Chittagong Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Bangladesh requires most foreign nationals to obtain a visa before entering Chittagong. The country offers several visa options including e-Visa, visa-on-arrival for eligible nationalities, and traditional embassy-issued visas. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended duration of stay.
Very limited visa-free access to Bangladesh
Bangladesh has reciprocal visa-free agreements with very few countries. Most travelers will require either an e-Visa, visa-on-arrival, or embassy visa. SAARC nationals may have simplified procedures.
Available for citizens of select countries arriving at designated ports of entry including Shah Amanat International Airport
Cost: Approximately USD 50-51 for tourist visa (subject to change)
Visa-on-arrival is primarily for tourism and short business visits. Bring exact cash payment in USD. During peak times, queues can be lengthy. E-Visa application before travel is recommended to avoid delays.
Online visa application system available for most nationalities
Cost: USD 51-168 depending on visa type and duration (tourist, business, conference, etc.)
E-Visa is the recommended option as it significantly reduces airport processing time. Ensure all uploaded documents meet specified requirements. Single entry, double entry, and multiple entry options available depending on purpose.
Traditional visa obtained from Bangladesh diplomatic missions abroad
Required for nationalities not eligible for e-Visa or visa-on-arrival, and for those seeking long-term visas (employment, student, journalist, NGO work). Some nationalities require security clearance, which can take several weeks. Check with your nearest Bangladesh mission for specific requirements.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong or through the seaport, travelers will proceed through immigration control, baggage claim, and customs inspection. The process is generally straightforward but can take 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on flight arrivals and visa type.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Bangladesh customs regulations apply to all travelers entering through Chittagong. Travelers must declare items exceeding duty-free allowances and comply with prohibitions on certain goods. Customs officers may inspect luggage, and false declarations can result in fines, confiscation, or legal action.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and illegal drugs - strictly prohibited with severe penalties including lengthy imprisonment
- Pornographic materials including magazines, videos, and digital content - subject to confiscation and legal action
- Items depicting nudity or considered obscene under Bangladesh law
- Counterfeit currency or goods
- Weapons and ammunition without proper authorization from Bangladesh authorities
- Explosives and fireworks
- Items from Israel or with Hebrew writing - Bangladesh does not recognize Israel
- Satellite phones without prior permission from Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC)
- Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles without special authorization
- Gold and silver bullion exceeding personal jewelry limits without declaration and duty payment
- Beef products (cow is considered sacred by significant Hindu minority; import restricted)
- Pork and pork products (prohibited under Islamic law)
- Endangered species products including ivory, certain animal skins, and protected wildlife items
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - bring only reasonable quantities for personal use with doctor's prescription and in original packaging. Psychotropic substances require special authorization
- Professional camera and video equipment - may require temporary import permit or customs bond for re-export
- Radio transmitters and communication equipment - require approval from BTRC
- Antiquities and archaeological artifacts - export/import requires Department of Archaeology approval
- Religious texts in large quantities - may be inspected; commercial quantities require permission
- Plant materials, seeds, and agricultural products - require phytosanitary certificates and quarantine clearance
- Live animals and birds - require health certificates, import permits from Department of Livestock Services
- Precious metals and stones above personal jewelry limits - must be declared and may require duty payment
- Currency exceeding USD 5,000 equivalent - must be declared on arrival
- Publications and printed materials - subject to review for prohibited content
Health Requirements
Bangladesh has specific health requirements for entry, primarily focused on preventing the spread of infectious diseases. While most travelers don't require vaccinations, those arriving from certain countries must show proof of vaccination against specific diseases.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - mandatory for travelers aged 1 year and above arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Valid certificate required showing vaccination at least 10 days before arrival. Countries include most of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America.
