Bangladesh to Meghalaya Overland via the Dawki–Tamabil Border
Quick take: The Tamabil (Bangladesh) – Dawki (India) crossing, about 55 km from Sylhet, is the most direct way overland from Bangladesh into Northeast India. Since 10 August 2026, Dawki is an authorised e-Visa entry point, so most visitors no longer need a paper visa from an Indian mission. From Dawki it's about 80 km to Shillong and around 180 km to Guwahati. Meghalaya and Assam need no extra permit for foreign visitors.
Before you go
- Indian visa: apply for an e-Visa online and choose Dawki as your port of entry, or use a regular visa. Check that your e-Visa category allows land entry at Dawki.
- Bangladesh exit: you'll pay Bangladesh's exit travel tax for land crossings; check the current amount and where to pay before you reach Tamabil.
- Opening hours: the land port keeps daytime hours only. Arrive in the morning; leave plenty of time, as the formalities can be slow.
- Money: change some taka to rupees in Sylhet or at the border, enough for the ride on to Shillong. ATMs are easier to find in Shillong.
Check the latest rules before you travel. Land-border rules change, and the Dawki e-Visa entry is new.
At the border
- Bangladesh immigration and customs at Tamabil.
- Walk across to the Indian side at Dawki.
- Indian immigration and customs: passport, visa (or e-Visa approval), and the address of your first night's stay.
From the Indian side, shared and private taxis go to Dawki town and on to Shillong.
Dawki before you go on
You arrive at one of Meghalaya's best spots, so don't rush off. The Umngot river at Dawki is famously clear from about November to April, with boat rides on the river. Mawlynnong, the "cleanest village", and its living root bridge are a short drive away. Our Dawki boat ride guide and when the Umngot is clearest have the details.
Onward to Shillong and Guwahati
- Dawki to Shillong: about 80 km, 2.5–3 hours on a winding hill road. Shared taxis run in the day; a private taxi is easier with luggage.
- Shillong to Guwahati: 100 km, 3–4 hours. Guwahati has the airport and the trains, and our pickup is there.
All distances are on our distances from Guwahati page.
Renting a vehicle for the rest of the trip
Our pickup is in Guwahati, so the usual plan is: take a taxi from Dawki to Shillong and on to Guwahati, then rent a vehicle there for the rest of the trip. Some travellers do it the other way: arrive in Guwahati, rent a car or bike, and ride the Guwahati to Dawki route themselves, then come back.
| Vehicle | Per day |
|---|---|
| Yamaha RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid Street Rally | ₹799 (about US$9) |
| Yamaha FZ-S FI V2 | ₹999 (about US$11) |
| Suzuki Ertiga 7-seater | ₹2,799 (about US$32) |
To rent, bring your passport and visa, your home licence and an International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention format). More in renting as a foreign visitor. Rental vehicles can't be taken across the border into Bangladesh.
FAQs
Can I enter India at Dawki on an e-Visa? Yes, since 10 August 2026 Dawki is an authorised e-Visa entry point. Check that your e-Visa category allows entry at a land port.
How far is Dawki from Shillong and Guwahati? About 80 km to Shillong (2.5–3 hours) and around 180 km to Guwahati.
Do I need a permit for Meghalaya? No. Meghalaya and Assam need no extra permit for foreign visitors.
Can I take a rented vehicle into Bangladesh? No. Our rentals can go anywhere in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, but not across the international border.
Contact / Book
Coming in from Bangladesh? Message us on WhatsApp with your dates, and we'll have a vehicle ready when you reach Guwahati.
