Updated for 2025
Bandarban Permit Guide
Which areas need permits, exactly how much they cost, where to get them, and what documents you must carry.
Foreign nationals — read this first
Non-Bangladeshi visitors need prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs before entering restricted hill tract areas. This takes 2–3 weeks. Apply through your tour operator or directly at the Ministry office in Dhaka. Do not travel without this clearance.
Permit Requirements by Destination
Tap any destination for full details
Nilgiri
Easy to arrangeIssuing Authority
Bangladesh Army
Cost
Included in accommodation
Documents Required
- ✓ National ID (NID)
- ✓ Booking confirmation
How to Get It
Book Nilgiri Tourism directly by phone or through a tour operator. Permit is processed at the army camp.
⚠️ Foreigners must have prior approval from Ministry of Home Affairs.
Boga Lake
Moderate to arrangeIssuing Authority
Ruma Upazila Office
Cost
৳100–200 per person
Documents Required
- ✓ National ID (NID)
- ✓ Filled permit form (available at office)
How to Get It
Get permit from Ruma Upazila office or Ruma Tourist Police. Takes 30 minutes. Can also be arranged in Bandarban town the day before.
⚠️ A local guide is strongly recommended. Solo trekking to Boga Lake is not advised.
Nafakhum Waterfall
Requires planningIssuing Authority
Thanchi Upazila Office
Cost
৳100–300 per person
Documents Required
- ✓ National ID (NID)
- ✓ Group list with all member names
- ✓ Filled permit form
How to Get It
Get permit from Thanchi Upazila office after arriving in Thanchi by boat from Ruma. Show permit at all army checkpoints along the river route.
⚠️ Minimum group size of 2 people recommended. A registered local guide is mandatory for this route.
Remakri
Requires planningIssuing Authority
Thanchi Upazila Office
Cost
Covered under Nafakhum permit
Documents Required
- ✓ National ID (NID)
- ✓ Group list
How to Get It
Same permit as Nafakhum covers Remakri. Arrive in Thanchi, get permit, then travel by boat to Remakri.
⚠️ Remakri is a 2-day trip minimum from Thanchi. Plan accommodation in advance.
Chimbuk Hill
Easiest accessIssuing Authority
Army Checkpoint (informal)
Cost
Free
Documents Required
- ✓ National ID (NID) — just for checkpoint
How to Get It
No formal permit required. You will pass army checkpoints — keep your NID ready. Jeep ride from Bandarban town takes about 2 hours.
⚠️ Some army checkpoints may ask you to register your name and phone number. This is normal.
Amiakhum
Advanced — plan carefullyIssuing Authority
Thanchi Upazila Office
Cost
৳200–400 per person
Documents Required
- ✓ National ID (NID)
- ✓ Group list
- ✓ Guide agreement letter
How to Get It
One of the most restricted routes. Permit from Thanchi Upazila. Local guide from Remakri area mandatory. 3-4 day expedition.
⚠️ This is an advanced trek. Not suitable for first-time trekkers. Only attempt with experienced local guide.
Keokradong Peak
Hard trekIssuing Authority
Boga Lake checkpoint / Army
Cost
৳150–300 per person
Documents Required
- ✓ National ID (NID)
- ✓ Ruma permit
- ✓ Group list
How to Get It
Route goes through Boga Lake — get Ruma Upazila permit first. Additional checkpoint near Keokradong may issue separate clearance.
⚠️ Second highest peak in Bangladesh. 2-day trek from Boga Lake. Camping gear required.
Where to Get Your Permit
4 offices issue permits for different areas
DC Office, Bandarban
Main district authority. Issues general permits and foreign national clearances.
🕐 Sun–Thu: 9am–4pm
📍 Bandarban Sadar, near the district headquarters
💡 Go early — the office can be busy. Bring photocopies of your NID.
Tourist Police Office, Bandarban
Issues permits for most tourist areas. Faster than DC office for common routes.
🕐 Daily: 8am–5pm
📍 Near Bandarban Bus Terminal
💡 Most reliable single stop for Bangladeshi nationals doing Nilgiri or Chimbuk.
Ruma Upazila Office
Issues permits for Boga Lake, Keokradong and surrounding areas.
🕐 Sun–Thu: 9am–3pm
📍 Ruma Bazaar, 30km from Bandarban town
💡 Travel to Ruma by bus or CNG first, then get permit before starting trek.
Thanchi Upazila Office
Issues permits for Nafakhum, Remakri, Amiakhum and deep jungle routes.
🕐 Sun–Thu: 9am–3pm
📍 Thanchi, accessible by boat from Ruma
💡 Get here as early as possible — permits are processed same day but take time.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Permit
Decide your destination and check if it needs a permit (see table above)
Make a list of all group members with NID numbers
Go to the correct office in the morning (before 12pm ideally)
Fill the permit form — available at the office, free of charge
Pay the fee (cash only — bring exact change)
Receive permit — usually same day within 30–60 minutes
Keep permit and all NIDs accessible — army checkpoints will ask to see them
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