Bangladesh customs rules for travellers

Duty-free allowances, gold limits, phone tax, cash rules and banned items for any route, with every number linked to its official source.

✅ Every number is labelled Official, Reported or Estimated, with its source and the date we checked it.

Duty-free allowance in Bangladesh

Bangladesh lists specific duty-free items (personal effects, one of several household electronics) instead of a single value limit. This figure is an estimate. ≈ Estimated

Fixed baggage duties vary by item. This combined rate is an estimate. ≈ Estimated

Status

Gold jewellerydeclareUp to 100 g of gold ornaments (or 200 g silver) duty-free once per calendar year, max 12 pieces of the same type. 🟣 Reported
Gold bars & coinsdeclareOne gold bar up to 10 tola (~117 g) per year on paying Tk 5,000 per tola. 🟣 Reported
Mobile phonesallowedOne new mobile phone per calendar year duty-free (BMET card holders abroad 6+ months: two). 🟣 Reported
Laptops & tabletsallowedA laptop is on the duty-free baggage list. ✅ Official
Other electronicsallowedNo special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
WatchesallowedNo special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Perfume & cosmeticsallowedNo special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Clothing & shoesallowedNo special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Gifts & other goodsallowedNo special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
AlcoholrestrictedForeign passport holders: 1 L of alcohol duty-free. Not for Bangladeshi Muslims. ✅ Official
Cigarettes & tobaccoallowedNo special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
E-cigarettes / vapesallowedNo special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Cash & currencyallowedNo special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
MedicinesrestrictedPersonal-use medicines are usually allowed with a prescription. Controlled medicines (strong painkillers, sedatives, ADHD drugs) may need prior approval. ≈ Estimated
Packaged food & sweetsallowedNo special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Meat, milk & dairyallowedNo special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Plants, seeds & fruitrestrictedPlants, seeds and fresh fruit usually need a phytosanitary certificate. Declare them. ≈ Estimated
DronesallowedNo special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Weapons & ammunitionrestrictedFirearms, ammunition and many knives need an import permit or licence issued in advance. ≈ Estimated
Narcotics & drugsprohibitedIllegal drugs are prohibited in practically every country. Penalties can include long prison sentences or worse. ≈ Estimated

⚖️ If you don't declare

  • Undeclared goods above the allowance can be confiscated, and you may pay the duty plus a penalty (often up to the value of the goods).
  • Undeclared cash over the limit can be seized until you prove where it came from.
  • Smuggling, prohibited items or large commercial quantities can lead to arrest and prosecution.
  • Illegal drugs carry very severe penalties in most countries, including long prison sentences.

≈ Estimated

Frequently asked questions

How much can I bring duty-free from to Bangladesh?

Bangladesh lists specific duty-free items (personal effects, one of several household electronics) instead of a single value limit. This figure is an estimate.

How much cash can I carry to Bangladesh?

No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply.

Can I pay customs duty online before travelling to Bangladesh?

There is no online pre-payment for Bangladesh at the moment. Declare at the red channel on arrival if you are over the allowance.

Popular routes

Sources

Last checked: 2026-11-09