What NRBs Should Know Before Flying Into Dhaka This Year (G)

Every year, millions of Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) fly into Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka. Many of them hit long immigration lines, customs confusion, lost bags, and no trusted ride waiting outside.

That is why many returning NRBs now book airport assistance in Dhaka before their flight. A trained agent meets you at the gate, guides you through immigration, helps with baggage, and stays with you until you are in your vehicle. But before we get to that, here is what you need to know from the start.

What to Have Ready Before You Land

Most common issues at HSIA immigration are that passengers do not have the correct documents or they do not have all the documents. Prepare these before you board.

• Your passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of your arrival.
• Your disembarkation card: Fill this out on the plane. Use your Dhaka address (not your overseas address).
• No Visa Required seal (if applicable): NRBs with foreign passports and No Visa Required endorsement from the Bangladesh mission in the country of residence should submit it at the foreign nationals counter.
• Currency declaration: If you are carrying more than USD 5,000 in cash, you must declare it at the Red Channel customs counter. Failure to declare it is treated as a customs violation under Bangladesh law.

If you hold a Bangladesh passport, you will go to the national counter. If you hold a foreign passport with Bangladeshi origin, you will go to the foreign nationals counter. Bangladesh e-passport holders can use one of the three arrival e-gates, which finish immigration in about 18 seconds.

Gold, Gifts, and Customs: Know Your Limits

The NBR changed their baggage rules in July 2025. NRBs can now import up to 100 grams of gold jewelry duty-free, once annually. One new mobile phone and one laptop can also be brought duty-free. The items on these limits should be declared at the Red Channel.

It’s at the customs desk, which is beyond the baggage claim. When there are items in your bag within the limits, proceed through the Green Channel. Dutiable articles, items of gold above 100 grams, and commercial products – leave the Red Channel and complete a declaration form.

Please don’t skip this step. All bags are scanned by customs officers, including the Green Channel bags.

The Dhaka Airport Baggage and Customs Guide helps you to know all the existing NBR rules with precise limits and sources.

Getting Out of the Airport Without Hassle

The arrivals depart from HSIA to a public hall where people who are touts, drivers, and well-meaning strangers all come together. When you have a confirmed ride or a trained agent waiting for you, this experience is completely different.

If no one is waiting for you, then use the Uber app to reserve a ride before heading outside! The fare to Gulshan, Banani, or Baridhara is usually BDT 300 to BDT 600 depending on the traffic.

CNG auto-rickshaws are less expensive but can’t accommodate large luggage. Private transfer with pre-booking takes you directly to your door from inside the terminal.

Never accept a ride from someone you don’t know in the arrivals area. This is the most frequent cause for overcharging of NRB returns.

If Something Goes Wrong at Baggage Claim

If your bag is not located on the belt, do not leave the customs hall. Head to the property irregularity counter at your airline’s property counter and complete a PIR prior to leaving. Without a report, it will be near impossible to get any compensation after leaving the airport.

The HSIA Lost and Found section is in Room 15, Ground Floor, South Corner. The contact number is +880 1777715535. The 24-hour number of the HSIA call center is 13600. Always carry baggage claim ticket and boarding pass in terminal.

One Thing That Makes Every Step Easier

Most NRBs say the hardest part of flying into Dhaka is not knowing what comes next. A Meet and Assist agent removes that uncertainty from the moment you land.

Global Airport Assisting Services (GLAAS) has been providing services since 2008 at HSIA, and has received approval from CAAB.

A GLAAS agent greets you at the gate, ushers you through the proper immigration counter, assists with luggage collection, directs you to the proper customs line and remains with you until you reach your car.

Standard service starts from BDT 500 per person. Book at globalair.com.bd, or call +880 9647 222 888.

Coming home should feel like coming home. Getting the airport part right is how that starts.