Bangladesh: Authorities mandating health declaration for entrants as eased COVID-19 rules continue /update 68

Event

Bangladesh authorities are maintaining eased COVID-19 measures as of April 25 amid reduced COVID-19 activity. Effective April 25, all international entrants aged above 12 years must submit an online declaration form within 72 hours before departure, and carry an electronic or printed copy of the relevant Quick Response (QR) code. The rule applies to travelers regardless of entry mode.

Officials had earlier lifted requirements for pre-departure testing for fully vaccinated entrants, and quarantine for all asymptomatic arrivals.

Domestic Restrictions
Facemasks remain mandatory at all public places and on all modes of public transport. Commercial, recreational, and public venues are open with social distancing protocols. Officials may impose stricter measures such as curbs on nonessential businesses in case of increased disease activity.

International Travel Restrictions
International flights are operational. Visa-on-arrival services remain largely suspended until further notice; most travelers must obtain a visa from their local diplomatic mission. Exempted groups who may obtain on-arrival visas include foreign nationals of Bangladeshi descent and their immediate relatives; diplomatic and official passport holders; foreign investors and traders; and foreigners invited by the Bangladeshi government for any event.

All entrants above 12 years old must carry negative results of a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure or a vaccination certificate. Fully vaccinated entrants with proof of completing a WHO-approved vaccine regimen do not need to carry pre-departure test results. At least 14 days must have passed after completing vaccination to be considered as fully vaccinated. Outbound travelers from Bangladesh also do not require COVID-19 testing unless mandated by airline authorities or the destination country.

Symptomatic arrivals from any location or with any vaccination status must undergo on-arrival rapid antigen testing; individuals who test positive must undergo a self-paid quarantine at a government facility or hotel for seven days and return negative results on a RAT taken after seven days to exit isolation.

Land border crossings and ports are open. Officials have also reopened land crossings with India for all travelers including tourists; entry was previously limited to some groups including returning Bangladeshi citizens, diplomatic personnel, and Indian business travelers with prior approval.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Emphasize basic health and social distancing precautions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for the recurrence of disruptive measures. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh
Ministry of Public Administration (Bengali)
Online Health Declaration Form for Entrants
World Health Organization (WHO)