Bangladesh Business Visa Fees for Indian Citizens 2026 - Complete Cost Guide

Understanding the Basics: What You're Actually Paying For

Let's cut through the noise. When Indian citizens apply for a Bangladesh business visa, they're not just paying an arbitrary government fee—they're investing in legal authorization to conduct specific commercial activities, from attending trade exhibitions to negotiating contracts and exploring joint venture opportunities.

The Bangladesh business visa operates on a multiple-entry framework, typically valid for 3 to 12 months, designed specifically to facilitate cross-border commerce under the broader South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) framework. Unlike tourist visas, business visas acknowledge your intention to engage in commercial activities without actually seeking employment within Bangladesh.

What makes the India-Bangladesh arrangement particularly favorable is the bilateral visa agreement that completely waives government fees for all visa categories. This reciprocal arrangement, distinct from the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, reflects the strong diplomatic ties between the two neighboring nations. While other countries pay government fees of 100-190 USD for similar visas, Indian citizens benefit from zero government charges—though service fees still apply through various application channels.

Key Visa Categories for Business Travelers

Single Entry Business Visa: Ideal for one-time business meetings or exploratory visits. Valid for up to 3 months with a single entry provision and maximum stays of 30-60 days. Processing typically takes 5-7 working days.

Multiple Entry Business Visa (6 months): The most popular option for established business relationships. Allows multiple entries over six months with stays of up to 60 days per visit, perfect for ongoing negotiations, project monitoring, or regular client meetings.

Multiple Entry Business Visa (12 months): Offers the most flexibility for frequent travelers, with one-year validity and 60-day maximum stays per visit that can be extended. Processing may take 7-10 working days due to additional verification requirements from Dhaka.

Quick Scenario: Imagine you're a textile buyer from Mumbai planning quarterly visits to Dhaka's garment manufacturing hubs. A multiple-entry visa eliminates repetitive applications and significantly reduces your administrative overhead—not to mention the frustration of repeated paperwork.

The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, launched in 1992, operates separately and covers only 24 specific categories of dignitaries, including judges, parliamentarians, senior officials, business leaders, and journalists. Regular business travelers do not qualify for this exemption sticker program and must apply through standard visa channels—though they still benefit from the free government visa policy under the bilateral agreement.

The Complete Fee Structure Breakdown

Here's where clarity becomes crucial. While the Bangladesh government waives all visa fees for Indian citizens under the bilateral agreement, mandatory service charges create the actual cost of obtaining a business visa. As of January 2026, here's the comprehensive breakdown:

Direct Application Through Official Channels

Bangladesh Visa Application Centre (BVAC) operated by DU Digital charges a flat service fee of 825 rupees (699.50 rupees plus taxes) regardless of visa type or duration. This applies to all application centers across India including Kolkata, Siliguri, Guwahati, Bongaigaon, and Silchar.

Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi accepts direct applications with nominal service charges collected by demand draft. Submission hours run from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM by prior appointment only at EP-39, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Marg, Chanakyapuri.

Deputy High Commissions in Kolkata (9 Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Sarani), Mumbai (Cuffe Parade), and the Assistant High Commission in Agartala also process visa applications with similar nominal charges.

Third-Party Visa Agency Charges

VFS Global and other authorized visa agencies charge significantly higher service fees reflecting their markup for convenience services. As of January 2026, typical charges are:

Single Entry Business Visa (up to 3 months): 3,200 to 3,500 rupees for standard processing taking 5-7 working days.

Multiple Entry Business Visa (6 months): 6,400 to 7,000 rupees for standard processing taking 5-7 working days.

Multiple Entry Business Visa (12 months): 12,800 to 14,000 rupees for standard processing taking 7-10 working days.

Express Processing (additional charge): 2,000 to 3,000 rupees for any visa type, reducing turnaround to 2-3 working days.

Agency Service Charges: 1,500 to 2,500 rupees added to all applications for document handling and administrative support.

