Written by Mrinal Haque
Bangladesh Bank has raised the annual foreign-exchange travel entitlement for Bangladeshi nationals travelling abroad to $18,000 from $12,000, giving travellers greater flexibility to meet legitimate overseas expenses.
Under a circular issued on September 6, authorised dealer (AD) banks can now release up to $18,000, or its equivalent in other currencies, to an adult Bangladeshi resident for overseas travel during a calendar year.
The revised ceiling is $6,000, or 50 per cent, higher than the previous limit. The central bank said the move was aimed at meeting genuine foreign-exchange needs amid changing international travel patterns.
The annual entitlement for children below 12 years will remain at 50 per cent of the adult limit.
The higher quota, however, does not mean travellers can take more cash dollars. Bangladesh Bank has retained the existing ceiling of $5,000 per person for US dollar notes, within the overall annual travel entitlement.
The enhanced facility will cover permissible overseas travel expenses, including tourism and family visits, subject to existing foreign-exchange regulations.
