+ 5 h / + 4 h during our summer time

Dhaka

Bengali

• 220 volts
• Travel adapter required for plug types C, D, G and K

Banks

9.00 am - 5.00 pm (Sun - Thu)

Shops

9.00 am - 7.00/8.00 pm (Sat - Thu)
In tourist areas, many shops are also open on Sundays.

• 21 February:  Shaheed Day (Language Movement Day)

• 17 March: Birthday of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (commemorates the birthday of Bangladesh’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman).

• 26 March: Independence Day
• Jumu'atul-Wida (last Friday of Ramadan): Day of Farewell
• Eid ul-Fitr (date varies): End of Ramadan
• Eid ul-Adha (date varies - two months after Eid ul-Fitr): Festival of Sacrifice
• 1 May: Labour Day
• Buddha Purnima (date varies): Buddha’s Birthday
• Krishna Janmashtami (date varies): Birth of Lord Krishna
• Mawlid (date varies): Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad
• Vijayadashami (date varies): This festival celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and symbolises the triumph of good over evil.
• 16 December: Victory Day
  
  These public holidays reflect Bangladesh’s cultural and religious diversity and are celebrated across the country with various ceremonies and activities.

The following documents are required to enter Bangladesh:

• A Swiss passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
• Swiss nationals require a visa. This can either be obtained before travelling from the relevant Bangladeshi embassy or, for short stays, on arrival (“Visa on Arrival”).
• A return or onward ticket and valid documents for travel to the next country are required. 
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the entire duration of the stay is also required.

• Minors: A travel authorisation is recommended for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents.

As of: December 2024

Bangladesh’s climate varies by region:

• North (Rajshahi, Rangpur): Northern Bangladesh has cool, dry winters, with temperatures occasionally falling below 10 °C. Summers are very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35 °C. From June to October, the monsoon brings heavy rainfall and frequently causes flooding.
• Central region (Dhaka, Mymensingh): The central region is warm and humid throughout the year. During the winter months (November to February), temperatures are a pleasant 20–25 °C. From March onwards, it becomes considerably hotter until the monsoon begins in June and continues through October, bringing heavy rainfall.
• South (Khulna, Barishal, Cox’s Bazar): The southern coastal areas have very high humidity, with temperatures often exceeding 35 °C during the hottest months of April and May. The monsoon from June to October can bring cyclones and flooding, while conditions become drier and slightly cooler from November onwards.
• South-eastern hill region (Chittagong Hill Tracts): This hilly region is generally slightly cooler than the rest of Bangladesh. Winter months remain mild, while summer temperatures often rise above 30 °C. During the monsoon season, heavy rainfall can sometimes trigger landslides.

Your ideal time to travel to Bangladesh:

• City trips (Dhaka, Chittagong): From November to February, the climate is dry and pleasant, with temperatures of around 20–25 °C, making it ideal for exploring the cities.
• Cultural trips (Bogra, Puthia, Sylhet): During the dry season from November to February, visiting historic sites and temples is particularly pleasant.
• Nature and hiking (Sundarbans, Chittagong Hill Tracts): November to February is an excellent time for excursions in the mangrove forests and hiking in the hilly south-east, as the trails are dry and temperatures are moderate.
• Beach holidays (Cox’s Bazar, Kuakata): From November to March, there is plenty of sunshine, mild temperatures and little rain, making it an ideal time to enjoy Bangladesh’s beaches.

• Using a mobile phone in Bangladesh may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable roaming fees before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in cafés, hotels and public spaces.
• It is recommended to purchase a prepaid SIM card in order to make calls and use the internet at lower cost during your stay in Bangladesh.

• Lalbagh Fort (Dhaka) – An unfinished Mughal fort in the heart of the old city.
• Ahsan Manzil (Dhaka) – Also known as the “Pink Palace”, a former palace on the banks of the Buriganga River.
• Cox’s Bazar – The world’s longest natural sandy beach (approx. 120 km).
• Sundarbans – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to Bengal tigers.
• Bagerhat – A historic mosque city featuring the Sixty Dome Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Paharpur (Somapura Mahavihara) – The ruins of an 8th-century Buddhist monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Sylhet & Srimangal – Rolling hills and tea plantations, known as the “tea capital” of Bangladesh.
• Chittagong Hill Tracts (Bandarban, Rangamati) – A hilly region with waterfalls, lakes and indigenous cultures.
• Sonargaon – A former capital with the historic Panam City district and a folk arts museum.
• Kuakata Beach – A popular coastal destination where visitors can watch both sunrise and sunset.

Bangladesh offers a rich and aromatic cuisine in which rice and fish play a central role. Generous use of spices, a long culinary tradition and regional influences shape the country’s gastronomic diversity, from the dense mangrove forests of the south-west to the tea plantations of the north-east.

