Chittagong Hill Tracts NOC & Permit Guide
What to actually check before traveling to Bandarban, Rangamati, or Sajek Valley — permit requirements vary by area and change based on the security situation, so verify before you go.
Typical Cost
Usually free or a nominal fee at the district DC office — verify current requirements locally before traveling
Step-by-Step Guide
Check If You Actually Need One
Requirements vary a lot by exact destination. Main towns — Bandarban town, Rangamati town, Khagrachari town — generally don't require special permits for Bangladeshi nationals visiting just the town itself. Interior and remote areas do more often: parts of Sajek Valley beyond certain checkpoints, Thanchi, the Amiakhum trek route, and Boga Lake have all required registration or permits at various points. Foreign nationals should assume a permit is needed almost everywhere in the hill tracts, regardless of destination. Rules shift with the regional security situation, so treat anything you read — including this guide — as a starting point to verify, not a final answer.
Where to Apply
The Deputy Commissioner's (DC) office of the relevant district handles this — Bandarban DC office, Rangamati DC office, or Khagrachari DC office if you're heading to the Sajek area. For well-established tourist routes, many resorts and local guides can arrange registration on your behalf, which is often the simplest path if you're traveling independently and don't want to navigate government offices yourself.
What You'll Need
Bangladeshi nationals typically need a copy of their National ID. Foreign nationals generally need a passport copy, valid visa, and sometimes a written statement of purpose for the visit. Some routes require advance notice of several days rather than same-day processing — this is the single biggest reason people get caught out, so don't leave it to the last minute if you're headed somewhere remote.
Processing Time & Cost
For town visits, this is often same-day and free or low-cost. For interior treks — Amiakhum, deeper parts of Sajek — build in buffer time, ideally arranging things several days ahead rather than assuming you can sort it out on arrival.
On the Ground
Checkpoints exist along key routes — Baghaihat, for example, on the way to Sajek — where permits or registration get verified. Carry printed copies or clear photos on your phone, not just a verbal confirmation. If you're traveling with a local guide or through a resort for a well-trodden route, they'll usually handle this step for you, which is genuinely the easiest option for a first-time visitor to the region.
Why this matters more than it might seem
Getting turned back at a checkpoint isn’t just an inconvenience — it can derail an entire multi-day itinerary, especially for something like the Amiakhum trek where the whole trip is built around one destination. This is worth 20 minutes of research before you travel, not something to wing on arrival.
A genuine caution
Requirements here are tied to the regional security situation and can change without much public notice. This guide reflects the general pattern of how things work, not a guarantee of current rules. Before finalizing plans — especially for interior areas like Thanchi, Amiakhum, or deep Sajek — confirm directly with the relevant DC office, a local guide operating in that area, or your accommodation. Don’t rely solely on older blog posts or forum threads, including guides like this one, for exact current requirements.
Related trips
- Bandarban Trekking Guide — covers the Amiakhum trek this permit guide is most relevant to
- 3-Day Sajek Valley Budget Itinerary