Explore Bangladesh: Where Tigers Roar and the Rivers Flow Wild
Do you want to know more about Bangladesh? It's a beautiful country in Asia, where big rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna meet and make a lush area. Have you ever wondered what it's like there?
Do you feel excited about exploring busy cities like Dhaka and Chittagong? Or does the idea of visiting quiet countryside areas, where people farm and live a traditional life, make you happy?
If you're thinking about going to Bangladesh, do you know what you need? You'll need a Bangladesh visa to enter the country. Are you worried about getting one? Don't worry! We've made the process simple and easy for travelers like you.
Yes, with some exceptions, Indians typically need a visa to visit Bangladesh. However, holders of diplomatic and official passports may be exempt for stays up to 45 days.
Unfortunately, Indian citizens cannot currently obtain a visa on arrival (VOA) in Bangladesh. While some countries enjoy this convenience, India is not on the list.
If you're planning a trip to Bangladesh, you'll need to apply for a visa beforehand through the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi or a Bangladesh visa application center.
Bangladesh offers various types of visas to accommodate different purposes of travel. These visa types include:
Bangladesh Tourist Visa: For individuals visiting Bangladesh for leisure, sightseeing, or cultural exploration.
Bangladesh Business Visa: Intended for travelers engaging in commercial activities, meetings, or trade ventures within Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Work Visa: Issued to foreign nationals employed by Bangladeshi companies or organizations for a specific duration.
Bangladesh Student Visa: For international students enrolled in educational institutions in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Transit Visa: Granted to travelers passing through Bangladesh en route to their final destination.
Bangladesh Journalist Visa: Reserved for members of the press or media professionals covering events or stories within Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Diplomatic Visa: Exclusively for diplomats, government officials, or representatives of international organizations on official duties.
Visa Type | Purpose | Description | Single/Multiple Entry | Validity |
Tourist Visa | Tourism | Issued for short-term visits for tourism or leisure. | Single or Multiple Entry | Typically 30 days (can be extended) |
Business Visa | Business | Issued for business meetings, conferences, or attending trade fairs. | Single or Multiple Entry | Typically 3 months (can be extended) |
Employment Visa | Work | Issued to individuals employed in Bangladesh with a valid work permit. | Single Entry | Typically 1 year (renewable) |
Student Visa | Education | Issued to international students enrolled in Bangladeshi educational institutions. | Single Entry | Typically for duration of studies |
Research Visa | Research | Issued for academic research purposes. | Single Entry | Varies depending on research project |
Journalist Visa | Media | Issued to journalists for professional reporting assignments. | Single Entry | Typically for duration of assignment |
Diplomatic & Official Visa | Diplomatic Visits | Issued for diplomats, government officials, and representatives of international organizations. | Multiple Entry | Varies depending on accreditation |
PIO (Person of Indian Origin) Card | Ancestry | Issued to individuals of Indian origin residing outside India. | Multiple Entry | 10 years (renewable) |
Residence Visa | Residency | Issued for long-term residency in Bangladesh. | Single Entry | Typically 1 year (renewable) |
On-Arrival Visa | Tourism | Issued upon arrival at designated airports for citizens of specific countries. | Single Entry | Typically 30 days (may vary by nationality) |
Bangladesh also offers visas for specific purposes such as journalism, research, diplomatic missions, and religious pilgrimage.
The good news is that Indian citizens have a simplified visa process compared to most other nationalities! Here's are the visa requirements for Indians traveling to Bangladesh.
Visa Fee Exemption:
Unlike many nationalities, Indians are exempt from paying a visa fee for Bangladesh visas [Bangladesh High Commission New Delhi, India].
General Requirements:
These apply to all visa categories:
Additional Requirements (may vary depending on visa type):
Indians can apply for a Bangladesh visa online, but the process involves some offline steps as well.
Online Application:
Offline Steps:
Submission:
Submit the printed application form along with all the required documents to the nearest Bangladesh Mission or authorized visa application center.
The good news for Indian citizens is that there is no visa fee charged by Bangladesh for any visa category [Bangladesh High Commission New Delhi, India]. This applies to tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and others.
However, it's important to note that there might be other fees involved in the visa application process, such as:
Be sure to check with the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi or your chosen visa application center for their current service charges and any additional fees you might encounter.
The processing time for a Bangladesh visa for Indian citizens is generally 5 to 7 working days.
However, the actual processing time may vary due to a range of factors, including:
It depends on the type of visa you currently hold and how long you intend to stay in Bangladesh. Here's a breakdown:
Short-term visas (tourist, business, transit): These visas are typically valid for 30 days to 3 months. If your stay exceeds the validity period, you will need to renew your visa before it expires.
Long-term visas (student, work): These visas might be issued for the duration of your studies or employment contract, with possibilities for renewals.
General Steps for Visa Renewal (if applicable):
The process for renewing a Bangladesh visa for Indian passport holders typically involves several steps:
Check Visa Validity: Determine the expiration date of your current Bangladesh visa to ensure you start the renewal process on time.