Important Note: These fees are subject to periodic revision. Always verify current rates with the Bangladesh High Commission or authorized visa application centers before initiating your application. The confusion around "true costs" stems from the fact that government fees are waived while service charges vary dramatically—from 825 rupees for direct BVAC applications to 14,000 rupees through premium agency services.

Hidden Costs You Should Anticipate

Beyond the official service fees, factor in these additional expenses:

Document attestation charges: 500-1,500 rupees for notarization and attestation services required for business letters and company documents.

Courier services: 300-800 rupees for secure document delivery between your location and visa centers.

Passport-sized photographs: 100-300 rupees for professional visa photos meeting the 45mm × 35mm white background specifications.

Travel to visa centers: Variable based on location, particularly relevant if you need to travel to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or Chennai for application submission.

Visa Fee Comparison: Bangladesh vs. Regional Neighbors

For Indian citizens seeking 6-month multiple entry business visas across South Asian destinations:

Bangladesh charges 825 rupees (direct BVAC application) to 7,000 rupees (agency services), with government fees completely waived under bilateral agreement.

Nepal offers free business visas under SAARC arrangements with no service charges.

Sri Lanka charges approximately 3,900 rupees including both government fees and service charges.

Myanmar charges approximately 8,200 rupees for equivalent business visa duration.

The Bangladesh arrangement represents exceptional value, particularly when applying directly through BVAC centers rather than third-party agencies.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Ready to transform this knowledge into action? Here's your practical roadmap for navigating the application process with confidence. As of January 2026, Bangladesh operates a hybrid system—applications must be initiated online through visa.gov.bd, then printed and physically submitted with documents at designated centers. No fully electronic visa system exists, and visa on arrival is not available for Indian citizens holding regular passports (only diplomatic and official passport holders qualify for arrival visas).

Method 1: Through VFS Global Centers

VFS Global operates as an authorized visa application partner for Bangladesh across major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore. This method offers structured support with dedicated customer service, though at significantly higher cost than direct BVAC applications.

Step 1: Online Registration

Visit the official MRV Portal at visa.gov.bd and create your account. Complete the online application form with accurate personal and business details. The system automatically validates certain fields, reducing error risks. Print the completed application form with barcode for physical submission.

Step 2: Document Compilation

Gather all required documents (detailed in the next section). Pro tip: Scan and save digital copies before submission—you'll thank yourself later. Ensure your passport has minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay and at least two blank pages, preferably consecutive.

Step 3: Appointment Booking

Schedule your biometric enrollment and document submission appointment through VFS Global's online system. Peak seasons (October-March, particularly around Durga Puja, Eid, and year-end holidays) see higher volumes, so book 2-3 weeks in advance. Processing timelines during these periods can extend by 2-3 additional days.

Step 4: Center Visit

Attend your appointment with original documents, photocopies, and payment. The biometric process takes approximately 5-10 minutes. Your application packet will be reviewed for completeness on-site. Missing documents cannot be supplemented later without restarting the process.

Step 5: Fee Payment

Pay the combined service charges. Payment methods typically include cash, demand draft, or online payment depending on the center. Request and retain receipt with tracking numbers for monitoring application status.

Method 2: Direct Application at Bangladesh Visa Application Centre (BVAC)

For cost-conscious applicants, the Bangladesh Visa Application Centre operated by DU Digital offers the most economical option at just 825 rupees total. Centers are located in Kolkata (Salt Lake, Sector 5), Siliguri (Sevoke Road), Guwahati (RG Baruah Road), Bongaigaon (Arham Towers), and Silchar (Goldighi Municipality Mall).

The application process mirrors VFS Global's steps but with significantly lower service charges. According to applicant feedback, the Kolkata BVAC center reportedly offers faster processing times compared to other locations.

Method 3: Direct Application at Bangladesh High Commission

For those preferring direct governmental interaction, the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and Deputy High Commissions in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Agartala accept direct applications with nominal charges.

