Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) can feel chaotic on a first visit. Here is what happens from the plane to your hotel — immigration, customs, SIM, money and transport — so you know what to expect.
Have your visa or visa-on-arrival pre-application ready, keep US dollars in cash for the VOA fee, declare foreign cash above US$5,000, buy a SIM inside the arrivals area (passport + fingerprint), change a little money, and use a pre-booked pickup or ride-hailing app to reach the city. Allow extra time — Dhaka traffic is heavy.
I last checked these details in October 2026 against official and news sources. Bangladesh's visa, airport and customs rules change often. Always confirm with the official source (Bangladesh embassy, immigration or customs) before you travel. This is general travel information, not legal advice.
International flights currently use the older terminals. The new Terminal 3 building has had a soft opening, but as of September 2026 it was not yet operational; officials said partial operations were expected from 16 December 2026, with full operation in 2027. Check your airline's information before you fly.
If you already have a visa or a No Visa Required (NVR) endorsement, go to the normal immigration queue. If you are eligible for visa on arrival, you can pre-apply online on the Special Branch VOA portal and bring the acknowledgement. The VOA fee is US$50 plus tax, paid in cash. Approval is at the officer's discretion, and the US Embassy recommends getting a visa in advance. Bangladesh also launched an optional online arrival card in August 2026; paper forms are still available.
Collect your bags and go through customs. Use the green channel only if you have nothing to declare. Foreign currency above US$5,000 (or equivalent) must be declared on arrival. If you are bringing gold, phones or other goods, see my NRB visiting guide for the baggage rules.
Mobile operators have counters in the arrivals area. Foreigners need their passport and a fingerprint scan for biometric registration. The main operators are Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink and Teletalk. If your phone supports eSIM, you can buy an international eSIM before you fly. More in my money and SIM guide.
Change a small amount at the airport for your first day; rates in the city can be better. ATMs are available. Keep some small notes for tips and small purchases.
Traffic in Dhaka is heavy. A trip to Gulshan or Banani can be quick at night but much longer at rush hour.
I'm a Dhaka-based personal shopper and local helper. Through my travel concierge service I can arrange airport pickup, help with hotels and transport, find a guide, and shop with you or for you. If you can't come at all, I can buy things in Bangladesh and ship them to you. Message me before your trip with your dates and what you need.
Travel concierge · Visit Bangladesh safely · Visa guide · Money & SIM · 7–10 day itinerary · Dhaka shopping · Cox's Bazar · Sundarbans · Sylhet & Srimangal · Visiting home as an NRB
International flights currently use the older terminals. Terminal 3 had a soft opening but was not yet operational as of September 2026; partial operations were expected from 16 December 2026. Check with your airline.
Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, Australia and European countries, can apply. The fee is 50 US dollars plus tax in cash, stays are up to 30 days, and approval is discretionary. You can pre-apply online on the Special Branch VOA portal.
Go to an operator counter in the arrivals area with your passport. Foreigners must register with a fingerprint scan.
Yes, if you bring more than 5,000 US dollars or the equivalent in foreign currency.
A pre-booked pickup is easiest, especially at night. Uber and Pathao also operate in Dhaka.
Last updated: 6 October 2026. Written by Nazrul Islam, personal shopper in Dhaka.
Send your flight number and hotel. I'll arrange a driver who waits with your name.