Pcr Test Requirements For Bangladesh Travel

As of January 2023, all arrivals in Bangladesh, except children under 12, must be fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine or have a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours before departure. However, there are currently no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Bangladesh. The country is experiencing civil unrest, violent clashes, and a high risk of terrorism, so the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to Bangladesh.

Do I need a PCR test to enter Bangladesh?

As of January 2023, all arrivals in Bangladesh, except children under 12, were required to present a negative PCR test, no older than 72 hours before their departure. This requirement applied to all countries. However, it is unclear whether this is still the case as of July 2024.

The UK Foreign Office states that there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Bangladesh. However, other sources suggest that the situation in Bangladesh is volatile, with violent political demonstrations and clashes, and a nationwide curfew in place. It is therefore advisable to check the latest travel advice and entry requirements before travelling to Bangladesh.

Other Entry Requirements

You must have a visa to enter Bangladesh, unless you have a ''no visa required'' stamp in your passport. Dual citizens can obtain a 'no visa required' stamp on their passport. It is advisable to apply for a visa before travelling. While visas on arrival are available, they are time-consuming and there is a risk of being denied entry. Your passport must have at least six months' validity remaining, and at least two blank pages.

Customs officials may ask to see a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay. If you are working in Bangladesh, you will need to obtain an Income Tax Clearance Certificate or an Income Tax Exemption Certificate before you leave the country.

What are the entry requirements for Bangladesh?

The entry requirements for Bangladesh depend on the type of passport and the purpose of travel. Here is a list of requirements to enter Bangladesh:

• Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your expected date of departure from Bangladesh.
• Visa: A visa is required to enter Bangladesh, which can be obtained from the Bangladesh High Commission before travelling. Visa-on-arrival facilities may be available for specific categories of passengers, but it is advisable to obtain a visa beforehand.
• Vaccination: There are currently no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for travellers entering Bangladesh. However, it is recommended to get vaccinated against diseases prevalent in the region.
• Testing: A negative PCR test, no older than 72 hours, is required for all travellers above the age of 12.
• Health Declaration Form: All travellers are required to present a completed Health Declaration Form upon arrival.
• Medical screening: Passengers are subject to medical screening upon arrival.
• Quarantine: Travellers may be subject to quarantine for up to 14 days, depending on their country of origin.
• Business visa: If travelling for business, additional documents may be required, such as a letter of invitation or a hotel booking confirmation. A business visa will also require an Income Tax Clearance Certificate or an Income Tax Exemption Certificate upon departure.
• Dual citizens: Dual citizens can obtain a "No Visa Required" stamp on their passport, but this may limit the ability to receive consular services.
• Yellow Fever: If travelling from a country where yellow fever occurs, proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required.
• Other health requirements: Ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date, and consider getting vaccinated against diseases such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and typhoid.

It is important to note that the entry requirements may change, so it is recommended to check with the local Bangladesh embassy or high commission for the latest updates. Additionally, due to the volatile security situation and widespread civil unrest in Bangladesh, it is advised to reconsider non-essential travel to the country.

Do I need a visa to enter Bangladesh?

Yes, you need a visa to enter Bangladesh. The only exception is if you have a 'no visa required' stamp in your passport. This is available to citizens of Bangladesh who have a foreign passport and dual nationality, as well as non-Bangladeshi citizens who are the legally married spouses or children of citizens of Bangladesh.

If you are a dual citizen, our ability to provide consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

You can obtain a visa from Bangladeshi diplomatic missions worldwide or, if eligible, on arrival in Bangladesh. However, visas on arrival are not guaranteed and are issued at the discretion of the immigration official at the port of entry. They are also more time-consuming and only apply to specific categories of incoming passengers. It is recommended that you obtain a visa before travelling.

To enter Bangladesh, your passport must have at least six months of remaining validity and at least two blank pages.

What is the current travel advice for Bangladesh?

As of July 2024, the travel advice for Bangladesh is to avoid all non-essential travel due to violent political demonstrations and clashes, and nationwide general strikes. The security situation can deteriorate without warning. There is also a serious risk of politically motivated violence, kidnapping, and sporadic ethnic clashes in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region, so travel to this area should be avoided.

• Curfew: A nationwide curfew is in place, with curfew orders subject to change at short notice. Expect roadblocks, increased checkpoints, and possible traffic delays. Follow the instructions of local authorities, including curfew orders.
• Demonstrations and clashes: Violent clashes between protestors and security forces have resulted in many casualties. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place.
• Communication disruptions: There may be disruptions to communication networks and the internet.
• Travel disruptions: Flights and land transportation may be disrupted. The road to Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport remains open, but passengers must present a ticket that acts as a curfew pass and should allow additional time for check-in and security procedures.
• Security risks: The security situation in Bangladesh can deteriorate without warning. Be vigilant and follow the directives of local authorities and security forces.
• Terrorism: There is a threat of terrorism throughout the country, especially in Dhaka. Westerners have been targeted, and further attacks are likely.
• Health risks: The standard of medical facilities is poor, and facilities outside Dhaka are very limited. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation.
• COVID-19 requirements: As of January 2023, all arrivals must be fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine or have a negative PCR test result within 72 hours before departure. However, this information may be out of date, so check the latest advice before travelling.
• Visa requirements: You should obtain a visa before travelling to Bangladesh. While visa-on-arrival facilities may be available, there is a risk of being denied entry.
• Other entry requirements: Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining, and you may need to show a return or onward ticket.

What are the COVID-19 entry requirements for Bangladesh?

As of January 2023, all arrivals in Bangladesh must be fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine or obtain a negative PCR test within 72 hours before departure. The vaccines approved are Oxford-AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, and Sinopharm. Children under 12 are exempt from this requirement.

Additionally, a completed "Health Declaration Form" must be presented upon arrival, and passengers are subject to medical screening.

However, it is important to note that the UK government website states that there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Bangladesh. Therefore, it is advisable to check the latest travel advice from official government sources before planning your trip.

Bangladesh has experienced periods of civil unrest, with violent clashes and protests across the country, including in Dhaka. A curfew has been imposed, and passengers must present their ticket as a curfew pass. It is recommended that you check for the latest updates before travelling and follow the advice of local authorities.

Frequently asked questions