Dawki Tamabil India Bangladesh Border Crossing
Border Crossing From India to Bangladesh by Land
Opening Hours
Wait Time & Traffic
Average Wait:
- Pedestrians: 1-2 hours for complete crossing
- Vehicles: 3-5 hours due to severe congestion
- Peak processing times: 30-45 minutes per office
Peak Times:
- Morning rush: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Afternoon congestion: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Weekend tourist influx creates additional delays
- Truck traffic heaviest during weekdays
Express Options:
- Currently no fast-track programs available
- VIP or diplomatic channels for official travelers
- Early morning arrival recommended (before 9:30 AM)
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing: Available (Indian and Bangladeshi offices)
Customs Processing: Available (Separate customs offices on both sides)
Health Screening: Limited (Basic facilities available if required)
Services:
- Restrooms: Basic facilities available
- Food: Limited local vendors and small eateries
- Currency Exchange: Limited options, plan accordingly
- Parking: Very limited and congested
- Waiting Areas: Air-conditioned waiting room on Indian side
Accessibility:
- Limited wheelchair access due to terrain
- Uneven surfaces and muddy conditions during rain
- No specialised facilities for disabled travellers
Official Resources
India Border Authority:
- Website: https://www.bsf.nic.in
- Contact: BSF Meghalaya Frontier
- Emergency: Local BSF post contact
Bangladesh Border Authority:
- Website: https://www.bgb.gov.bd
- Contact: BGB Sylhet Sector
- Immigration: https://www.immigration.gov.bd
Travel Advisories:
- Indian Government: https://www.mea.gov.in
- Bangladesh Government: https://mofa.gov.bd
- Embassy contacts for emergency assistance
Overview
The Dawki/Tamabil border crossing stands as one of the most unique and accessible international borders between India and Bangladesh. Located in Meghalaya’s scenic West Jaintia Hills district, this crossing connects to Bangladesh’s Sylhet region and serves as a vital trade route for construction materials, coal, limestone, and boulder stones. What makes this border particularly fascinating is its remarkably simple demarcation – just a small concrete block marked with “1275” separating two nations, creating an unexpectedly casual atmosphere for an international boundary.
The crossing is renowned for its proximity to the crystal-clear Umngot River, often called “Asia’s cleanest river,” where boats appear to float on air due to the transparent waters. This natural wonder, combined with the unique border experience, attracts numerous tourists and road-trippers. However, visitors should be prepared for significant traffic congestion, as the single narrow road serving the area becomes heavily bottlenecked with trucks and tourist vehicles. The border offers an authentic glimpse into cross-border life, with friendly interactions between locals on both sides and small-scale trade activities. The Indian side maintains army personnel for security, while the atmosphere remains surprisingly relaxed and welcoming for tourists seeking to experience this distinctive international boundary.
Document Requirements
- Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
- Indian visa (multiple-entry recommended)
- Bangladeshi visa or Visa on Arrival eligibility ($51-52 USD)
- Letter of invitation for Bangladesh
- Proof of onward travel from Bangladesh
- Hotel reservations or accommodation proof
- Photocopies of all documents
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Valid Bangladeshi passport
- Indian visa (if traveling beyond border areas)
- Letter of invitation (if applicable)
- Proof of address in Bangladesh
- Valid Indian passport or voter ID card
- Aadhaar card (recommended)
- Any government-issued photo identification
- Border area permit (if required by local authorities)
Crossing Procedure
From India Side
- Proceed to the Indian immigration counter at the farthest gate
- Present passport and visa documents for verification
- Wait in the air-conditioned waiting room if required
- Submit to luggage scanning at security checkpoint
- Complete exit formalities with two sets of immigration officers
- Process through customs declaration
- Board complimentary shuttle to Bangladesh entry point
From Bangladesh Side
- Visit first office for Indian visa and passport verification and photocopying
- Proceed to customs office for personal details registration in logbook
- Complete visa processing at third office with required forms
- Pay visa fee ($51-52 USD) with exact change preferred
- Receive entry stamp (specify duration carefully)
- Final clearance and welcome to Bangladesh
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports:
- Special permits required for vehicle crossing
- Temporary import/export documentation needed
- Insurance coverage verification mandatory
- Customs duty calculations apply
Goods Allowances:
- Personal effects: Standard duty-free limits
- Gifts and souvenirs: Up to specified value limits
- Food items: Restrictions on certain perishables
- Currency: Declaration required for amounts over limits
Prohibited Items:
- Weapons and ammunition
- Narcotics and controlled substances
- Certain electronic equipment without permits
- Religious materials that may cause offense
- Beef products (cultural sensitivity)
Currency Restrictions:
- Indian Rupees: Limited amounts allowed
- US Dollars: Declaration required over $5,000
- Bangladeshi Taka: Local currency exchange recommended
Known Issues:
- Severe traffic congestion on single access road
- Weather-related delays during monsoon
- Limited banking and ATM facilities
- Inconsistent immigration procedures
Accommodations
Hotels and Restaurants near Border India:
- Lamin Guesthouse (basic accommodation, no wifi/phone signal)
- Various lodges in Dawki offering basic amenities
- Local restaurants serving regional cuisine
- Limited vegetarian options available
Hotels and Restaurants near Border Bangladesh:
- Basic guesthouses in Tamabil area
- Local Bangladeshi restaurants
- Limited international cuisine options
- Budget-friendly accommodation available
Better Options Nearby:
- Shillong (80 km): Wide range of hotels and restaurants
- Cherrapunji (60 km): Tourist accommodations and eateries
- Mawlynnong Village (25 km): Eco-tourism homestays
- Jowai (45 km): District headquarters with better facilities
Public Review Sentiments
Based on total reviews found online, the Dawki/Tamabil border crossing receives mixed but generally positive feedback from travelers. Positive aspects consistently highlighted include the unique experience of standing at an international border, the friendly and courteous behavior of BSF personnel, and the fascinating opportunity to interact with Bangladeshi locals across the border. Many visitors appreciate the scenic beauty of the surrounding area and describe it as a must-visit tourist spot when in Dawki.
However, critical concerns emerge regarding practical challenges. Travelers frequently mention severe traffic congestion and lack of adequate parking facilities. Restrictions on carrying bags and limited facilities are common complaints. Some visitors express frustration with the deteriorating diplomatic relations between the countries affecting the border atmosphere. The absence of proper tourist amenities and infrastructure limitations are recurring themes. Despite these challenges, most reviewers acknowledge the border’s historical significance and recommend it as an educational and memorable experience, though they advise visitors to plan accordingly for the logistical difficulties and arrive early to avoid peak congestion periods.