Bangladesh Bank increases annual travel quota to $18,000

Bangladesh Bank has raised the annual foreign exchange travel entitlement for Bangladeshi nationals travelling abroad to USD 18,000, up from the previous limit of USD 12,000, in a move aimed at meeting genuine foreign exchange requirements for overseas travel.

The central bank issued a circular on Sunday revising the existing travel entitlement for adult Bangladeshi nationals residing in Bangladesh.

Under the revised rules, Authorized Dealers (ADs) can release foreign exchange of up to USD 18,000, or its equivalent, to an adult Bangladeshi national for overseas travel during a calendar year. The new ceiling represents an increase of USD 6,000, or 50%, from the previous limit.

Bangladesh Bank said the decision was made to facilitate legitimate foreign exchange needs related to overseas travel and to reflect the evolving requirements of international travellers.

The enhanced entitlement will apply on a calendar-year basis. For minors below the age of 12, the existing provision will remain unchanged, with their entitlement capped at 50% of the amount available to adults.

However, the central bank has retained the existing restriction on foreign exchange released in the form of US dollar notes. Cash dollar withdrawals will continue to be limited to USD 5,000 per person, within the applicable annual travel entitlement.

The increase is expected to give Bangladeshi travellers greater flexibility in covering legitimate overseas expenses, including tourism, family visits and other permitted travel-related purposes.