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  Home  >  International Travel  >  Travel Warnings >  Consular Information Sheets 
Bangladesh
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. 

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