Real-World Case Study: Rajesh Kumar, a pharmaceutical exporter from Ahmedabad, shares his experience: "I initially tried the direct High Commission route, thinking I'd save on service charges. The wait times were unpredictable, and getting clarification on documentation required multiple visits. When I switched to BVAC in Kolkata for my renewal, the streamlined process saved me three business days and cost only 825 rupees—worth far more than the service fee I would have paid through VFS Global at 7,000 rupees."

Documentation Requirements: Getting It Right First Time

Here's where most applications stumble. Incomplete documentation accounts for approximately 40% of visa delays and rejections. Let's ensure you're in the successful 60%.

Mandatory Documents Checklist

1. Passport Requirements:

Original passport with minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay. At least two blank visa pages, preferably consecutive, are required.

Photocopies of first and last pages, plus any existing visas to demonstrate travel history and compliance.

2. Application Form:

Completed visa application form from visa.gov.bd MRV Portal, printed with barcode (typed, not handwritten).

Two recent passport-sized photographs with white background, measuring 45mm × 35mm (note the specific Bangladesh dimensions differ from standard Indian photo sizes).

Applicant's signature exactly as it appears in passport to avoid authentication issues.

3. Business Documentation:

Official invitation letter from Bangladesh-based company on company letterhead with complete registered business address, postal code, business registration number, and tax identification.

The invitation must detail the purpose of visit with specific meeting dates, nature of existing or proposed business relationship, and include signatory's full name, designation, contact details, and company seal.

Host company's trade license, TIN (Tax Identification Number), and income tax certificate demonstrating the legitimacy of the Bangladeshi entity.

Letter from Indian company detailing business purpose, visit duration, and financial responsibility, printed on official letterhead.

Company registration certificate from your Indian company, demonstrating legal business establishment.

GST registration and recent ITR (Income Tax Return) documents proving active tax compliance.

Business card and establishment proof such as office lease agreements or utility bills in company name.

4. Financial Proof:

Bank statements for last 6 months showing healthy transactions and maintained minimum balance of 50,000-75,000 rupees throughout the period.

Highlight salary credits, business revenues, or investment returns to demonstrate regular income streams.

Income tax returns for previous 2 years showing consistent earnings.

Company financial statements or balance sheets if applying as a business owner.

For large deposits or withdrawals, include supporting documentation explaining the transactions to avoid suspicion.

Fixed deposit statements or investment portfolios can serve as supplementary proof of financial stability.

5. Additional Supporting Documents:

Confirmed flight itinerary (not mandatory to purchase non-refundable tickets before visa approval, but itinerary demonstrates serious intent).

Hotel booking confirmation or accommodation details in Bangladesh, including host company's arrangements if applicable.

Cover letter explaining business purpose in detail, your relationship with the Bangladeshi company, expected outcomes from the visit, and how this supports your broader business objectives.

Aadhaar card or other government-issued ID proof as supplementary identification.

Industry-Specific Documentation Tips

For Manufacturing Sector: Include product catalogs showing your company's offerings, existing trade agreements with Bangladeshi or other international partners, and factory registration documents demonstrating manufacturing capabilities. Import-export codes if applicable.

For Service Sector: Provide service agreements or letters of intent, detailed project proposals showing scope of collaboration, and professional credentials or certifications relevant to your industry (IT certifications, consulting credentials, etc.).

For Trade & Export: Submit export-import licenses (IEC code), customs documentation showing previous international trade activity, and previous trade invoices with Bangladeshi entities if this is a continuing relationship. Chamber of Commerce membership certificates add credibility.

Special Note on Invitation Letters

Request the invitation letter at least 10 days before your planned application submission, allowing time for revisions if needed. Many applications face delays because invitation letters from Bangladeshi companies lack essential details or proper formatting. Ensure your Bangladeshi partner understands the specific requirements—consider sending them a template based on successful examples.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Timing isn't just about patience—it's strategic planning. Understanding realistic processing timelines prevents last-minute scrambles and missed opportunities.

