Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport arrival and customs guidelines

Travelers arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka must navigate specific immigration and customs procedures. At immigration, Bangladeshi passport holders use national counters, while foreign nationals use the foreign nationals counter. E-passport holders can utilize e-gates for faster processing. Travelers are advised to complete arrival cards on the plane, ensuring they provide a local Dhaka address.

For foreign nationals on employment or private investor visas, a 15-day legal window begins upon landing to complete work permit applications. Essential documents for these travelers include a valid passport, a printed BIDA recommendation letter, and an employer appointment letter. A photocopy of the stamped passport page is required for permit applications within the 15-day period.

Customs regulations, updated in July 2025 under NBR SRO No. 312, dictate baggage declarations. Passengers may bring one laptop and one new mobile phone duty-free. Travelers carrying more than USD 5,000 in cash or gold exceeding 100 grams must use the Red Channel to declare these items.