Bangladesh: Authorities maintaining entry restrictions for some African countries and other COVID-19 curbs as of Jan. 3. /update 64

Event

Bangladesh is maintaining measures introduced to curb the spread of COVID-19. All incoming travelers must carry negative results of a PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure. Travelers who have travel or transit history in some African countries in the past two weeks must continue to quarantine at designated facilities for 14 days at their own expense until further notice due to concerns over the Omicron COVID-19 variant. The affected nations include Botswana, Eswatini, Ghana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The entrants must also undergo PCR tests on days seven and 14 after their arrival.

International Travel Restrictions
Authorities consider travelers as fully vaccinated if at least 14 days have passed since the completion of vaccination. Vaccinated arrivals from Group A countries - including Armenia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Mongolia, the Palestinian Territories, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and Ukraine - must quarantine at their residence for seven days, while unvaccinated entrants from these locations must quarantine at a designated facility for seven days at their own expense. Authorities allow vaccinated arrivals from all other locations to enter without having to quarantine, while unvaccinated entrants must quarantine at their residence for 14 days. Symptomatic arrivals from any location or with any vaccination status must isolate at a designated facility. At least 14 days must have passed after completing vaccination to be considered as fully vaccinated. Designation of countries may change at short notice.

International flights are operational with passenger capacity limits. Visa-on-arrival services remain suspended until further notice; travelers must obtain a visa from their local diplomatic mission. All outbound passengers must provide a negative PCR test obtained within 72 hours before departure. Pre-approved foreigners who leave Bangladesh within 14 days after arriving and diplomatic and official passport holders and their family members are exempt from having to undergo tests before departing the country.

Land border crossings and ports are open for cargo shipments. Officials allow entry across the land border with India for some travelers, including diplomatic personnel, and descendants of Bangladeshis. Authorities may also allow entry for Indian business travelers by individual cases. Exemptions are possible for Bangladeshi citizens who enter via the Akhaura, Benapole, and Burimari crossings with permission from the Bangladeshi High Commission.

Domestic Restrictions
Offices, factories, and educational institutions can open with protocols in place. Public transport can operate at full capacity, though road transport companies must limit their vehicles to running at half their schedule. Several public facilities, like shopping malls and hotels, can open at reduced operating hours or capacities.

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)