Standard Processing Timeline

Under normal circumstances, Bangladesh business visa applications take 5-7 working days for single entry and 6-month multiple-entry visas from document submission to passport return. Applications for 12-month multiple-entry visas may take 7-10 working days due to additional verification requirements and clearance needed from Dhaka authorities.

Applications submitted directly to BVAC centers typically process within the 5-7 day window. Direct High Commission applications may extend to 10-14 working days, particularly during high-volume periods. Processing timelines exclude weekends and public holidays in both India and Bangladesh.

Peak Season Considerations

During major trade fair seasons, particularly January-March when Dhaka hosts multiple international exhibitions, processing times can extend by 2-3 additional days. Plan accordingly if your visit coincides with events like the Dhaka International Trade Fair or Bangladesh Denim Expo. The period around Durga Puja, Eid festivals, and year-end holidays (November-January) also sees increased application volumes and potential delays.

Express Processing: When to Invest

Express processing services reduce turnaround to 2-3 working days for an additional 2,000-3,000 rupees. Consider this investment when:

Urgent business meetings arise with less than two weeks notice and immediate travel is required.

Contract negotiations have accelerated timelines and your physical presence becomes critical to closing deals.

Crisis management situations requiring immediate travel to Bangladesh to address operational issues, supply chain disruptions, or client emergencies.

Last-minute exhibition or trade show participation opportunities emerge where your absence would mean lost business development.

Expert Insight: According to Priya Malhotra, a visa consultant with 12 years of experience, "Express processing isn't just about speed—it's about prioritization. Your application receives dedicated review by senior officers, which actually reduces the likelihood of follow-up queries or documentation requests. The additional scrutiny during express processing often means cleaner approvals with fewer complications."

Business Visa Extensions in Bangladesh

For longer-term commercial presence, business visa extensions of up to three years are available through the Department of Immigration and Passports in Dhaka. Applications must be submitted at least seven days before the current visa expires. Extension applications require similar documentation to original applications, plus evidence of ongoing business activities in Bangladesh and compliance with previous visa terms.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Let's address the elephants in the room—the obstacles that trip up even experienced business travelers.

Challenge 1: Invitation Letter Issues

The Problem: Many applications face delays because invitation letters from Bangladeshi companies lack essential details or proper formatting. Visa officers scrutinize these letters carefully as they establish the legitimacy of the business purpose.

The Solution: Ensure your Bangladeshi partner includes these specific elements:

Complete registered business address with postal code and specific location details.

Business registration number and tax identification demonstrating the company is legally registered.

Detailed purpose of visit with specific meeting dates, agenda items, and expected outcomes.

Nature of existing or proposed business relationship—whether this is an exploratory visit, ongoing partnership, or new venture discussion.

Signatory's full name, designation, and contact details including direct phone number and email.

Company seal or official stamp (this is standard in Bangladesh business culture and its absence raises questions).

Pro tip: Request the invitation letter at least 10 days before your planned application submission, allowing time for revisions if needed. Many successful applicants report sending their Bangladeshi partners a template or sample letter to ensure all required elements are included from the first draft.

Challenge 2: Financial Documentation Scrutiny

The Problem: Visa officers assess financial capability to ensure applicants won't seek unauthorized employment in Bangladesh. Inadequate financial proof is a leading rejection cause, particularly for first-time business travelers or entrepreneurs without long corporate track records.

The Solution: Present a holistic financial picture:

Maintain minimum balance of 50,000-75,000 rupees throughout the 6-month statement period, avoiding sudden deposits just before application.

Highlight salary credits, business revenues, or investment returns showing regular, legitimate income streams.

Explain large deposits or withdrawals with supporting documentation—whether these are business transactions, loan proceeds, investment returns, or family transfers.

Include fixed deposit statements or investment portfolios as supplementary proof of financial stability beyond liquid bank balances.

For self-employed applicants or business owners, include client contracts, invoice receipts, and CA-certified income statements demonstrating consistent annual earnings.

