Advisory: Bangladesh
Issued by US Department of State

Reissued after periodic review with updates to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and a short-term event.

Exercise increased caution in Bangladesh due to crime, terrorism and the upcoming general election. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.  

Reconsider travel to:

• Chittagong Hill Tracts Region due to occasional communal violence, crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and other security risks.

Country Summary: Travelers should be aware of petty crimes such as pickpocketing in crowded areas. Crimes such as muggings, burglaries, assaults, and illegal drug trafficking constitute the majority of criminal activity in Bangladesh’s major cities, but there are no indications foreigners are being targeted because of their nationality. These crimes tend to be situational, based on time and location.

Terrorist attacks can happen with little or no warning, with terrorists targeting public areas such as tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, restaurants, places of worship, school campuses, and government facilities.

The next general election is anticipated to occur before January 2024, and political party rallies and other election-related activities have already commenced. Political rallies and demonstrations may be held with increasing frequency or intensity as the general election draws nearer. Travelers to Bangladesh should practice vigilance and remember that demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.  

Because of security concerns U.S. government employees in Bangladesh are subject to some movement and travel restrictions. The U.S. government may have limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Bangladesh due to these travel restrictions, a lack of infrastructure, and limited host government emergency response resources.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Bangladesh.

If you decide to travel to Bangladesh:

• Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Get to a safe area and report any criminal incident to local authorities.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and so it is easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the State Department on Facebook or Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Bangladesh.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Please review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Chittagong Hill Tracts Region - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel to the Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts (collectively known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts) due to occasional communal violence, crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and other security risks. Kidnappings have occurred in the region, including those motivated by domestic or familial disputes, and those targeting religious minorities. Separatist organizations and political violence also pose additional threats to visitors to the region, and there have been recent instances of IED explosions and active shooting. Prior approval from the Government of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs Office of Public Safety is required if you plan to travel to these areas.

Please visit our website for information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.