Bangladesh Travel Tips and Safety Guide 2025: Your Comprehensive Resource
Planning a trip to Bangladesh? Whether you're drawn to the vibrant culture of Dhaka, the serene beaches of Cox's Bazar, or the historical significance of Sylhet, understanding the current travel landscape is essential. At Homejourney, we believe that informed travel decisions—like informed property decisions—require verified information, transparency, and a commitment to your safety. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about traveling to Bangladesh in 2025, from navigating security considerations to practical tips for getting around.
Bangladesh is a destination of remarkable contrasts: ancient temples stand alongside bustling modern cities, traditional crafts thrive in rural villages, and some of South Asia's most welcoming communities await visitors. However, as with any international destination, travelers must approach their visit with preparation and awareness. This guide draws on official government travel advisories, on-the-ground insights, and practical experience to help you make the most of your Bangladesh journey while prioritizing your safety and wellbeing.
Table of Contents
- Current Security Situation in 2025
- Before You Go: Essential Preparations
- Getting Around Bangladesh Safely
- Health and Natural Hazards
- Regional Travel Guide
- Practical Travel Tips
- Where to Stay
- Food and Dining
- Sample Itineraries
- Exploring Asia: From Bangladesh to Singapore
- Frequently Asked Questions
Current Security Situation in 2025
As of December 2025, Bangladesh's security landscape requires careful attention from travelers. Multiple governments, including Canada, the United States, and Australia, have issued travel advisories recommending that citizens exercise a high degree of caution when visiting the country.[1][2][4][5] Understanding the current situation is the first step in traveling responsibly.
Political Climate and Civil Unrest
Since July 2024, Bangladesh has experienced periods of political volatility, with demonstrations, clashes, and nationwide general strikes affecting security.[2] The trial verdict of the former Prime Minister, expected in November 2025, has prompted enhanced security measures from local authorities, including increased security force presence in major city centers and heightened vigilance around government buildings and transportation hubs.[2]
While the intense violence witnessed in 2024 has largely subsided, the situation remains fragile. Travelers should expect significant security force presence in Dhaka and other major cities, occasional traffic disruptions, and the possibility of sudden changes in the security environment. This is not to discourage travel, but rather to emphasize the importance of staying informed and maintaining awareness throughout your visit.
Terrorism Threats
Extremist groups have historically targeted westerners in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka, using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and suicide bombers.[1] While the frequency of terrorist attacks has diminished since 2020, the threat remains ever-present. Extremist groups often target locations frequented by foreigners, including restaurants, hotels, airports, and public transportation hubs.[1]
Travelers should be particularly vigilant during religious holidays and large-scale public events, which are often seen as soft targets by extremist groups. Avoiding crowded spaces during these periods and maintaining awareness of your surroundings are essential precautions.
Crime Considerations
Violent crime, including armed robbery and kidnapping for ransom, is a known concern in Bangladesh, though the risk for foreign nationals remains relatively low.[1] Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching are more common, especially in busy urban areas and on public transportation. Women traveling alone may encounter harassment or verbal abuse, particularly when using public transportation or walking in unfamiliar areas.[1]
The Chittagong Hill Tracts region is specifically flagged as an area to avoid entirely. This region has been marked by politically motivated violence, ethnic clashes, kidnappings, extortion, drug smuggling, and violent acts.[1][2] Indigenous communities organized under opposing political groups frequently clash for control over specific areas, making this region highly unsafe for tourists.
Before You Go: Essential Preparations
Visa Requirements and Documentation
Most visitors to Bangladesh require a tourist visa, which can typically be obtained through a Bangladeshi embassy or consulate before travel, or through a visa-on-arrival program at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.[1] Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, as this is a standard requirement.[1]
Singaporean citizens should check with the Bangladesh High Commission in Singapore for current visa requirements and processing times. Document copies—including your passport, visa, travel insurance, and emergency contacts—should be stored separately from originals and backed up digitally.
Travel Insurance and Health Coverage
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for Bangladesh travel. Medical services are limited, and evacuation for serious health issues may be necessary.[1] Your insurance should cover medical evacuation, hospitalization, and emergency repatriation. Verify that your policy covers the specific activities you plan to undertake.
Consider purchasing insurance that includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption, as the security situation or natural hazards (particularly during monsoon season) may require changing your travel plans on short notice.
Health Precautions and Vaccinations
Consult your doctor or a travel medicine clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure. Recommended vaccinations typically include typhoid, hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis, and routine immunizations. Yellow fever vaccination is not required for Bangladesh entry, but may be required if you're traveling from certain countries.
Malaria and dengue fever are significant health concerns in Bangladesh.[1] Protect yourself by using approved insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin, wearing light-colored, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials, and sleeping under mosquito netting.[2] Waterborne diseases are also a concern, so drink only bottled or purified water and avoid ice made from tap water.
Currency and Money Management
The Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) is the local currency. Exchange rates fluctuate, so check current rates before departure. While major hotels and some restaurants accept credit cards, cash is essential for most transactions, especially outside Dhaka. Withdraw cash from ATMs in major cities rather than exchanging money at the airport, where rates are typically less favorable.
