Bangladesh

Visa requirements for Bangladesh depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.

November–February is the dry, cool season — ideal for the Sundarbans (tiger and river dolphin habitat), Cox's Bazar (world's longest natural sea beach), and Dhaka's historic Mughal old city. March–May is extremely hot. Monsoon (June–October) brings massive flooding but also the famous rocket steamer river journeys.

• Modest dress throughout — Bangladesh is a conservative Muslim-majority country
• Women: cover arms and legs; a dupatta (scarf) for shoulders is appreciated
• Casual dress in Cox's Bazar beach area
• Remove shoes before entering mosques

• Bangladeshis are extraordinarily hospitable and curious about foreign visitors
• Greet with 'Assalamu Alaikum' (Muslim greeting) or 'Namaskar' (Hindu greeting) depending on context
• Always use the right hand for eating, giving, and receiving
• Rickshaws are the heart of Dhaka — the art painted on them is a celebrated folk tradition

• LGBTQ+ activity is illegal and prosecutions occur
• Criticising Islam or the Prophet is illegal and carries severe penalties
• Photography of military installations, embassies, and some government buildings is prohibited
• Drug offences carry the death penalty
• Check travel advisories — political demonstrations can turn violent; Dhaka road traffic is extremely hazardous