Bangladesh Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Bangladesh trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Bangladesh is generally safe for tourists in major cities and popular destinations, but requires awareness of political demonstrations, road safety risks, and health precautions. The Chittagong Hill Tracts require special permits and carry advisories due to periodic civil unrest.
Bangladesh offers an incredible mix of natural wonders, from the world's longest beach at Cox's Bazar to the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans. Experience vibrant culture, ancient heritage sites, and warm hospitality in this South Asian gem.
Current Advisory
Exercise increased caution. Avoid political demonstrations. Do not travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts without proper permits and local guidance. Register with your embassy on arrival.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism risks. Certain areas have increased risk including the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
UK FCDO
Be vigilant in public places, particularly during political rallies and demonstrations. Monitor local news for developments.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Rickshaw overcharging
Cycle rickshaw and CNG drivers often quote 3-5x the fair price to tourists unfamiliar with local rates. Fares in Old Dhaka should be BDT 30-80 for short trips.
Unofficial tour guides
Unofficial 'guides' at major tourist sites like Lalbagh Fort and Sonargaon approach tourists and quote extravagant fees before demanding more at the end.
Money exchange scams
Unofficial money changers, particularly near tourist areas, may use sleight of hand to short-change tourists or offer seemingly good rates that prove unfavourable.
Fake 'students' seeking English practice
Friendly locals, particularly near Dhaka University, sometimes begin conversations in the guise of English practice and gradually steer tourists toward expensive shops where they earn commission.
Taxi driver commission shops
Some CNG and taxi drivers take tourists to specific restaurants, hotels, or shops where they earn a commission, charging higher prices. Most prevalent in Cox's Bazar hotel and restaurant recommendations.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, even peaceful ones
Stay aware of increased violent crime in urban areas since mid-2024
Do not travel to Chittagong Hill Tracts districts
Keep copies of passport and important documents
Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber/Pathao
Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially in rural areas
Be cautious with street food and drink bottled water only
Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival — Bangladesh may impose curfews with little notice
Carry cash in Bangladeshi Taka at all times; ATMs are scarce outside Dhaka and Chittagong
Seek medical care only at private hospitals such as Square or United Hospital in Dhaka; government hospitals have limited resources for foreigners
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Solo travel is generally safe in Bangladesh's cities and popular tourist areas. Dhakaites are exceptionally friendly and helpful to foreign visitors. Use ride-hailing apps rather than unmetered transport at night, stay in established guesthouses, and avoid unlit areas of Old Dhaka after dark. Solo travellers are often warmly welcomed and invited for tea by curious and hospitable locals.
Female Travelers
Female travellers should dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) to avoid unwanted attention, particularly in rural areas and Old Dhaka. Travelling alone after dark is inadvisable outside Gulshan/Banani. Pathao and Uber are safer than traditional CNGs after dark. Women-only compartments exist on Bangladesh Railway trains. Local women are generally very helpful if approached for assistance.
Families
Bangladesh is very family-friendly for prepared families. Children attract enormous positive attention from Bangladeshis. Pack all medications from home, carry rehydration salts, and use bottled water strictly with children. Book AC accommodation as the heat is challenging for young children. Major hotels in Dhaka and beach resorts at Cox's Bazar are the most family-friendly bases.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Bangladesh under Section 377 of the Penal Code with potential prison sentences. LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise extreme discretion — public displays of affection between same-sex couples are inadvisable. The community exists quietly underground in Dhaka but there are no openly gay venues or events.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis, and Rabies (if travelling outside cities) are recommended. Japanese Encephalitis for rural areas. Malaria prophylaxis for Chittagong Hill Tracts districts.
Water Safety
Tap water is NOT safe to drink anywhere in Bangladesh. Drink only bottled water (widely available) or properly filtered water. Be cautious with ice in drinks and uncooked salads.
Food Safety
Street food is generally safe at high-turnover stalls but avoid pre-cooked food that has been sitting out. Fish and seafood should be eaten freshly cooked. Peel all fruit yourself.
Medical Facilities
Square Hospital (+880 2 8159457) and United Hospital (+880 2 8836000) in Dhaka provide international-standard medical care. Outside Dhaka, medical facilities are limited — travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Bangladesh
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide