Planning a trip to the land of rivers, royal Bengal tigers, and the world's longest sea beach? Indian passport holders need a tourist visa for Bangladesh — but the best part is that the government visa fee is completely free (₹0) under the India-Bangladesh bilateral agreement. You only pay a service charge of ₹825 and processing takes just 5–10 working days. You fill the form online at visa.gov.bd, then submit documents in person at a visa centre. This guide covers everything you need to get your Bangladesh tourist visa approved, plus what Indian tourists love about this vibrant neighbour.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa Required | Yes |
| Cheapest Option | Free govt fee + ₹825 service charge |
| Processing Time | Typically 5–10 working days |
| Max Stay (Tourist) | 30 days (extendable) |
| Visa on Arrival | No — apply in advance |
| Insurance Required | Recommended (not mandatory) |
| Best Time to Apply | 3–4 weeks before travel |
| Official Portal | visa.gov.bd |
Before you start your Bangladesh tourist visa application, make sure you have these essentials ready:
Bangladesh is one of India's most underrated travel neighbours — and here is why it deserves a spot on your list.
Rupee-friendly paradise. With 1 INR ≈ 1.29 BDT, your money goes a long way. A hearty meal costs ₹100–₹200, and a decent hotel room starts at ₹800 a night. You can explore this country for a week on the budget of a weekend in many other destinations.
Cultural and historical connections that resonate. From the shared heritage of the Bengal region to the language movement that echoes India's own story, Bangladesh offers Indian travellers a deep sense of familiarity wrapped in a distinctly different experience. The Sundarbans — the world's largest mangrove forest and home of the Royal Bengal Tiger — is shared with India, offering a unique cross-border nature experience.
Visa simplicity is a standout. A free government fee, a single online form, and a straightforward submission at a visa centre make the Bangladesh tourist visa one of the easiest to obtain. No embassy wait, no complex paperwork.
Hospitality towards Indian visitors is warm and genuine. Bangladeshis are known for their hospitality, and Indian tourists are welcomed with particular warmth. The shared language (Bengali is mutually intelligible with many Indian languages), similar food habits, and close cultural ties make first-time visitors feel at home.
All Indian passport holders need a tourist visa for Bangladesh — there is no visa on arrival. Most travellers only need one option, depending on your trip:
Most Indian tourists opt for the single-entry tourist visa at just ₹825 — that covers everything from a long weekend in Dhaka to a two-week exploration of the Sundarbans, Cox's Bazar, and Sylhet.
| Your Trip Length | Recommended Visa | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend / 3–4 days | Single Entry Tourist | ₹825 service charge only |
| 1 week (5–7 days) | Single Entry Tourist | ₹825 service charge only |
| 2 weeks (10–14 days) | Single Entry Tourist | ₹825 service charge only |
| Extended travel (15–30 days) | Single Entry Tourist | ₹825 service charge |
| Frequent visits (6–12 months) | Multiple Entry Tourist | See main guide |
INR equivalents are approximate and will vary depending on exchange rates and your bank's conversion charges.
For the exact document specifications, refer to our complete Bangladesh visa requirements page.
Timeline tip: Apply 3–4 weeks before travel. Peak seasons (Eid, Durga Puja, October–March tourism season) may see slightly longer processing. Express processing (₹1,500–₹2,000 extra) is available for genuine emergencies.
For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, refer to our main Bangladesh visa guide.
| Your Travel Season | Apply By |
|---|---|
| Peak season (October–March: best weather) | 4 weeks before travel |
| Monsoon (June–September: low season) | 3 weeks before travel |
| Summer (April–May: hot but cheapest) | 3 weeks before travel |
| Around Eid/Durga Puja (festival periods) | 5–6 weeks before travel |
| Last-minute/urgent travel | Use express processing (₹1,500–₹2,000 extra, 2–3 working days) |
Avoid these common pitfalls that lead to delays or rejections:
Expert tip: Submit your application on a Monday–Wednesday for faster processing. Visa centres are busiest on Mondays and after public holidays. Keep photocopies of every document you submit, organised in checklist order with paper clips (no staples).
Beyond the visa process, here is a taste of what makes Bangladesh a memorable holiday for Indian travellers.
120 km of golden sand at a fraction of the cost of Goa or Thailand. Fresh seafood, stunning sunsets, and beachside shacks serving grilled pomfret for under ₹300. Inani Beach and Himchari National Park are must-visits nearby.
A UNESCO World Heritage site shared with India — the only place in the world where you can spot Royal Bengal Tigers in their natural mangrove habitat. Boat safaris start from Khulna or Mongla. December to February offers the best wildlife viewing.
Rickshaws by the thousands, historic mosques (Star Mosque, Baitul Mukarram), the Lalbagh Fort, and Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) in Old Dhaka. The Sadarghat river port offers a glimpse of life on the Buriganga river. Night food tours through Old Dhaka are a highlight.
Rolling green hills that rival Munnar, with the added novelty of riding a train through tea estates. Srimangal's seven-layer tea garden, Lawachara National Park for wildlife, and Jaflong's river views make this a 2-day must-visit.
