Bangladesh lifts restrictions on cross-border travel to and from India

Bangladesh has lifted restrictions on cross-border travel to and from India today as Covid-19 scenario in the country and the region has improved.

The decision was taken based on recommendations from an inter-ministerial consultation held on September 14 at the foreign ministry.

The restrictions were in place since April 26 on cross-border movement of travelers through land ports.

People traveling to Bangladesh from India through land ports are no longer required to obtain No Objection Certificates (NOC) from Bangladesh missions abroad.

The regular immigration hours and days resumed at the currently operational six land ports -- Benapole, Akhaura, Sonamasjid, Hili, Darshana and Burimari -- for cross-border movement, according to a foreign ministry statement today.

In addition, five more land ports/land customs stations -- Sheola, Tamabil, Bhomra, Birol and Banglabandha -- will be opened from September 19.

The approved categories of foreign nationals allowed to travel to Bangladesh and the health-related protocol to be maintained during the cross-border movement through land ports are stipulated in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Security Services Division of the home ministry. The SOP is available on the website of SSD www.ssd.gov.bd. 

Bangladesh authorities will remain vigilant and continue the assessment of the overall impacts of the new decisions and review them, if necessary, it said.