Bangladesh: Officials shorten mandatory institutional quarantine to four days for entrants from the UK effective Jan. 15 /update 27

Event

Officials in Bangladesh are mandating all arrivals from the UK to undergo a self-paid institutional quarantine for four days effective 0001 Jan. 16, instead of 14 days; passengers may undergo quarantine at a hotel or medical facility based on a health assessment. Those with negative results from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based test for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the end of their institutional stay will undergo home quarantine for an additional 10 days. Existing guidelines mandate all entrants above 10 years old to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based testing for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) within 72 hours before departure. The rule applies to all nationalities and entry routes. 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. All entrants from the UK who are symptomatic or test positive for COIVD-19 during institutional quarantine, symptomatic arrivals from other locations, and those entering without PCR test results must complete 14 days of quarantine at a designated facility, while others may undergo home quarantine. Most outbound air passengers must also undergo PCR testing in Bangladesh within 72 hours before exit.

Domestic measures across Bangladesh remain in effect. Some commercial establishments, including cinemas, have reopened. Limited banking services and public transport services are available. The government continues to require people to practice social distancing on business premises. People must wear facemasks in public; government offices, businesses, and public transport services are required to refuse admittance to people without facemasks. Authorities continue to ban nonessential public gatherings. Schools remain closed until further notice.

Local officials are authorized to impose stricter COVID-19 measures, including bans on nonessential activity, movement, and transport in areas identified as high risk. Such restrictions typically last up to 21 days. Enforcement and public compliance are reportedly insufficient in many urban areas.

Travel Restrictions
As of Jan. 16, the government is permitting international commercial flights from Bahrain, China, Kuwait, Malaysia, the Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Turkey, the UAE, and the UK. Flights to and from India are also operational under a bilateral 'air bubble' arrangement, mainly serving authorized visa holders, repatriates, officials, and diplomats.

Bangladesh has suspended visa-on-arrival services until further notice; travelers must obtain a visa from their local Bangladeshi diplomatic mission. Authorities require inbound passengers to obtain PCR test results within 72 hours of departure, confirming that they do not have COVID-19. Arrivals are required to quarantine for 14 days at home or a designated facility, based on a medical assessment. Outbound air passengers above 10 years old must undergo COVID-19 testing at a government-approved facility within 72 hours prior to departure; exempted travelers are pre-approved foreigners departing within 14 days of arrival in Bangladesh, as well as holders of diplomatic and official passports and their family members.

Land border crossings are open for passenger and cargo transit. Ports are open for cargo shipments.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. 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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh
Ministry of Public Administration (Bengali)