Collect Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents for visa renewal. This may include a completed visa renewal application form, a valid passport with remaining validity of at least six months, passport-sized photographs, proof of sufficient funds to support your stay, and any other documents requested by the Bangladesh authorities.
Visit Bangladesh Embassy or Consulate: Indian passport holders can apply for visa renewal at the Bangladesh Embassy or Consulate in India. Visit the official website of the embassy or consulate to obtain information on the visa renewal process, required documents, and any fees involved.
Submit Application: Fill out the visa renewal application form accurately and completely. Attach all required documents and submit them to the Bangladesh Embassy or Consulate either in person or through a designated visa processing center.
Pay Fees: Pay the visa renewal fees as required by the Bangladesh authorities. Fees may vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay.
Wait for Processing: After submitting your application and documents, wait for the processing of your visa renewal. Processing times may vary, so it's essential to apply well in advance of your visa's expiration date.
Collect Passport: Once your visa renewal is approved, collect your passport with the renewed visa from the Bangladesh Embassy or Consulate or through the designated visa processing center.
Check Visa Details: Upon receiving your passport, verify that the visa details, including the validity dates and any specific conditions, are correct.
If you're already in Bangladesh and need to extend your stay beyond the validity of your current visa, you may apply for a visa extension. Here's an overview of the Bangladesh visa extension process:
Eligibility: Check if you are eligible for a visa extension according to Bangladesh's immigration laws. Extensions are typically granted for valid reasons such as medical treatment, tourism, business, or other legitimate purposes.
Prepare Required Documents: Gather the necessary documents for visa extension, which may include a completed visa extension application form, a valid passport with remaining validity, proof of sufficient funds to support your extended stay, and any other documents as required by the Bangladesh authorities.
Visit Immigration Office: Go to the nearest Immigration Office in Bangladesh to submit your visa extension application. You may need to schedule an appointment or visit during specified hours, so it's advisable to check the office's operating hours and procedures beforehand.
Submit Application: Fill out the visa extension application form accurately and completely. Attach all required documents and submit them to the Immigration Office. Be prepared to pay any applicable fees for the visa extension.
Interview or Verification: Depending on the circumstances, you may be required to attend an interview or undergo a verification process by immigration authorities.
Wait for Approval: After submitting your application, wait for the immigration authorities to process and approve your visa extension. Processing times may vary, so it's essential to apply well in advance of your current visa's expiration date to avoid overstaying.
Collect Extended Visa: Once your visa extension is approved, collect the necessary documentation or visa stamp from the Immigration Office confirming your extended stay in Bangladesh.
Comply with Conditions: Make sure to comply with any conditions or restrictions imposed on your extended visa, such as maintaining valid health insurance coverage or adhering to specific travel restrictions.
Visa applications to Bangladesh can be rejected for various reasons. Some common reasons for Bangladesh visa rejections include:
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation: Failure to submit all required documents or providing incomplete or incorrect information can lead to visa rejection.
Insufficient Funds: If the applicant cannot demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover their expenses during their stay in Bangladesh, the visa application may be rejected.
Travel History: Applicants with a history of overstaying visas or being denied entry into other countries may face visa rejection.
Travel Purpose: If the stated purpose of travel is unclear or not supported by appropriate documentation, such as an invitation letter for business or a travel itinerary for tourism, the visa application may be rejected.
Security Concerns: Applicants with a criminal record or suspected involvement in illegal activities may face visa rejection due to security concerns.
Health Issues: If the applicant is deemed to pose a health risk to public safety in Bangladesh or lacks appropriate medical insurance coverage, the visa application may be rejected.
False Information or Fraud: Providing false information or using fraudulent documents in support of the visa application can lead to automatic rejection and potential legal consequences.
Previous Visa Violations: Applicants who have violated visa regulations or overstayed their previous visa in Bangladesh may face rejection of subsequent visa applications.
Lack of Ties to Home Country: If the applicant is unable to demonstrate strong ties to their home country, such as stable employment, property ownership, or family commitments, the visa application may be rejected due to concerns about the applicant's intention to return.
Yes, for most nationalities, including visa exemptions for some diplomatic passports.
Tourist, Business, Student, Work, Transit, and others.
Varies depending on visa type, but there's no visa fee for Indians.
Bangladesh High Commission/Consulate or authorized visa application center.
Typically 5-7 working days, but can vary.
Partially online application form, but physical submission required.
Varies depending on visa type, but generally includes passport, photos, proof of accommodation, and travel insurance.
Required for business visas and some other categories.
Not usually required, but check for updates.
You'll be informed with the reason; consider reapplying if you can address the rejection cause.
Yes, except for diplomatic/official passport holders with a short stay.
No, currently unavailable.
No, visa fees are waived for Indian citizens.
Varies depending on visa type; tourist visas range from 30 days to 3 months.
Uncertain for Indian passport holders within Bangladesh; explore nearby embassies or contact Bangladeshi authorities.
A possibility exists to inquire with the Department of Immigration Bangladesh.
Taka - BDT
Recommended, especially during the pandemic.
Consult a healthcare professional or travel clinic.
Check the Bangladesh government website for current information.