U.S. Issues Updated Travel Warning for This Asian Country

Home to one of the longest beaches in the world, there’s plenty to explore in Bangladesh, but the U.S. Department of State is cautioning Americans to reconsider traveling there.

The State Department updated its travel advisory for the South Asian country last week, which it has classified under its second-highest Level 3 warning. The advisory warns against potential kidnappings, violent protests, and other crime like muggings, burglaries, and assaults. However, the department noted there was “no evidence that foreigners are targeted because of their nationality.”

While most of the country is under the Level 3 classification, the department warns against all travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts Region, which has been classified under the highest Level 4 warning. That is due to kidnappings and political violence. 

To stay safe, the State Department recommends travelers who do go to Bangladesh avoid demonstrations and political gatherings, don’t physically resist any potential robbery attempts, buy travel insurance before their trip, and “have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help.” All travelers should also sign up for the department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive up-to-date guidance and immediate travel advisories during international trips.

Beyond crime concerns, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advises travelers get vaccinated for several diseases ahead of a trip to Bangladesh, including for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid, and has warned of rising cases of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus in the country.

The State Department issues travel advisories for countries and destinations around the world ranging from its lowest Level 1 warning to its highest Level 4, which comes with a recommendation not to travel there. Beyond Bangladesh, the department has recently updated travel warnings for the island chain of Comoros and the Caribbean country of Grenada as well as downgraded its warning for Jamaica, reclassifying the country under a Level 2 advisory.

Located along the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh shares a long border with India, and is known for its expansive coastline, natural beauty, and culture. The country is home to the longest natural sea beach in the world, Cox’s Bazar Beach, which spans more than 75 miles of shoreline, according to AAA.

Bangladesh also typically celebrates the Bengali New Year in April with Poila Baisakh complete with fairs and processions across the country, traditions like gifting new clothes and visiting temples, and special food like Luchi, a deep-fried bread.