• Rice dishes and bread: Rice is the staple food in Bangladesh, with Bhat (cooked rice) served with almost every meal. Bread varieties such as Naan, Roti and Paratha often complement rice-based dishes.
• Curries and fish: Fish dishes are central to Bangladeshi cuisine and are often prepared as curries with a blend of spices that highlights the flavour of locally caught fish. Mustard fish curry is a classic dish that captures the essence of Bangladeshi flavours.
• Street food: Street food is varied and widely available, with snacks such as samosas, Pithas (rice cakes) and Fuchka (stuffed crispy dough shells) forming an integral part of everyday life.
• Vegetables and lentils: Dal (lentil dishes) and Bhaji (fried or sautéed vegetables) are common side dishes and demonstrate the variety of ways in which vegetables are prepared in Bangladesh.
• Sweets and desserts: Sweet specialities such as Rosogolla, Mishti Doi (sweetened yoghurt) and Gulab Jamun are popular desserts, often served during festivals and special occasions.
• Drinks: Traditional drinks include cha (tea), which is often served very sweet and with milk. Lassi, a creamy yoghurt-based drink, provides welcome refreshment on hot days.

In Bangladesh, respect and politeness are essential aspects of everyday interactions. 

• Greetings: The usual form of greeting is a nod or slight bow of the head accompanied by a friendly smile. Handshakes are common between men, while with women it is advisable to be more reserved and look for non-verbal cues indicating whether a handshake is appropriate.
• Saying please and thank you: Saying “please” and “thank you” is highly appreciated in Bangladesh. The words “Dhonnobad” (thank you) and “Onugroho” (please) can be useful in many situations.
• Clothing: Conservative clothing is preferred, particularly in rural areas and when visiting religious sites. Women should keep their shoulders and knees covered, and men should also wear long trousers.
• Dining etiquette: It is customary to eat with the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. Even when cutlery is available, many locals prefer to eat with their hands, particularly when enjoying traditional dishes.
• Smoking: Smoking in public areas is often prohibited or frowned upon. It is advisable to observe no-smoking rules and, where appropriate, ask before lighting a cigarette.
• Tipping: In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of around 10% if a service charge is not already included in the bill. Small tips are also appreciated for services such as carrying luggage or cleaning hotel rooms.

• Tap water: Drinking tap water in Bangladesh is generally not recommended. It is advisable to use bottled water or water from reliable filtration systems. Ice cubes should also be avoided unless they have been made from safe, filtered drinking water.

• Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations are required for direct entry into Bangladesh from Switzerland. However, vaccination against hepatitis A and typhoid is strongly recommended. For longer stays or specific risks, vaccination against hepatitis B, rabies and Japanese encephalitis should also be considered to ensure more comprehensive protection.

• Medical care in Bangladesh does not meet European standards and may be problematic in terms of technical facilities, equipment and hygiene. Medical infrastructure can be particularly limited in rural areas. In larger cities such as Dhaka and Chittagong, private clinics and hospitals offer a higher standard of medical care. 
• It is essential to take out comprehensive travel health insurance that also covers medical evacuation, as more complex medical procedures may not be available locally.
• Travellers should bring a well-stocked travel medical kit in case certain medicines are unavailable or of insufficient quality.

• Check the latest situation in the media before and during your trip and remain in contact with your tour operator.

• The security situation in Bangladesh requires travellers to remain alert and exercise caution. In urban areas, particularly in Dhaka, politically motivated unrest and demonstrations occur frequently and can develop quickly. Travellers are advised to avoid crowds and demonstrations.
• The risk of terrorist attacks remains. Foreign nationals and places frequently visited by foreigners may also be targeted. Islamist organisations continue to call for attacks, and police special units regularly carry out raids and security operations.
• Crime such as pickpocketing and fraud is common in tourist areas. Particular caution is also advised when travelling after dark. 

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: December 2024

• An international driving permit is mandatory and is only valid together with your national driving licence.

• Rental cars are only available with a driver.
• Traffic drives on the left!

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰.

Public transport in Bangladesh offers a wide range of travel options, although it also presents its own challenges in terms of reliability and comfort.

• Long-distance and regional trains: The rail network connects many large and medium-sized cities. Long-distance trains are generally more comfortable and reliable than regional services, which are often overcrowded and less well maintained. However, the railway infrastructure is ageing, which can lead to delays and disruptions.
• Buses: Buses are a commonly used form of transport for both long and short distances. Both state-run and private services are available, with private buses generally offering better facilities.
• Boats: Due to the country’s many rivers, boats play an important role in public transport, particularly in rural and difficult-to-reach areas.
• Tickets: Train and bus tickets should be purchased in advance to secure a seat. In many cases, tickets can be bought at railway stations, bus terminals or through online platforms.

There are no direct flights from Switzerland to Bangladesh, but connections with stopovers are available. The main airports in Bangladesh are:

• Shahjalal International Airport (DAC), Dhaka
• Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP), Chittagong
• Osmani International Airport (ZYL), Sylhet

The main national airline in Bangladesh is Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

International airlines offering flights to Bangladesh include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Etihad Airways. 

00 41 (omit the zero from the Swiss area code)

• Single emergency number: 999 and 02-999 (outside Dhaka)

Bay's Edgewater
8th Floor, Plot 12
North Avenue, Gulshan 2
Dhaka 1212
Tel. +880 255 051 601
Email: dhaka@eda.admin.ch

• Drug laws are very strict, with penalties of up to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
• Bangladesh is located in a seismically active zone, so earthquakes can occur.
• Same-sex relations are illegal.
• Photographing military installations, airports, public buildings, and security and police forces is prohibited.