The Bangladesh Bank has expanded the facility allowing resident Bangladeshis to purchase air tickets from foreign airlines operating in the country using international cards.
In a circular issued today (28 September), the central bank revised its earlier instructions issued on 19 November 2025, allowing eligible cardholders to buy tickets even when foreign airlines settle payments through established international acquiring and payment arrangements outside Bangladesh.
Under the revised rules, Bangladeshi residents with valid visas, where applicable, can use their international cards to purchase tickets for overseas travel.
Previously, the facility was available only when ticket-sale proceeds were settled through authorised dealer (AD) banks in Bangladesh. The revised arrangement removes that restriction for eligible transactions settled through foreign airlines’ existing international payment arrangements.
According to the circular, the facility will apply to 17 foreign airlines operating in Bangladesh. AD banks will identify eligible ticket purchases using the respective airlines’ Merchant Category Codes (MCCs).
Ticket purchases made under the facility will not be counted against the applicable travel entitlement.
After verifying an eligible transaction, banks may replenish the amount spent on the international card, subject to their existing arrangements with the cardholder.
Bangladesh Bank has also instructed AD banks to report the transactions through the prescribed reporting system.
Business insiders welcomed the move, saying the revised rules will make it easier for foreign airlines to sell tickets online without having to establish local acquiring arrangements to settle ticket-sale proceeds in Bangladesh.
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