Sundarban Visitor Policy

Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD) · UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Sundarbans is the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spanning over 10,000 km² between Bangladesh and India. It is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, estuarine crocodiles, river dolphins, and over 290 species of birds. As a protected forest area, all visitors are required to follow the regulations set by the Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD) before and during their visit.

1. When to Visit the Sundarbans

The Sundarbans is a year-round destination, but the forest and protected sanctuaries are closed to all visitors during the monsoon months.

2. Entry Permits & Required Documents

The Sundarbans is a protected forest. All visitors — local and international — must obtain an official entry permit from the Bangladesh Forest Department before entering the forest or spending nights aboard a vessel inside the protected area.

2.1 How to Obtain a Permit

• For multi-day trips: Submit a written application to the Divisional Forest Office (DFO), Khulna, in advance.
• For day trips: Obtain permission from the relevant forest station or range office at the entry point.
• Through a tour operator: Most licensed boat operators manage the full permit and fee payment process on behalf of their passengers — confirm this before booking.
• Solo travelers must obtain their own permit from the Forest Department.

2.2 Required Documents

3. Government Entry Fees

All fees are set and collected by the Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD). Fees must be paid in cash at the relevant forest station or range office. A 15% VAT is applicable on all entry fees listed below.

3.1 Karamjal Eco-Tourism Center

No prior permission is required to visit Karamjal. Entry fees are paid on arrival at the site.

3.2 General Forest Areas (Outside Sanctuaries)

Applicable to areas such as Harbaria, Kalagachia, and other non-sanctuary zones within the Reserved Forest. Permit required.

3.3 Inside Wildlife Sanctuaries

Applicable to all three UNESCO World Heritage wildlife sanctuaries: Sundarbans East, West, and South. Advance written permission from Khulna DFO is required.

3.4 Additional Fees

4. Prohibited Activities — What Is Illegal in the Sundarbans

The Sundarbans is protected under the Bangladesh Wildlife (Preservation) (Amendment) Act, 1974 and the Forest Act, 1927. Violations are serious criminal offences and carry legal penalties including fines and imprisonment. The following activities are strictly prohibited for all visitors:

4.1 Wildlife & Nature

• Hunting, poaching, trapping, or harming any animal — including the Royal Bengal Tiger, deer, crocodiles, dolphins, and any bird species
• Fishing inside protected sanctuary zones without an authorized fishing license
• Feeding wild animals — do not attempt to attract or bait any wildlife
• Provoking, chasing, or disturbing animals in any way
• Cutting, damaging, or removing any plant, tree, mangrove root, or vegetation
• Collecting or taking away any natural materials — soil, shells, seeds, or forest produce

4.2 Fire & Smoking

• Lighting fires or open flames of any kind inside the protected forest
• Smoking cigarettes, bidi, or any tobacco product within the forest area — discarded cigarette butts are a leading cause of forest fires
• Using fireworks, sparklers, or any pyrotechnics
• Burning waste or vegetation in or near the forest

4.3 Noise & Disturbance

• Playing loud music, using speakers, transistors, stereos, or playing high-volume audio from boats
• Shouting, loud singing, or making unnecessary noise that disturbs wildlife
• Sounding boat horns unnecessarily inside the protected area
• Hosting parties, DJ events, or entertainment that causes noise or light pollution

4.4 Movement & Access

• Entering the forest before 7:00 AM or after 4:00 PM (sunset)
• Night movement or overnight anchoring inside the core protected zones without authorization
• Disembarking from boats or walking on land inside core sanctuary zones
• Entering restricted or core wildlife zones without explicit written permission
• Moving outside designated tourist routes or zones without authorization
• Entering the forest during the monsoon closure period (June–August)

4.5 Weapons & Dangerous Items

• Carrying guns, firearms, bows, arrows, or any weapon of any kind
• Carrying crackers, explosives, or flammable materials
• Bringing any tool or equipment that could be used for hunting or trapping

4.6 Waste & Pollution

• Littering — throwing plastic bags, bottles, wrappers, food packaging, or any waste into rivers or the forest
• Discarding fruit peels, food scraps, or organic waste in the protected area
• Disposing of waste water, sewage, or chemicals from boats into waterways
• Using single-use plastics inside the forest

4.7 Other Prohibitions

• Bringing pets or domestic animals into the protected forest
• Cooking inside lodges or on the forest floor in unauthorized locations
• Using drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) inside the Sundarbans without special government permission
• Bathing in the river water inside the forest
• Speeding — vessel speed must not exceed safe limits; boat operators are responsible for compliance
• Entering without a permit or falsifying documents
• Construction of any structure within 10 km of the Sundarbans boundary without environmental clearance

5. Contact Authorities