Bangladesh

Recommended Vaccinations For Bangladesh

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in Afghanistan for more than 3 months.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

This vaccination is recommended for travellers who plan extensive outdoor activity in rural areas between May and October, particularly in the areas of Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna, and Rajshahi, and Sylhet divisions.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

Travellers are not at risk for yellow fever for this country. However, this country requires all persons age 1 year or over to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a region where yellow fever is present, including airport transit & layovers.

Cholera Vaccine

The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for all travellers, including children who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Bangladesh

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended anti-malarial medication includes atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Anti-malaria drug resistance for Chloroquine is present.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Bangladesh

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Bangladesh through contaminated food or water. 

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Bangladesh.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Bangladesh, and the risk to travellers is significant.

Cholera

Active cholera transmission was reported in Chittagong and Dhaka.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

For Some Travellers

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Malaria

High-risk areas include the Chittagong Hill Tract districts. There is a very low risk in the rest of Bangladesh. Carrying prescription antimalarials is recommended.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Bangladesh, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Yellow Fever

Travellers are not at risk for yellow fever for this country. However, this country requires all persons age 1 year or over to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a region where yellow fever is present.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Bangladesh. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is found in Bangladesh. There has been a sharp increase in the disease since the cessation of DDT spraying. Leishmaniasis is usually more common in rural than urban areas, and the risk of acquiring leishmaniasis is increased in travellers who spend time outdoors in rural areas and at night when sand flies typically feed.

Japanese encephalitis

In Bangladesh, outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis occur between the months of May and October. Cases of Japanese encephalitis have been reported in the areas of Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna, and Rajshahi, and Sylhet divisions, however, the disease is likely widespread throughout Bangladesh. The risk for travellers of contracting Japanese encephalitis is low, but visiting the listed areas and extensive outdoor activity in rural areas will increase this risk.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Bangladesh. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Zika Fever

Zika virus can occur in this country.

Safety & Security in Bangladesh

Personal Safety

Tourist facilities are minimal in Bangladesh. Travellers should always ensure their identification and travel documents are kept safe, follow the advice of local authorities, and remain aware of their personal security at all times in Bangladesh.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, are common. Unaccompanied women are the most vulnerable. Women also face the risk of both verbal and physical abuse. Do not walk alone after dark.

Violent crime occurs in major cities, and security threats against foreigners occur in various areas across the country, including in Chittagong, Sylhet, Feni, and Khulna. To avoid being targeted, do not show any signs of affluence such as jewelry or expensive clothing.

Road travel may be dangerous due to poor road conditions, traffic congestions, debris on roads, and reckless driving. Exercise extreme caution in rural areas where roads may be unpaved and unlit at night. Avoid travelling after dark.

Exercise caution when taking public transportation. Ferry services are often overloaded and unsafe.

Annual monsoon rains and cyclones (June - October) can cause flash floods and landslides in some areas of Bangladesh. If travelling to Bangladesh in the rainy season and planning to stay in the lowland areas, travellers should exercise caution and monitor local weather reports. Maintain a flexible schedule to allow for any unexpected changes that may occur due to rainy season weather. Bangladesh is at risk for earthquakes due to its location in an active seismic zone.

Same-sex relations and behaviours are prohibited. All travellers should avoid open displays of affection due to the conservative nature of the country. Dress modestly in respect for the country’s customs. Take note of whether you will be travelling during Ramadan. If travelling during this time, do not eat, drink or smoke in public between sunrise and sunset.

Extreme Violence

There is a high threat of terrorism in Bangladesh.

Politically-motivated violence is common across Bangladesh. Attacks with explosive devices have occurred throughout this country. Crowded areas, such as hotels, transportation hubs, movie theatres, political rallies, etc., should be avoided if possible.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations, political public gatherings and nationwide hartals (enforced strikes) occur frequently and should be avoided as they could turn violent at any time. Hartals, which could shut down all transportation, may result in severe travel disruptions.

Areas To Avoid

Travellers should avoid all travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts region due to the high risk of kidnappings and politically motivated violence. Authorities of Bangladesh require advance notification from travellers going to this region 10 days before visiting. If travel to this region is essential, exercise extreme caution and follow the advice of local authorities.

Avoid Teknaf as there is a high level of drug-related gang violence in this area, with frequent reports of violent crime, such as murder, shootings between gangs, and law enforcement. Kidnapping is a risk in this area and violent crime has been increasing, specifically in the camps in the Teknaf and Nhilla area since August 2019. There is no indication that foreign nationals are being targeted.

Exercise caution near the border areas. It is very dangerous to illegally cross the border with India. Clashes, including gunfire, sometimes occur between Bangladeshi and Indian border guards.