHER HEALTH
INFORMATION: Information on
vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water
precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at
telephone 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299),
or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases
abroad, consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en . Further health information for travelers is
available at http://www.who.int/ith .
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND
ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may
encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning Bangladesh is provided for general
reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or
circumstance.
Safety of Public
Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Rural Road
Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor
The Bangladesh road network
is in poor condition and poorly maintained. The streets of Dhaka are extremely
congested, with hundreds of thousands of bicycle rickshaws competing with baby
taxis, auto tempos, cars, overloaded buses, and trucks for limited road space.
Inter-city roads are narrow. Driving at night is especially dangerous.
Streetlights are rare even in cities. Road accidents are common in Bangladesh.
Numerous American residents in Bangladesh report having had at least one traffic
accident. Fatal head-on collisions on inter-city roads are common. When vehicle
accidents occur, a crowd quickly gathers and judges the more affluent party to
be at fault. Travelers are strongly urged not to use rickshaws or three-wheeled
baby taxis due to their high accident rate, as well as the increased possibility
of purse snatchings or muggings. Rental cars with drivers and regular taxis are
the preferred means of transportation.
For additional information
about road safety, click here or
contact the Bangladesh Parjan Corporation,
National Tourism Organization, 233 Airport Road, Tejgaon, Dhaka-1214,
telephone (880-2) 811-9192 or 811-8559, fax (880-2) 811-7235, internet web site
http://www.parjatan.org , e-mail address:
bpcho@bangla.net .
WATER
TRANSPORTATION: Bangladesh is a riverine country with a wide network of
waterways used for public transportation. Ferries and other boats compete with
the railroads as a major means of public transport. Typically overloaded and
top-heavy, ferries are subject to capsizing, particularly during the monsoon
season from May to October when encountering thunderstorms or wind gusts that
arise unpredictably. Every year there are many fatalities, including Americans,
resulting from ferry accidents.
AVIATION SAFETY
OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed
the Government of Bangladesh's civil aviation authority as category 2 -- not in
compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of
Bangladesh's air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the
deficiencies are ongoing, the Bangladesh air carriers currently flying to the
United States will be subject to heightened FAA surveillance. No additional
flights or new service to the United States by Bangladesh's air carriers will be
permitted unless they arrange to have the flights conducted by an air carrier
from a country meeting international safety standards. Because of safety
concerns about the operation of Biman Airlines, the Department of State
authorizes its personnel to use alternative carriers or means of transportation
whenever practical for trips to/from Bangladesh. Americans who are required to
travel by air within Bangladesh may wish to consider using an alternative
airline, if available, or consider alternate means of transportation. For
further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation
within the United States at telephone 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet web site at http://www.intl.faa.gov .
The U.S. Department of
Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign carriers for suitability as
official providers of air services. In addition, the DOD does not permit its
personnel to use air carriers from category 2 countries for official business
except for flights originating from or terminating in the United States. Local
exceptions may apply. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific
carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at telephone 618-229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS:
Bangladesh customs authorities may enforce strict regulations
concerning temporary importation into or export from Bangladesh of items such as
currency, household appliances, alcohol, cigarettes and weapons. It is advisable
to contact the Bangladesh Embassy or Consulates for specific information
regarding customs requirements.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES:
While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's
laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the
United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual
under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the
United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Bangladesh's laws, even
unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession,
use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bangladesh are strict. The death penalty
or life imprisonment can be imposed for some drug-related crimes, and convicted
offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
The judicial system is slow,
trial proceedings are subject to frequent delays, and the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka
hears complaints of corruption. Jail conditions are far below U.S. standards.
CONSULAR ACCESS:
U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a photocopy of their U.S.
passport with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials,
proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. In accordance with
the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations to which Bangladesh is a signatory,
a U.S. citizen under detention in Bangladesh has a right to request that the
U.S. Embassy in Dhaka be notified regarding his or her situation and gain
access. Bangladeshi authorities have repeatedly failed to notify U.S. consular
officials of the arrest of American citizens.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES:
For information on international
adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please
refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html
or telephone the Overseas Citizens Services' call center at 1-888-407-4747. The
OCS call center can answer general inquiries regarding international adoptions
and abductions and will forward calls to the appropriate country officer in the
Bureau of Consular Affairs. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from
overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling
1-317-472-2328.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY
LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Bangladesh are encouraged to
register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka where they may
also obtain updated information on travel and security within Bangladesh. The
U.S. Embassy is located some four miles south of Zia International Airport, and
five miles north of downtown in the Diplomatic Enclave, Madani Avenue,
Baridhara, Dhaka, telephone (880-2) 885-5500, fax number (880-2) 882-3744. The
work week is Sunday - Thursday. The Consular Section is open for American
citizens services Sunday through Thursday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. For emergency
services during business hours, please call (880-2) 882-3805. For emergency
services after hours, please call (880-2) 885-5500 and ask for the duty officer.
The Embassy's Internet home page is http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/ .
* * *
This replaces the Consular
Information Sheet for Bangladesh dated April 21, 2003, to update information on
Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety and Security, Traffic Safety and Road
Conditions, Water Transportation and Registration/Embassy Location.
Return to Consular Information Sheets
and Travel Warnings Page