US reviews Bangladesh travel advisory; advice remains same as 'reconsider travel'

The United States reviewed its travel advisory for Bangladesh last Friday (18 April) and kept it at "Level 3: Reconsider Travel," the same as its previous review on 11 September last year. 

"Since summer 2024, civil unrest and violent clashes have largely subsided with the formation of the Interim Government. Occasional protests continue with potential for violent clashes. Conditions may change on short notice," reads the advisory published on the travel.state.gov website of the US State Department's Bureau of Consular Affiars.

"US citizens are reminded to avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones, since they could turn violent with little or no warning," it added. 

It said travellers should be aware of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing in crowded areas. In addition, crimes such as muggings, burglaries, assaults, and illegal drug trafficking constitute most criminal activity in Bangladesh's major cities, but there are no indications foreigners are targeted because of their nationality. 

"These crimes tend to be situational, based on time and location," reads the advisory. 

It also said there is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Bangladesh.

"Due to the risks, US government employees working in Bangladesh are prohibited from non-essential travel within Dhaka outside of the diplomatic enclave," reads the updated advisory. 

It also reads due to the risks, US government employees working in Bangladesh must obtain special authorisation to travel outside of Dhaka. Such authorisation is not required for travel to Cox's Bazar or Sylhet.

"The US government may have limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Bangladesh, particularly outside of Dhaka, due to these travel restrictions, a lack of infrastructure, and limited host government emergency response resources," it further reads. 

During travel, the US recommended travellers avoid demonstrations and political gatherings, saying demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and quickly escalate into violence. 

It also advised the travellers to monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust plans. "Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Get to a safe area and report any criminal incident to local authorities," it reads.

Meanwhile, the travel advisory for Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) remains the same as before at "Level 4: Do not travel".

"Level 4: Do not travel the Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts (collectively known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts) due to communal violence, crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and other security risks," it reads. 

On 11 September last year, the US lowered its travel advisory for Bangladesh from Level 4 to Level 3, urging its citizens to reconsider travel rather than avoiding it entirely. This adjustment signalled a perceived reduction in immediate threats to US nationals.

The revised advisory was issued shortly before a US delegation's scheduled visit to Bangladesh.

The level was raised to 4, the highest level when the US asked its nationals not to travel to Bangladesh amid student protests in July and August.