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the 60-dome mosque (Shat Gambuj Masjid) — a masterpiece of Islamic architecture from the 15th century. A day trip from Dhaka or a stop between Dhaka and Khulna.
From Jamdani saris to Nakshi Kantha embroidery, Bangladesh is a textile lover's paradise. Prices make Indian shopping malls look expensive — expect to pay 50–70% less than in India for similar quality handloom products.
| Expense Category | Budget (per day) | Mid-Range (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹800–₹1,500 | ₹1,500–₹3,000 |
| Food (3 meals) | ₹300–₹600 | ₹600–₹1,200 |
| Local Transport | ₹200–₹500 | ₹500–₹1,000 |
| Attractions & Activities | ₹200–₹500 | ₹500–₹1,000 |
| Total per day | ₹1,500–₹3,100 | ₹3,100–₹6,200 |
| Trip Type | Duration | Estimated Total (including flights) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget trip | 5 days | ₹12,000–₹18,000 |
| Mid-range trip | 7 days | ₹25,000–₹40,000 |
| Comfort trip | 10 days | ₹40,000–₹60,000 |
| Departure City | Airlines | Approx Round Trip Fare | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet | ₹6,000–₹12,000 | 2.5 hrs |
| Kolkata | IndiGo, SpiceJet, US-Bangla, Biman Bangladesh | ₹5,000–₹10,000 | 1 hr |
| Mumbai | IndiGo, Air India | ₹8,000–₹15,000 | 3 hrs |
| Chennai | IndiGo, Air India | ₹7,000–₹13,000 | 2.5 hrs |
| Bengaluru | IndiGo, Air India | ₹7,000–₹14,000 | 3 hrs |
| Guwahati | IndiGo, US-Bangla | ₹5,000–₹9,000 | 1 hr |
Land border alternative: You can enter Bangladesh by road through Benapole (from Kolkata/Dhaka) or Akhaura (from Agartala). The Maitree Express train connects Kolkata to Dhaka (8.5 hours, ₹500–₹1,500). A valid Bangladesh visa is mandatory before boarding.
Your single-entry tourist visa gives you up to 30 days in Bangladesh — here's a sample 5-day plan that covers Dhaka's heritage, a historic capital, and the world's longest beach:
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Dhaka, check in, evening walk at Sadarghat river port and night food tour in Old Dhaka |
| Day 2 | Morning: Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace). Afternoon: Star Mosque, Armenian Church. Evening: New Market shopping |
| Day 3 | Full-day trip to Sonargaon (historic capital, 1 hr from Dhaka) — Panam City ruins, Folk Art Museum |
| Day 4 | Fly or train to Cox's Bazar (1 hr flight / 10 hrs train). Afternoon: beach walk at Kolatoli Point. Sunset at Himchari |
| Day 5 | Morning: Inani Beach. Afternoon: fly back to Dhaka and connect to your flight home |
For longer itineraries including Sylhet tea gardens and Sundarbans wildlife, see the detailed trip plans in our main Bangladesh visa guide.
Bangladesh is one of the most affordable and culturally connected destinations for Indian travellers — and the visa process is refreshingly simple. Plan ahead, submit complete documents, and get ready to explore this vibrant neighbour.
Next steps:
For a complete overview of all visa types, embassy procedures, and detailed document specifications, see our main Bangladesh visa guide.
Standard processing takes 5–10 working days from the date of submission. Apply at least 3 weeks before your travel date to be safe. Express service is also available — see the application steps above for details.
No — Bangladesh does not offer visa on arrival for Indian passport holders. All Indian tourists must complete the online application at visa.gov.bd and submit documents in person at a visa centre before travel.
No. The ₹825 service charge is non-refundable even if your application is refused or cancelled. The government fee is ₹0. For guidance on common refusal reasons and how to avoid them, see our common visa rejection guide.
Bangladesh requires 45mm × 35mm (width × height) with a white background. This is the opposite of standard Indian passport photos (35mm × 45mm) — the width must be greater than the height. Tell your photographer specifically: "Bangladesh visa — 45mm width × 35mm height."
Yes — many Indian tourists combine Bangladesh with nearby countries. Myanmar shares a land border with Bangladesh (via Teknaf), and Sri Lanka is just a short flight from Dhaka. See our Myanmar tourist visa guide and Sri Lanka tourist visa guide for entry requirements. Note that Myanmar's land border crossing at Teknaf requires a valid Myanmar visa obtained in advance.
Yes — Bangladesh is generally safe for female travellers, especially in major cities and tourist areas. Standard precautions apply: dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees is recommended), avoid walking alone late at night, and use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Pathao for safe transport. Solo female travellers are common in Cox's Bazar, Sylhet, and Dhaka's tourist areas.
Absolutely — Bangladeshi cuisine is very similar to West Bengali food. Rice, fish, dal, and vegetables are staples. You will find aloo dum, luchi, biryani, and sweets like rasgulla and sandesh everywhere. There are also dedicated Indian restaurants in Dhaka's Gulshan and Banani areas serving North Indian, South Indian, and Punjabi cuisine.
Yes — visa extensions are possible through the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) in Dhaka. Apply at least 15 days before your visa expires. Overstay penalties apply if you delay. Standard extensions are granted in 30-day increments.
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