Bangladesh: Government extends most domestic COVID-19 controls through May 16; international travel restrictions continue /update 41

Event

Authorities in Bangladesh have extended most of the nation's existing domestic COVID-19 controls through at least May 16, though some transport curbs have been lifted. Under current directives, residents must remain in their homes unless seeking or providing essential or emergency services. Movement in public requires police-issued passes, which are available online.

Essential businesses can operate, albeit during limited time frames; food delivery and carryout services are open 12:00-19:00 and 00:01-06:00 daily and banking services are available 10:00-13:00 on normal business days. Retail centers, such as shopping malls, may open between the hours of 10:00-20:00. Industries may operate provided they implement social distancing measures. Many nonessential establishments, including dine-in eateries, recreational venues, and offices, must remain closed.

Educational institutions remain closed until further notice. Facemasks are necessary when in public; businesses allowed to operate are responsible for refusing entry to anyone not wearing a mask. However, reports indicate that enforcement and adherence are generally poor.

Nonessential public gatherings remain banned. Still, this directive has not prevented protesters from gathering over COVID-19-related restrictions and prompting business and transport disruptions. Such demonstrations have mainly occurred in Dhaka; police have used force to disperse participants. Panic-buying and associated localized shortages of essential goods may occur in some areas. Such behavior may also affect the availability of cash at automatic teller machines and fuel at filling stations.

Travel and Transport Restrictions
The government of Bangladesh has authorized the resumption of some international and domestic commercial flights. As concerns domestic surface transportation, however, public rail and river transport services remain suspended. Buses are not allowed to operate between districts through at least May 16 but will be allowed to transport passengers within districts from May 6. Private vehicles, except for motorcycles under ride-sharing platforms, can operate with capacity limits.

With regard to international travel, land border crossings and ports are open for cargo shipments. Passenger ground travel from India remains restricted through at least 18:00 May 9 due to concerns over COVID-19 disease variants. Persons arriving from India may only enter via the Akhaura, Benapole, and Burimari crossings after obtaining permission from the Bangladeshi High Commission; such permission is mainly granted to returning Bangladeshis only.

All inbound passengers above the age of 10, regardless of vaccination status, must possess a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure; transit passengers who have exited airports over the course of their journeys must re-test before the final leg of their trip to Bangladesh. Arrivals must quarantine for 14 days either at home or a designated facility, depending on their country of origin and medical assessment. Travelers from China, Malaysia, the Middle East, and Singapore may quarantine at home if they possess proof of full vaccination. Unvaccinated passengers from these destinations, as well as passengers who exit the airport during layovers while en route to Bangladesh, must quarantine up to five days at a designated institution at their own expense upon arrival followed by additional COVID-19 testing. Those who test negative may complete their 14-day quarantine at home. Overseas Bangladeshi workers in nations without PCR testing facilities may seek prior approval to produce alternative health certification, such as antigen test results. Passengers without approved certification may no longer board Bangladesh-bound flights.

Bangladesh has suspended visa-on-arrival services until further notice; travelers must obtain a visa from their local Bangladeshi diplomatic mission. Outbound air passengers above the age of 10 must test for COVID-19 at a government-approved facility no more than 72 hours before departing the country; exempted travelers include pre-approved foreigners departing within 14 days of arrival in Bangladesh and holders of diplomatic and official passports and their family members.

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 further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh
Ministry of Public Administration (Bengali)
Bangladesh Police Movement Pass Application Portal