Significant safety concerns; travel only if you have a clear reason to go. Political freedoms are limited and travellers should be mindful of local sensitivities.
Regional breakdown
The Chittagong Hill Tracts get the toughest warnings from both governments. The official advisory guidance warns against all but essential travel to the three hill districts of Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban. The official advisory guidance puts the same area at its top Level 4 tier, citing unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism. Travellers heading anywhere near these districts should expect checkpoints and permit requirements. Dhaka, the capital, sits under the wider national warning rather than a specific zone. Both governments flag street crime, sudden protests and the risk of clashes around political rallies. The diplomatic enclave in Gulshan is where US staff are largely confined, which gives a sense of how tightly movement is managed. Chittagong city, Cox's Bazar and Sylhet are not singled out by name at a higher tier, but the same nationwide cautions apply. Cox's Bazar in particular draws attention because of the large Rohingya refugee camps nearby, where access is restricted and security incidents have been reported. Travellers planning routes through any of these areas should check official advisory guidance page again close to departure.
Recent advisory changes
The official advisory guidance last refreshed its Bangladesh page on 19 March 2026. That update folded in global travel knock-ons from the Middle East escalation. Which can affect Gulf transit routes used by most travellers heading to Dhaka. The official advisory guidance also flags fuel shortages and sales limits inside Bangladesh, which are causing transport delays in some districts. The headline position on the Chittagong Hill Tracts has not changed. The official advisory guidance reissued its Bangladesh advisory on 20 January 2026 at Level 3, Reconsider Travel. The Chittagong Hill Tracts remain pinned at Level 4, Do Not Travel. The reissue keeps the four core concerns: kidnapping, crime in major cities, terrorism and civil unrest. US government employees still face significant internal movement restrictions outside the Dhaka diplomatic enclave. Which travellers can read as a useful proxy for the on-the-ground security picture.
What travellers should know
Travel insurance is the first practical point. Going against official advisory guidance guidance can void a UK policy. So anyone considering the Chittagong Hill Tracts needs to read the small print and talk to their insurer first. Permits are required for parts of the hill districts and are arranged through Bangladeshi authorities, not at the border. Protests and political gatherings should be given a wide berth. Both governments warn that demonstrations can turn violent quickly, and the US advisory tells citizens to avoid even peaceful crowds. Keep an eye on local news, register with your embassy if staying for any length of time. And have a backup plan for getting out of the city if roads close. Day-to-day, watch out for petty crime in Dhaka and Chittagong, particularly around transport hubs and ATMs. Fuel rationing may disrupt domestic flights, trains and road transfers, so build slack into itineraries. Women travellers should check current official advisory guidance guidance on dress and harassment. Medical care outside Dhaka is limited, so carry a basic kit and confirm your insurance covers evacuation.