- Polio - travelers from polio-endemic countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan, and others as designated by WHO) may be required to show proof of polio vaccination and may receive oral polio vaccine at port of entry
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers due to potential food and water contamination
- Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with local population or require medical treatment
- Typhoid - recommended due to contaminated food and water risks
- Tetanus-Diphtheria - ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) - ensure vaccination is current, especially for those born after 1957
- Rabies - recommended for travelers with extensive outdoor activities, working with animals, or visiting rural areas
- Japanese Encephalitis - may be recommended for long-term travelers or those visiting rural areas, especially during transmission season
- COVID-19 - vaccination recommended; check current entry requirements as policies may change
Health Insurance
While not mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Chittagong are limited compared to Dhaka, and serious conditions may require evacuation. Ensure your policy covers Bangladesh and includes emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation. Some visa types may require proof of health insurance as part of the application process.
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport regardless of age. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s) authorizing travel, including contact details and trip details. This may be requested by immigration. Children traveling alone or with one parent may face additional questioning. Adoption papers or custody documents should be carried if applicable. Children are subject to the same visa requirements as adults. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship to accompanying adults. Parents should carry multiple copies of all children's documents.
Pets require an import permit from the Department of Livestock Services, Bangladesh, obtained before travel. Valid health certificate from a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin (issued within 7 days of travel) is mandatory. Rabies vaccination certificate required (minimum 30 days before travel, maximum 12 months). Certificate of good health and freedom from infectious diseases needed. Microchip identification recommended. Some breeds may be restricted. Contact the Department of Livestock Services well in advance (minimum 30 days) to obtain import permit. Airlines have specific requirements for pet carriers and documentation. Quarantine may be required upon arrival. Dogs and cats are the most commonly imported pets; exotic animals require special permissions and may be prohibited.
Tourist visas typically allow 30-90 days. For longer stays, apply for visa extension at the Department of Immigration and Passports in Dhaka before your current visa expires. Extension applications require valid reasons (employment, study, family, etc.), supporting documents, passport photos, application form, and fees. Processing takes 7-15 working days. For employment, obtain work permit and employment visa through sponsoring organization before arrival. Student visas require admission letter from recognized educational institution. Business visas can be extended for legitimate business activities with company sponsorship. Overstaying results in fines (approximately BDT 500 per day) and potential ban from future entry. For stays over 6 months, foreigners must register with local police station. Long-term residents may need to obtain Residential Permit. NGO workers require special NGO visa obtained through NGO Affairs Bureau.
Business visa required for those conducting business activities, attending conferences, or meetings. Invitation letter from Bangladesh-based company or organization required for visa application. Business visa can be single, double, or multiple entry with validity from 3 months to 1 year. Must not engage in paid employment on business visa. Carry business cards, company letter, and conference registration if applicable. Some business travelers may need to register with relevant government departments depending on their activities. For setting up business or long-term assignments, different visa categories and work permits apply.
Special journalist visa required, which must be obtained before arrival through Bangladesh mission abroad. Application requires letter from media organization, assignment details, and itinerary. Press Information Department (PID) approval needed for journalistic activities. Filming permits required for professional camera crews. Journalists should not enter on tourist visas as this can lead to serious legal consequences. Contact Bangladesh missions well in advance as processing can take several weeks. Accreditation from PID may be required for coverage of official events.
NGO workers require special NGO visa obtained through sponsoring organization registered with NGO Affairs Bureau. Organization must submit application on behalf of volunteer. Process can take 2-3 months, so apply well in advance. Tourist visa holders cannot engage in volunteer work or NGO activities. Proper NGO visa ensures legal status for duration of assignment. Penalties for working on wrong visa category include deportation and ban from re-entry.
Bangladesh recognizes dual citizenship for its nationals. Dual citizens of Bangladesh should enter and exit using their Bangladesh passport. Those with Bangladeshi heritage may be eligible for dual nationality certificate. Contact Bangladesh High Commission for guidance on dual citizenship requirements. Dual citizens may face different entry procedures and should clarify their status before travel.
Passengers transiting through Chittagong without leaving the airport generally do not require a visa if staying airside. If leaving the airport during transit, appropriate visa required. Transit time should be reasonable (typically under 24 hours for visa-free transit). Confirm transit visa requirements with airline and Bangladesh mission as policies can vary. Ensure onward tickets and valid visas for final destination are available for inspection.