Real-World Example: Anita Desai, a freelance consultant from Pune, initially faced questions about irregular income patterns in her bank statements. She successfully addressed concerns by submitting client contracts, invoice receipts, and a CA-certified income statement demonstrating consistent annual earnings exceeding 12 lakhs rupees. Her visa was approved upon resubmission with enhanced documentation.

Challenge 3: Previous Visa History Complications

The Problem: Previous visa overstays, rejections from other countries, or gaps in travel history can trigger additional scrutiny. Bangladesh immigration officers review international travel history to assess compliance patterns.

The Solution: Transparency and documentation are your allies:

If you have previous Bangladesh visa history, mention it explicitly in your cover letter with entry and exit dates, demonstrating you departed within authorized periods.

For rejections from other countries, provide explanatory letters addressing the circumstances. Different countries have different criteria; a Schengen rejection doesn't automatically disqualify you for Bangladesh.

Document your compliance history—timely exits from previous visits, tax filings in India, established business presence, and community ties.

If this is your first international business travel, emphasize your established business presence in India, property ownership, family ties, and reasons why you will return after the Bangladesh visit.

Include copies of previous passports if available, showing consistent travel patterns and compliance with visa terms across multiple countries.

Challenge 4: Understanding the Fee Structure Confusion

The Problem: Many applicants are confused by conflicting information about visa fees—some sources claim visas are "free" while agencies quote thousands of rupees. This stems from the unique bilateral arrangement where government fees are waived but service charges apply.

The Solution: Understand the distinction:

Government visa fees are completely waived for Indian citizens under the India-Bangladesh bilateral agreement—this is the "free visa" reference you may encounter.

Service charges are mandatory and vary by application channel: 825 rupees at BVAC, nominal charges at High Commissions, or 3,200-14,000 rupees through agencies.

When budgeting, plan for service charges plus hidden costs (document attestation, photos, courier) totaling 1,500-15,000 rupees depending on your chosen application method.

Always verify current service charges directly with official sources before application, as these rates change more frequently than government visa fees.

Your Strategic Entry Roadmap

You've absorbed the details—now let's transform this knowledge into an actionable implementation framework. Success in securing your Bangladesh business visa hinges on preparation, precision, and proactive planning.

Your 30-Day Action Plan

Days 1-5: Foundation Building

Establish contact with Bangladeshi business partner and request invitation letter with specific formatting requirements outlined in the documentation section.

Verify passport validity (minimum 6 months beyond intended stay) and available blank pages (minimum 2); initiate renewal if necessary, as passport renewal in India typically takes 2-3 weeks.

Compile business registration documents, GST certificates, and financial statements from your Indian company.

Research your specific industry requirements and prepare sector-specific documentation (trade licenses for exporters, service agreements for consultants, product catalogs for manufacturers).

Days 6-15: Documentation Assembly

Receive and review invitation letter for completeness, checking against the required elements checklist. Request revisions immediately if anything is missing.

Prepare comprehensive cover letter detailing business purpose, your relationship with the Bangladeshi company, expected outcomes, and how this visit supports broader business objectives.

Obtain bank statements for the last 6 months and organize financial documentation showing consistent balances and legitimate income sources.

Complete visa application form at visa.gov.bd with meticulous attention to detail—errors require restarting the entire process.

Arrange professional photographs meeting Bangladesh specifications (45mm × 35mm, white background)—these differ from standard Indian passport photo dimensions.

Days 16-20: Application Submission

Register online with VFS Global, BVAC, or schedule High Commission appointment based on your budget and location.

Create comprehensive document checklist and verify all materials twice before submission—missing documents cannot be added later.

Attend biometric appointment and submit application with all original documents, photocopies, and payment.

Retain receipt and tracking numbers for monitoring application status through official tracking systems.

Days 21-30: Processing and Planning

Monitor application status through official tracking systems provided by VFS Global, BVAC, or High Commission.

Prepare for potential follow-up queries with additional documentation ready—keep digital copies of everything submitted.

Begin provisional travel arrangements using refundable bookings until visa is confirmed.

