Leaving Bangladesh: Dhaka Airport Departure Guide

Departing Bangladesh smoothly comes down to advance preparation and navigating terminal procedures efficiently. Most international travel from the country originates at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka. While the airport handles high daily passenger volumes across its international terminals, knowing what to expect—from traffic buffers to customs checks—ensures a stress-free departure.

What This Page Covers

Things to do before you leave your hotel
Dhaka Airport (DAC) departure procedure
Baggage & security tips
What to do with leftover Taka
Customs & Currency regulations
What if you have a problem at Dhaka Airport
Final departure checklist

Before You leave Your Hotel

Completing a few essential checks before leaving your hotel prevents last-minute stress at airport security and immigration.

Check Your Passport & Travel Documents

Passport Validity: Ensure your physical passport has at least 6 months of remaining validity and adequate blank pages for departure stamps.
Important Documents: Keep your physical passport, printed or digital ticket confirmation, photo ID, and boarding pass (if checked in online) in an easily accessible daypack.

Check Your Flight & Baggage Allowance

Baggage Restrictions: Double-check your airline's checked-baggage weight limits and carry-on size restrictions before packing.
Online Check-in: Complete online check-in early through your airline's app or website to secure your preferred seat and streamline the terminal check-in process.

Check Your Visa / Stay Status

Visa Expiry: Verify that your stay does not exceed your visa validity window.
Overstay Clearance: If you have overstayed your visa duration, allow extra time to settle any required clearance fees or administrative steps at immigration counters. If you have questions regarding extension rules or overstay fees, refer back to our Visa & Entry Rules guide.

Use or Exchange Remaining Bangladeshi Taka

Convert Cash: Convert your remaining Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) back into foreign currency (such as USD or EUR) at official exchange booths or bank counters before entering the departure terminal. For details on exchange limits and authorized banks, visit our Bangladesh Currency & Money Guide.
Keep Small Change: Retain a small amount of cash (1,000–2,000 BDT) to cover your final taxi/ride-hail fare, porter tips, or last-minute snacks.
Connectivity & Checkout: Ensure your phone or local eSIM has data access to monitor real-time traffic and flight status updates, and confirm all hotel incidentals are cleared before checking out.

How Early Should You Arrive at Dhaka Airport?

International Flights: Arriving 3 to 4 hours before your scheduled departure time is recommended. Official guidelines suggest arriving at least 4 hours ahead to handle potential terminal entry queues, baggage scanning, and immigration processing smoothly.
Traffic Factor: Dhaka’s road traffic is notoriously unpredictable. Always add an extra 1 to 2 hours of transit buffer when traveling from central or southern Dhaka to North Dhaka (Uttara) to avoid missing your flight.

Dhaka Airport Departure Process

Entering the Departure Terminal

Head to the 2nd-floor departure concourse of Terminal 1 or 2. Show your physical passport and printed flight ticket/booking to security officers at the entrance gates to be granted entry into the terminal. Free baggage trolleys are available right along the driveway drop-off curb.

Airline Check-in & Baggage Drop

Check the main display monitors inside to find your airline's counter. Present your passport to receive your physical boarding pass and drop off your checked luggage. If traveling on peak seasonal flights, check-in queues can take 45 to 60 minutes.

Departure Immigration

Proceed to the international departure immigration hall. Passport control officers will verify your passport, inspect your visa, and apply an exit stamp. Make sure your passport has been stamped before walking away from the counter.

Security Screening

Pass through the central hand-luggage screening point after immigration. Place laptops, power banks, liquids (under 100ml), metal items, and outerwear into separate trays for X-ray inspection. Expect a standard walk-through metal detector or manual body scan.

Departure Lounge & Boarding Gate

Once cleared, enter the main airside concourse where duty-free shops, currency exchanges, and airport lounges (such as the Balaka Lounge) are located. Gate numbers can change without loud public announcements; monitor the terminal screens closely and arrive at your designated gate at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure.

👉 Check Dhaka Airport Departure Guide

Baggage & Security Tips

Verify Airline Baggage Limits: Always double-check your ticket's exact weight allowance for both checked bags and cabin luggage. Allowances vary significantly between carriers operating at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC).
Pack Valuables in Carry-On: Keep your passport, travel insurance papers, cash, prescription medications, jewelry, and expensive electronics in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage.
Keep Power Banks out of Checked Bags: Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport strictly enforces safety guidelines prohibiting power banks, spare lithium batteries, and e-cigarettes in checked hold luggage. All portable power banks must be carried in your cabin baggage.
Observe Liquid Restrictions: Standard international security rules apply for carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols. Containers must be 100ml or smaller and packed inside a single clear, resealable plastic bag. Larger liquids must go into checked baggage.
Prepare for Security Trays: Be ready to separate laptops, tablets, power banks, and liquid bags into security trays. Shoes, belts, and outerwear must also be scanned through X-ray machines.
Double-check your airline's exact weight allowances and prohibited items. For a complete list of what to pack (and what to leave in carry-on), read our Travel Essentials guide.

Note: For a comprehensive list of restricted goods and airline-specific policies, refer to the official Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Baggage & Goods Regulations or contact your airline prior to departure.

What to Do With Leftover Taka Before Departure

Re-Exchange at DAC Airport: Convert remaining Taka back to foreign cash at airport currency exchange counters before passing through immigration (original encashment receipts required).
Spend Small Balances: Clear small remaining notes at duty-free shops or airport food stalls for snacks and souvenirs before departure.

Customs & Foreign Currency Before Departure

If you are carrying foreign currency or other items subject to declaration, check the latest Bangladesh Customs Requirements before departure. Customs regulations regarding foreign currency limits and restricted exports can update, so verifying directly ensures you remain fully compliant at airport checkpoints.

What If You Have a Problem at the Airport?

Flight Delays, Cancellations, or Rebooking: Visit your airline’s dedicated check-in counter or airport help desk inside the departure terminal. Always have your airline booking reference (PNR) and physical passport readily available.
Airport Assistance & Baggage Issues: For terminal-related concerns, lost items, or general guidance, approach the official airport information desks or contact the airport authorities directly.
Official HSIA Airport Hotline: Call 13600 (short code for local calls) or 09614-013600 to reach Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s 24/7 passenger assistance hotline.
Need broader airport details, transit options, or airlines guidelines? Check out our complete Flights to Bangladesh & Airport Guide.

Final Departure Checklist

☐ Passport
☐ Boarding pass
☐ Visa/status checked
☐ Flight time confirmed
☐ Baggage allowance checked
☐ Valuables in carry-on
☐ Power bank in carry-on
☐ Remaining Taka handled
☐ Hotel checked out
☐ Airport transport arranged
☐ Arrive early

Official Dhaka Airport Information

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