Travel Vaccines and Advice for Bangladesh
Bangladesh is one of Asia’s most culture-rich destinations. The country is characterized by centuries of Hindu, Buddhist and, today, Muslim traditions.
The region has nearly 800 rivers, most of which run the full length of the country and spill out into the Bay of Bengal. Travel by boat is more common than travel by vehicle or any other means.
Bangladesh is relatively traveller-free area which lends to the country’s authenticity. In most cities, the influences of tourism have yet to take hold. This is also partially due to the country’s poverty.
Unfortunately, this beautiful country has seen disease outbreaks and terrorist activity. Some of the most recent attacks have involved tourists. Experts advise against travel to Bangladesh unless a trip is mandatory.
Do I Need Vaccines for Bangladesh?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Bangladesh. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bangladesh: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions of Bangladesh. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country. Most cases from May to October. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Bangladesh |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions of Bangladesh. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country. Most cases from May to October. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Bangladesh |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Dengue, malaria and chikungunya are present in Bangladesh. Be sure to bring and use repellents and netting. Antimalarials may be recommended, depending on your trip itinerary.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Is a Visa Required for Bangladesh?
A passport which is valid for at least 6 months from the arrival date is required to enter Bangladesh. Single entry tourist and business visas are available for purchase upon arrival in Bangladesh but it is recommended you receive a visa prior to arrival. Tourist and business visas are not required before departure for up to 30 days. You must have proof of sufficient funds as well as an onward/ return ticket.
Bangladesh Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Bangladesh? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Bangladesh and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate in Bangladesh?
Although the rivers are beneficial for travel, they also bring humidity. The country has a subtropical monsoon climate with high temperatures and high humidity. Bangladesh has three prominent seasons: hot, humid summers, a rainy fall and cooler, dry winters.
Because climate varies by region, be sure to pack for your itinerary. A few regional differences include:
- Khulna – At the southwest end of the country near the Sundarbans, Khulna has hot summers, cool winters and year-round off and on rainfall.
- Dhaka – In the middle of the country, the capital has a tropical wet climate and harshly-dry winters.
- Rangpur – At the northern tip of the country, this region has the most rainfall. Expect consistent monsoons and high levels of humidity.
How Safe Is Bangladesh?
Travel to Bangladesh is rewarding, but you should take precautions. Some of the most recent terrorist attacks targeted foreigners.
In some areas, tourists are sometimes seen as a nuisance. Be aware of your surroundings and consider using a licensed guide.
Petty crime such as pick-pocketing is also common. Travellers should exercise caution at all times. Avoid travelling at night and never travel alone.
Tour the Time-Tested Old Dhaka
Dhaka is the country’s largest and most bustling city. A tour to Old Dhaka is well worth the trek. A tour guide who understands the culture, history and food of the area that has been centuries in the making. Be sure to stop by ancient sites such as the Hindu Dhakeswari Temple or one of the handful of local mosques.
What Should I Take to Bangladesh?
Unless travelling in winter, tourists should prepare for rain and humidity. Be sure you have everything you need for your trip.
- Clothing – A light sweater for cooler nights plus long sleeves and pants to avoid mosquitoes. Modest clothing is recommended for visits to religious sites.
- Rain Gear – A poncho or rain jacket that is lightweight and can be packed on day excursions.
- Insect Repellent or Netting – Mosquito-borne diseases are common in southeast Asia. Be sure to bring repellents, netting and similar items.
Canadian Embassy in Bangladesh
The Canadian Embassy can help travellers with issues including lost passports or acts of violence. For quick service, appointments should be made ahead of time
Canadian High Commission in Dhaka, Bangladesh
United Nations Road
Baridhara
Dhaka 1212
Bangladesh
(+880) 2 5566 8444
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Bangladesh
“The nurse was very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Their information on Bangladesh was fantastic. Highly recommended.”
“I had an early appointment at the Westmount location. There was no waiting time, no problem parking outside (it was a Saturday) and I was greeted by the nurse, a very friendly, and pleasant person. The injection itself was only a second of pain, the rest was simple. The location was very clean and neat, and I would definitely recommend going to see the staff, to have a quick and efficient visit. Thank you for helping me travel to Bangladesh safely.”
“The staff was great, knowledgeable! Took the time to answer questions and curiosities for Bangladesh. Offered good advice and suggestions. Provided comfort and confidence about having a healthy and happy vacation abroad.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Bangladesh?
Is a Visa Required for Bangladesh?
What Is the Climate in Bangladesh?
How Safe Is Bangladesh?
Tour the Time-Tested Old Dhaka
What Should I Take to Bangladesh?
Canadian Embassy in Bangladesh
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UK – English
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