Research Bangladesh business customs, protocols, and cultural considerations to maximize the effectiveness of your visit. Understanding local business etiquette significantly improves meeting outcomes.

Building Long-Term Visa Efficiency

Beyond your immediate application, consider these strategic approaches for sustained cross-border business efficiency:

Maintain Meticulous Records

Create a dedicated folder (physical and digital) containing all visa documentation, approvals, correspondence with Bangladeshi partners, and copies of invitation letters. Future applications become exponentially simpler when you can reference previous successful submissions. Many repeat applicants report 50-60% time savings on subsequent applications by maintaining organized records.

Cultivate Relationships

Strong, documented business relationships with Bangladeshi partners streamline subsequent visa applications. Each successful visit strengthens your case for longer validity periods and smoother renewals. Maintain correspondence, meeting minutes, contracts, and business outcomes documentation to demonstrate ongoing legitimate commercial relationships.

Consider Annual Visas

If your business requires quarterly or more frequent visits, the investment in a 12-month multiple-entry visa (825 rupees at BVAC or 12,800-14,000 rupees through agencies) offers superior value compared to repeated shorter-term applications. This reduces administrative overhead by approximately 60% and eliminates the stress of repeated applications. For businesses with established Bangladesh operations, annual visas are standard practice.

Leverage Direct BVAC Applications

Once you understand the process, direct applications through BVAC centers offer the best value proposition at 825 rupees versus 3,200-14,000 rupees through agencies. The Kolkata BVAC center is particularly efficient for applicants from eastern and northeastern India.

As India-Bangladesh trade continues its upward trajectory—bilateral trade reached 18 billion USD in 2024 and is projected to reach 20 billion USD by 2026 according to bilateral trade councils—establishing efficient visa processes becomes a competitive advantage, not just an administrative requirement. The expanding economic corridor, particularly in textiles, pharmaceuticals, technology services, and infrastructure development, creates unprecedented opportunities for Indian businesses.

Your Next Move: What specific business opportunity in Bangladesh justifies this investment in proper visa preparation? Whether you're exploring garment manufacturing partnerships in Dhaka, pharmaceutical distribution channels in Chittagong, or technology collaborations in Bangladesh's growing startup ecosystem, the path forward begins with this foundational step.

The question isn't whether Bangladesh represents opportunity—the 420 billion USD economy growing at 6-7% annually answers that definitively. The real question is: Will you navigate the entry process strategically, or let preventable obstacles delay your market access?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a Bangladesh business visa if I'm a first-time entrepreneur without extensive financial history?

Yes, absolutely. While established businesses have documentation advantages, first-time entrepreneurs can successfully obtain business visas by presenting alternative proof of legitimacy. Focus on providing your business registration certificate, GST registration, initial funding sources (whether personal savings, family investment, or institutional funding), and a detailed business plan demonstrating viability.

Include your educational qualifications, professional background, and the specific business opportunity in Bangladesh. A well-crafted cover letter explaining your entrepreneurial journey and the strategic importance of the Bangladesh market strengthens your application considerably. If you've secured any grants, incubator support, or preliminary contracts, include documentation of these achievements.

For financial documentation, if bank statements show limited transaction history, supplement with fixed deposits, investment statements, property ownership documents, or family financial support letters with supporting bank statements. The key is demonstrating financial stability and strong ties to India that ensure your return after the business visit.

What happens if my visa application is rejected? Can I reapply immediately?

Visa rejections, while disappointing, aren't permanent barriers. You can technically reapply immediately, but strategic patience yields better results. First, request specific rejection reasons from the visa authority—you're entitled to this information through the Bangladesh High Commission or the application center.

Common rejection causes include incomplete documentation (missing trade license from host company, insufficient financial proof), unclear business purpose (vague invitation letters, no demonstrated business relationship), or inconsistencies in provided information.

Address these gaps comprehensively before resubmitting. Generally, waiting 2-4 weeks while strengthening your application demonstrates more substance than immediate reapplication with identical documents. For your reapplication, include a cover letter acknowledging the previous rejection, specifically addressing each concern raised, and providing enhanced documentation.

