The People's Republic of Bangladesh is located in South Asia, bordered by India and the Bay of Bengal. With a year-round tropical climate and a diverse landscape of flowing rivers, mountains, and dense jungles lining the coast, Bangladesh is a beautiful country with a rich abundance of flora and fauna.
Whatever your reasons for relocating to Bangladesh, you'll need to be properly prepared when entering the country through customs. Here's what you need to know when preparing to travel to Bangladesh from the United States:
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When traveling to Bangladesh, as with any other foreign country, you should always make sure that you have the correct documents needed to gain entry into the country through customs. Always make sure to keep these documents in a safe place while traveling.
In addition to the usual documents required when traveling abroad (passport, visa, etc.) there are also several more important documents that you'll need if you're going to be relocating to Bangladesh:
- Original passport
- Itemized valued inventory
- List all electrical items separately, stating brand, model and serial number
- Form A obtained from Customs at airport of arrival
- Returning residents and foreigners also require:
- Transfer of Residence Form
- Certificate of employer
- Ensure customer's name written on all packages and documents is the same as shown in his/her passport
SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
If you're relocating to Bangladesh, chances are you'll be arriving with more than just a few suitcases and your passport - you'll have a full shipment of your belongings. Whether the shipment arrives with you or you have it shipped prior to or after your arrival, your goods are subject to shipping regulations.
Here are some of the customs regulations for people entering Bangladesh:
- CUSTOMER MUST BE IN BANGLADESH AT THE TIME OF CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
- Household goods and personal effects must arrive within six months of customer
- Personal effects, household goods and electronic/electrical goods for non-privileged shipments are subject to duty, tax and VAT
- Do not mix household goods and personal effects with commercial goods--office furniture, stationary and office machinery are considered commercial goods
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Different countries have different laws for importing items into the country through customs. Before you move, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the prohibited items in your destination country.
The following items are prohibited from entry into Bangladesh through customs and may be seized upon arrival:
- Firearms: hunting guns are permitted with proper and prior declaration
- Antiques, sterling silver and gold should be declared to facilitate re-export
RESTRICTED ITEMS
While the items on this list are not completely prohibited from entering the country through customs, there may be a tax or duty placed on them upon arrival, or other restrictions. The following items are dutiable and/or restricted:
- Beer
- Ethyl alcohol
- Alcoholic beverages (wine and spirits)
- Precious stones, jewelry and currency may only be imported as accompanied baggage and must be declared with customs at time of arrival
- Tobacco industrial substitutes
- Raw oil and oil products
- Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons
- Diesel fuel
- Engine oils
- Wild plant and vegetation will require special permission from the Ministry of Environment before being granted permission to enter the country.
- Pieces of art leaving the country need to be accompanied by a document from the ministry of culture authorizing export. The passenger must hold a photo of each piece of art. Passengers must pay a tax at the airport of approximately $10 per piece of art.
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you're relocating to Bangladesh, you may want to have a car with you in your new country. If you already own a car and are considering having it shipped to Bangladesh, you should pay close attention to the rules and regulations regarding motor vehicle shipments.
If you will be shipping your car to Bangladesh, the following guidelines and regulations will apply:
- Vehicles must be less than six (6) years old and right-hand drive
- Documents required are the same as for household goods with the addition of:
- Invoice
- Registration
- Ownership Certificate
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
You're welcome to bring your pet along with you when you relocate to Bangladesh, but first you should know the regulations for traveling with pets to Bangladesh, as well as what kind of documents you'll need to clear customs:
- Veterinary Certificate of Health (not more than seven days old)
- Rabies vaccination
- Prior permission from the Director of Live Stock from the Government of Bangladesh is required
- Letter of no objection from the Bangladesh government
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moves require much preparation and planning. In addition to securing the services of an international moving company to handle your shipment, packing your belongings and planning your moving budget, you must also consider the customs regulations in your destination country. These regulations often vary from country to country and are subject to change.
To help you prepare for your move, we've provided you with a few helpful links to learn more about the complicated international moving process: