Saint Martin’s Island reopens on 1 November with a higher visitor cap, the Sundarbans season is in full swing, and Bangladesh has new online arrival cards — your complete guide to visiting Bangladesh this winter.
Last updated: · By MDH Holidays inbound tours desk
Quick answer: why visit Bangladesh this winter
November to March is Bangladesh’s best travel season: dry, mild and festival-filled. This year brings a longer Saint Martin’s Island season, an open Sundarbans and easier digital arrival paperwork for foreign visitors. Book island and mangrove trips early, as daily caps and permits apply.
- Saint Martin’s Island: Open 1 November 2026 to 15 March 2027, with an average cap of 3,500 visitors a day and a Tk 100 conservation fee.
- Overnight stays on the island: Not allowed in November; permitted from December.
- Sundarbans: Reopened on 1 September 2026 after the three-month breeding-season closure, with 14 designated tourist spots.
- Entry: Eligible nationalities can get a 30-day visa on arrival for US$50 at Dhaka airport; Bangladesh has no fully online e-visa yet.
- New: Foreign travellers can fill in arrival and departure cards online since 19 August 2026.
Ready to explore? See our inbound holiday packages in Bangladesh or ask MDH Holidays for a custom itinerary.
1Saint Martin’s Island reopens on 1 November with a longer season
Bangladesh’s only coral island opens to tourists from 1 November 2026 to 15 March 2027, 15 days longer than last season. The daily cap rises to an average of 3,500 visitors, up from 2,000, and each visitor pays a Tk 100 environmental conservation fee (The Business Standard).
Overnight stays are prohibited in November and allowed from December. Tourist ships leave only from Nuniachhara jetty in Cox’s Bazar, and you need an online registration or a QR-coded travel pass. Single-use plastics, night beach lights, loud music, barbecues and motor vehicles are restricted.
2The Sundarbans is open: peak mangrove season begins
The world’s largest mangrove forest reopened on 1 September 2026 after its annual three-month closure for wildlife breeding. Within six days, 36 tourist launches carried 2,520 visitors, and popular spots include Karamjal, Katka, Kochikhali, Jamtala and Andharmanik (Dhaka Tribune).
3Ride a century-old Rocket Steamer down the rivers
Bangladesh’s famous paddle steamers are back in heritage service. The century-old PS Mahsud was relaunched in November 2025 as a weekly “heritage cruise” on the Dhaka–Barishal route, leaving Sadarghat at 8am on Fridays and returning the next day (The Daily Star).
4Entry rules for foreign visitors in 2026
Citizens of eligible countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, most of Europe, Japan, China and the Gulf states, can get a 30-day single-entry visa on arrival at Dhaka airport for US$50. You need proof of at least US$500 in cash or a credit card, and pre-registration is available online. Issuance is at the officer’s discretion. There is still no e-visa issued fully online; other travellers apply through a Bangladesh mission (Luxury Bangladesh).
Since 19 August 2026, foreign passport holders can complete the arrival and departure cards online through the Special Branch portal, and paper cards are still accepted (VisasNews). Foreign nationals of Bangladeshi origin, and their spouses and children, can apply for a No Visa Required (NVR) endorsement for multiple entries.
5Who is visiting Bangladesh?
Bangladesh welcomed 585,145 foreign visitors in 2025, down 7.6% on 2024, mainly because Indian arrivals fell 26.1%. Most Western markets grew: the UK sent 113,288 visitors, the US 108,182, Canada 33,094 and Australia 31,182. The US lowered its travel advisory for Bangladesh to Level 2 on 31 July 2026, and tour operators report improving enquiries for the October–March peak season (The Business Standard).
6Where to go: a winter planner for first-time visitors
| Destination | Best months | Highlights | Tour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka and Old Dhaka | Nov–Mar | Sadarghat river port, Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, street food | Dhaka City Tour, from $90 |
| Sundarbans | Nov–Feb | Mangrove forest, tigers, deer, birdlife | Bangladesh Odyssey, from $500 |
| Bagerhat and Paharpur | Nov–Mar | UNESCO mosque city and Buddhist monastery ruins | Bangladesh Odyssey, from $500 |
| Bogra, Rajshahi and Tangail | Nov–Feb | Mahasthangarh, Puthia temples, handloom villages | Heritage Trail, from $999 |
| Cox’s Bazar and Saint Martin’s | Nov–Mar | Long sandy beach, coral island, sunsets | Custom tour on request |
Frequently asked questions
When does Saint Martin’s Island open for tourists in 2026?
It opens on 1 November 2026 and stays open until 15 March 2027. Overnight stays are not allowed in November but are permitted from December.
How many tourists can visit Saint Martin’s Island per day?
An average of 3,500 visitors a day for the 2026–27 season, up from 2,000. Each visitor pays a Tk 100 conservation fee and needs a QR-coded travel pass.
Is the Sundarbans open to tourists now?
Yes. It reopened on 1 September 2026 after the annual three-month closure. November to February is the most comfortable time to visit.
Can foreigners get a visa on arrival in Bangladesh?
Citizens of eligible countries can get a 30-day single-entry visa on arrival at Dhaka airport for US$50, with proof of at least US$500 in funds. Issuance is at the officer’s discretion.
Does Bangladesh have an e-visa?
Not yet. An electronic visa system is planned under Visa Policy 2026, but visas are still issued at missions or on arrival.
What is the best time to visit Bangladesh?
November to March, when the weather is dry and mild, the Sundarbans and Saint Martin’s Island are open, and festivals such as Victory Day on 16 December take place.