Many successful visa recipients had initial rejections—the difference lies in learning from feedback and presenting a more compelling case. Consider consulting with the Bangladesh High Commission directly or using professional visa consultants for complex cases. The bilateral agreement ensuring free government fees means reapplication costs remain limited to service charges.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Bangladesh business visa applications, and what coverage amount is recommended?

Travel insurance isn't currently mandatory for Bangladesh business visa applications for Indian citizens as of January 2026, unlike Schengen visas which require proof of insurance. However, purchasing comprehensive travel insurance demonstrates financial preparedness and risk management—qualities visa officers appreciate when reviewing applications.

If you choose to include insurance (which is advisable for actual travel protection), opt for coverage of at least 25,000-50,000 USD covering medical emergencies, hospitalization, evacuation, and repatriation. Many travel insurance providers offer specialized business travel policies covering trip interruption, business equipment loss or damage, and professional liability—valuable protections beyond visa considerations.

Including your insurance policy in your application packet can subtly strengthen your overall profile, particularly if your financial documentation is borderline or if you're a first-time business traveler. The cost (typically 500-1,500 rupees for short-term coverage) represents minimal investment for substantial peace of mind and modest application enhancement.

Additionally, medical insurance becomes practically important given that healthcare costs in Bangladesh for foreigners can be significant without coverage. Business travelers particularly benefit from policies covering emergency medical evacuation to India if serious health issues arise during the visit.

How does the bilateral visa fee waiver actually work, and why do different sources quote such different prices?

The India-Bangladesh bilateral visa agreement, established to strengthen commercial and diplomatic ties between neighboring nations, provides that all visa categories for Indian citizens are issued without government visa fees. This reciprocal arrangement is distinct from the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme and applies to all Indian passport holders regardless of their profession or travel purpose.

The confusion around pricing stems from the distinction between government fees (waived) and service charges (mandatory). When you apply directly at Bangladesh Visa Application Centres (BVAC), you pay only 825 rupees in service charges for document processing, biometric collection, and administrative handling. This is the true minimum cost for any Bangladesh visa.

However, third-party agencies like VFS Global and travel service providers add their own service charges on top of this base amount, ranging from 3,200 rupees for basic single-entry visas up to 14,000 rupees for premium one-year multiple-entry visa services with express processing. These agencies provide convenience, consultation, and hand-holding through the process—but at significantly higher cost.

Some online sources reference "free visas" (technically correct for government fees) while agencies quote thousands of rupees (also correct for total service charges). Both statements are accurate but refer to different cost components. Always clarify whether quoted prices include only service charges or if they're claiming government fees apply (which would be incorrect for Indian citizens).

Can I get a visa on arrival in Bangladesh as an Indian citizen, or must I apply in advance?

As of January 2026, visa on arrival in Bangladesh is not available for Indian citizens holding regular passports. Only holders of diplomatic and official passports qualify for arrival visas at Bangladeshi ports of entry. This policy change has been consistent for several years, though some outdated sources still reference historical visa-on-arrival provisions.

All Indian citizens with standard passports must obtain their Bangladesh visa before travel through one of the authorized application channels: Bangladesh High Commission, Deputy High Commissions, Assistant High Commission, BVAC centers, or authorized agencies like VFS Global. The application process requires physical submission of documents following online application initiation at visa.gov.bd.

This advance application requirement actually provides advantages: you confirm visa approval before booking non-refundable flights, you can plan your trip with certainty, and you avoid potential arrival complications at Dhaka airport. The 5-7 day standard processing time is reasonable for planned business travel.

For emergency situations requiring immediate travel, express processing (2-3 working days for additional 2,000-3,000 rupees) provides a faster alternative to visa-on-arrival. Strategic business travelers maintain valid Bangladesh visas with longer validity periods (6 or 12 months) to enable flexible travel scheduling without last-minute visa concerns.