CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Bangladesh

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 2 has ben updated (possibility of protests on November 19).

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

See our Global Issues page for information on Avian Influenza.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Bangladesh

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

The general elections held on December 29, 2008 were calm and relatively free of violence. Parliamentary election results have been finalised and the current political situation is relatively stable. Demonstrations have occurred, but these have been isolated. As a result, the country is no longer under a State of Emergency.

On 19 November, the High Court will render its verdict on a high profile case, which will likely generate protests. Additional security forces will be mobilised accordingly in Dhaka. Canadians should avoid protests and political rallies as they could turn violent without warning. They should be particularly vigilant around the Parliament building, the Secretariat Area, the National Mosque, Dhaka University, the Purana Paltan area and the Naya Paltan area. Travellers should follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.

Canadians are advised that annual monsoon rains have caused several rivers to burst their banks, which has resulted in flash flooding and mudslides causing extensive damage. Canadians residing in or travelling to lowland areas and affected areas should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the advice of local authorities. Travellers should be aware that power and telecommunications systems could be affected. Canadians are advised to maintain a flexible schedule to allow for unexpected interruptions when travelling to the affected areas.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts region, where there is a high risk of politically motivated violence and kidnappings. Bangladeshi authorities must be notified seven days before any travel to this region. Canadians should exercise extreme caution, maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, monitor local developments, and avoid crowds and demonstrations.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Violent crime such as armed robbery occurs in Dhaka and Chittagong. Security threats against foreigners have occurred in various areas, including Chittagong, Sylhet, Feni and Khulna. Exercise caution when travelling outside urban areas. Do not show signs of affluence and do not wear jewellery in public. Exercise safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times. Tourist facilities are minimal.

Attacks using explosive devices have occurred throughout the country, including the cities of  Dhaka, Sylhet, Khulna, and Chittagong. Attacks have taken place in crowded public places, hotels, movie theatres, railway stations and at political rallies. These attacks do not specifically target tourists or foreigners, but the danger of being in the wrong place at the wrong time is always present. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times while in Bangladesh, particularly on Fridays after the afternoon prayers.

Politically motivated violence can occur at any time. Demonstrations and hartals (enforced general strikes) are frequent. They are called with little advance notice and can turn violent. Explosive devices and firearms have been used during confrontations. Hartals effectively shut down all business and disrupt transportation, including  diplomatic/expatriate areas. Passengers at Zia International Airport may be stranded without transportation. During hartals, travel within Dhaka outside the Gulshan, Baridhara, and Banani areas and all travel outside Dhaka should be avoided due to the high incidence of violence. You should inquire about scheduled hartals by contacting the High Commission of Canada in Dhaka. Canadians should monitor local developments, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and follow the advice of local authorities.
 
Pick pocketing, purse snatching, and mugging are common and have increased recently, especially in areas frequented by tourists and expatriates and when travelling by rickshaw or baby taxi (motorized pedicabs). Unaccompanied women face the highest risk.  Physical and verbal harassment of women can be a problem.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada publishes a booklet, Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller, specifically targeted at female travellers. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely. 

Do not walk alone after dark. Victims of crime should contact the High Commission of Canada in Dhaka for assistance before filing a police report. Women should not go to police stations alone.

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Bangladesh. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the High Commission for the People's Republic of Bangladesh and its consulates, for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Bangladesh. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa and an onward or return ticket.

Visas are no longer granted upon arrival. Visas must be obtained from a Bangladeshi diplomatic office prior to travel. Non-compliance may result in passports and airline tickets being confiscated and immediate deportation.

An International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required if arriving from infected area.

An airport departure tax is normally included in the price of the plane ticket. Please check with your air carrier. There is no fee for children under five years of age.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Foreigners who have been in Bangladesh for more than a 90-day period or for more than 90 days in a calendar year are required to produce an income tax certificate/exemption available from the National Board of Revenue (www.nbr-bd.org/). Details are also available from the High Commission of Canada in Dhaka. Failure to produce this certificate can delay departure from Bangladesh.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Bangladesh - DHAKA, High Commission of Canada
Address: United Nations Road, Baridhara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Postal Address: P.O. Box 569, Dhaka, Bangladesh,
Tel.: 880 (2) 988-7091 through 988-7097
Fax: 880 (2) 882-3043
E-Mail: dhaka@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.bangladesh.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Dhaka and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Global Issues page on Avian Influenza.

There have been confirmed cases of Avian Influenza H5N1 found in poultry in Bangladesh. Travellers should avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live-food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals. For more information, visit the website of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

The authorities in Bangladesh have implemented screening measures at airports and other ports of entry in response to the H1N1 Flu Virus outbreak.

Water-borne diseases and respiratory infections increase during monsoon season (June to October), particularly in the flood zone. During the flooding season a third of the territory is seriously affected every year.

You are strongly encouraged to boil your water before drinking.

Medical facilities are poor. Medical evacuations to Bangkok or Singapore are often required for serious conditions. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health services.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

There are reports of female Canadian citizens being forced into marriage without their prior knowledge or consent. Parents, relatives and the community may use relentless pressure and emotional blackmail, threatening behaviour, abduction, imprisonment and physical violence to coerce young people to enter into marriage. While both men and women experience forced marriages, it is a form of violence most commonly perpetrated against women. They have been unable to return to Canada, and their passports and money have been retained by family members. Canada opposes the practice of forced marriage and urges all countries and regions to respect their international human rights obligations relating to free and full consent to marriage. Forced marriage constitutes a human rights violation under several legal instruments, including international human rights law, to which Canada is a signatory. If you are in Canada and you believe that you are being forced to travel overseas or to marry, you should contact provincial social welfare authorities and your local police. You may also contact the Emergency Operations Centre (tel.: 1-800-267-6788) or the nearest Canadian government office (see Section 5 above).

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in local customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively (e.g., women should wear a headscarf and also cover their arms and legs). Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties.

The work week is from Sunday to Thursday.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can face life imprisonment or a death sentence.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Traffic drives on the left. Road conditions are poor. Road travel is dangerous and should be avoided after dark since many vehicles operate with headlights or with full high beams. Traffic in urban areas is extremely congested and chaotic. Road accidents causing injuries or death are common.

Ferries and long-distance buses on major roads between towns have been targeted by gangs of thieves. Exercise caution when using these means of transportation. Ferry disasters have accentuated the poor conditions and overcrowding of this mode of transportation.

Rail travel is slow and derailments occur. Ensure your compartment is locked when travelling at night.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

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The currency is the taka. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks and at the airport in Dhaka. U.S. dollar traveller's cheques are recommended.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Bangladesh is currently experiencing a moderate to severe heat wave. This has resulted in persistent power and water shortages throughout the country.

Load shedding is now a common daily occurrence with most parts of the country, including the capital Dhaka, having no electricity for many hours. Water is also not supplied on a consistent basis and several areas of the country are going days without any water.

Bangladesh is located in an active seismic zone. The most recent significant earthquake occurred in November 2007 and measured 6.0 on the Richter scale. It is not unusual for Bangladeshi authorities to issue tsunami warnings immediately following a significant earthquake.

The monsoon season extends from June to October. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

See our Global Issues page for information on typhoons and monsoons.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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