Inform your bank of your travel dates to avoid card blocks. Carry some cash in small denominations for daily transactions, and keep larger amounts in a money belt or hotel safe. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public.
Communication Setup
Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival for reliable mobile connectivity. Major providers include Grameenphone, Banglalink, and Robi. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and offer good data coverage in urban areas. Alternatively, check with your home provider about international roaming rates, though these are typically expensive.
Download offline maps of areas you plan to visit, as internet connectivity may be unreliable in some regions. Establish a communication plan with family or friends, including check-in schedules and emergency contact procedures.
Getting Around Bangladesh Safely
Understanding Transportation Risks
Transportation safety is a critical consideration when traveling in Bangladesh. Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country, with road travel being particularly dangerous after dark.[2][3] Road accidents causing injuries or death are common due to poor driving standards, many unlicensed and unroadworthy vehicles, and large numbers of rickshaws on the roads.[3] Many drivers do not use headlights or use undipped high beams, significantly increasing accident risk at night.[2][3]
Safety standards for public transportation, including buses, trains, and ferries, are also poor.[2] Thieves are present on trains, ferries, and long-distance buses, and they frequently target rickshaw, CNG (motorized rickshaw), and taxi passengers, particularly around dusk.[2] Understanding these risks allows you to make informed decisions about your transportation choices.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Use only registered taxis booked through your hotel or a reliable app-based service.[2] Avoid hailing taxis from the street, particularly at night. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Pathao operate in Dhaka and other major cities and provide greater safety than street taxis through driver tracking and passenger identification.
Always share your trip details with someone you trust, and keep your phone charged. Sit in the back seat, and avoid displaying valuables. Negotiate fares beforehand if using non-metered taxis, or confirm that the meter will be used.
Buses and Long-Distance Travel
While buses are a common transportation method in Bangladesh, they come with significant risks. Buses often have extremely poor maintenance and driving standards, lack seat belts, and experience frequent traffic collisions, some resulting in deaths.[3] Additionally, there have been reports of rape, sexual assaults, and other crimes sometimes committed by bus crew members.[3]
If you must travel by bus, avoid traveling alone and never travel at night.[2][3] Book tickets through reputable operators, and choose daytime services only. For longer journeys, consider private car hire with a driver or domestic flights, which offer greater safety and comfort.
Trains and Ferries
Train travel in Bangladesh can be an interesting cultural experience, but thieves frequently target train passengers.[2] Keep valuables secure and avoid traveling alone. First-class compartments offer better security than lower classes. Ferries also have poor safety standards and attract thieves, particularly on longer routes.[2] If using ferries, travel during daylight hours and keep belongings close.
Domestic Air Travel
Domestic flights are available between major cities including Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet. Due to the security situation, there are frequent disruptions to air travel, often at short notice.[3] Stay in touch with your airline and be prepared for schedule changes. Security checks at airports can also be slow, so arrive early.[3]
Driving and Car Rental
Driving in Bangladesh is challenging and potentially dangerous. Poor driving standards, unlicensed vehicles, and chaotic traffic make self-driving inadvisable for most visitors.[3] If you must drive, do so only during daylight hours and avoid driving alone. Better options include hiring a car with a local driver, who understands local conditions and can navigate traffic more safely.
Rickshaws and CNGs
Colorful rickshaws and motorized CNGs are iconic Bangladesh transportation and can be an enjoyable way to experience local life. However, thieves frequently target rickshaw and CNG passengers, particularly around dusk.[2] Agree on fares before boarding, avoid traveling alone, and never travel after dark. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Health and Natural Hazards
Infectious Diseases
Dengue fever and malaria are significant health concerns in Bangladesh.[1] These mosquito-borne illnesses require prevention through insect repellent, protective clothing, and mosquito netting. Dengue symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and rash, typically appearing 3-14 days after infection. Malaria symptoms are similar but may include chills and sweating.
Waterborne diseases including typhoid, hepatitis A, and cholera are also concerns. Drink only bottled or purified water, avoid ice made from tap water, and eat only thoroughly cooked food from reputable establishments. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating.
Insect-Borne Illnesses and Prevention
Beyond malaria and dengue, other insect-borne illnesses including Japanese encephalitis and chikungunya occur in Bangladesh. Protect yourself by using approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin, wearing light-colored, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester, wearing socks and closed-toe shoes, and sleeping under mosquito netting if you're outdoors or staying in places that aren't fully enclosed.[2]
Do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets when you return from outdoor activities.[2] Avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, as they may carry diseases.[2] Stay away from places where animal waste can build up, such as caves, and avoid eating undercooked meat.[2]
Monsoons and Natural Disasters
Bangladesh's geography and climate create natural hazards including monsoons, flooding, and earthquakes.[1] During the rainy season from June to October, flooding becomes a serious risk, especially in low-lying areas.[1] The cyclone season also brings heavy rains and destructive winds to coastal regions.[1]
If you decide to travel during the rainy season, know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks. Be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or canceling your trip. Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts, stay away from disaster areas, carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders.[2]
