Bangladesh

Navigating Immigration to the Heart of Bengal

If you're planning to explore the vibrant cultural tapestry of Dhaka's bustling streets, conduct business in Bangladesh's growing economic landscape, or pursue academic opportunities at prestigious institutions, understanding visa requirements is your first crucial step toward a successful journey.

Professional Visa Services Overview

Bangladesh maintains a structured visa policy that welcomes international visitors while ensuring proper documentation. Visa applications are submitted via the official online portal at visa.gov.bd, while Visa on Arrival pre-registration is handled separately through voa.specialbranch.gov.bd. Whether you're a tourist eager to discover the Sundarbans mangrove forests, a business professional exploring textile industry partnerships, or a student seeking educational advancement, specific visa categories address your travel purpose.

Our comprehensive guidance transforms complex immigration procedures into clear, actionable pathways. We specialize in:

• Tourist and Business Visa Applications
• Student Visa Documentation Support
• Employment and Investor Visa Requirements
• Transit Visa Requirements
• No Visa Required (NVR) Status Processing
• Government Process Navigation

The Visa on Arrival fee is USD 50 (plus applicable bank charge), payable in foreign currency cash at the airport bank counter. Travelers obtaining a Visa on Arrival must carry a minimum of USD 500 or equivalent in cash or on a credit card. The visa on arrival is valid for a maximum of 30 days and may be extended for an additional 30 days. Student visas are valid for up to one year, while business visas can be issued for up to one year with single, double, or multiple entries. Located strategically in South Asia, Bangladesh offers unique opportunities for cultural immersion and professional growth. This guide provides authoritative, up-to-date information to ensure your visa application process proceeds smoothly and efficiently.

Most travelers require a visa to enter Bangladesh, but several countries enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival privileges. Your nationality determines your entry requirements, with specific conditions applying to each category.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of Bhutan and Nepal can enter Bangladesh without a visa for up to 90 days. For travelers to Bangladesh, diplomatic passport holders from various countries including India, Pakistan, and several European nations can also enter visa-free.

Visa on Arrival

Citizens from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russian Federation, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Brunei, the United Kingdom, and all European countries can obtain a visa on arrival when traveling to Bangladesh for tourism, business, investment, or official government work. The visa on arrival fee is USD 50 (plus applicable bank charge), payable in foreign currency cash at the airport bank counter. Travelers must carry a minimum of USD 500 or equivalent in cash or on a credit card (not required for official government travel). This single-entry visa is valid for a maximum of 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days. Online pre-registration at voa.specialbranch.gov.bd is recommended before departure.

Obtaining a visa before travel is strongly recommended, as there is no guarantee you will receive a visa on arrival even if eligible. US citizens born outside the United States may be subject to increased scrutiny, and some travelers have been denied entry despite believing they fulfilled requirements.

Visa on arrival is also available for nationals of countries where there is no Bangladeshi embassy, high commission, or consulate.

Transit Requirements

Passengers remaining airside within the international transit lounge without clearing immigration generally do not require a visa. Travelers who need to collect checked baggage, use a landside hotel, or require a layover beyond the airside area must obtain a transit visa. Transit visas may be issued at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for up to 72 hours (or until the next available connecting flight), upon request by the operating airline, subject to a USD 20 service fee payable in foreign currency.

Standard Visa Requirements

All other nationalities, including most African, Asian, and Latin American countries, must obtain a visa before travel. Key requirements include:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Bangladesh
• At least 2 blank pages in your passport with no damage
• An onward or return ticket
• Completed visa application with supporting documents

No Visa Required Seal

Bangladesh missions provide a No Visa Required seal or vignette for citizens of Bangladesh who have a foreign passport and dual nationality, as well as to legally married spouses or children of Bangladeshi citizens. This seal allows unlimited entries without restrictions on duration throughout the validity of the passport.

Verify Your Status

Always confirm current requirements through the official Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or your nearest Bangladesh embassy, as visa policies can change without notice. Requirements may vary based on your specific circumstances and travel purpose.

Bangladesh offers multiple visa categories designed to accommodate various travel purposes and duration requirements. Understanding the specific visa type that aligns with your travel intentions is essential for successful application processing.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Tourist visas are available in both single-entry and multiple-entry formats. Single-entry tourist visas are typically valid for three months and can be extended for up to one month. Standard tourist visas allow stays of 30 days, while extended 90-day tourist visas are also available with a validity period of 90 days. Tourist visas can accommodate stays ranging from 30 days to 1 year depending on the variation selected.

Business Visa Categories

Business visas serve commercial travelers attending meetings, conferences, or exploring investment opportunities. Business visas can be issued with a validity period of up to one year with single, double, or multiple entries, with a maximum length of each stay of 60 days. These visas can be extended for up to three years with a maximum six months duration of stay in each visit. Business visas offer flexibility for frequent business travelers maintaining ongoing commercial relationships.

Employment and Work Visas

Work visas are usually issued for 3 months initially and can be extended up to 3 years depending on the contract or project. Employment visas can be obtained with single, double, or multiple entries, initially valid for up to three months with a maximum duration of stay of 90 days. Work visas require employment authorization and sponsor documentation from Bangladeshi employers, along with letters of concurrence from concerned Ministry, Board of Investment, or Bangladesh Export Processing Zone. Processing times typically take 2 to 6 weeks, requiring comprehensive background verification and security clearance.

Investor Visas

Investors in commercial or business endeavors can obtain visas with single, double, or multiple entries, which can be extended for up to five years with duration of stay depending on the project. Investor visas require letters of recommendation from the Bangladesh Ministry of Industries, Board of Investment, or Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority.

Student and Academic Visas

Students engaging in academic courses in Bangladesh can apply for multiple-entry student visas valid for up to one year, which can be extended depending on the length of the study course. Extensions must be done through the Department of Immigration and Passports in Bangladesh. Student visas require letters from the concerned educational institution duly attested by the Bangladesh Ministry of Education and certificates of financial guarantee.

NGO and Research Visas

NGO workers appointed to organizations in Bangladesh can obtain visas issued for up to three months with single, double, or multiple entries, with a maximum duration of stay of 90 days. NGO visas can be extended for up to three years. Individuals engaged in research can obtain visas issued for up to three months with single, double, or multiple entries, with a maximum duration of stay of 90 days.

Transit and Special Categories

Visa on arrival is issued for a maximum of 30 days with single entry, available to passport holders from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Brunei, and EU countries traveling for official work, diplomatic assignment, business, investment, or tourism. Visa on arrival can be extended for an additional 30 days.

No Visa Required stickers allow unlimited entries and stays within passport validity for eligible foreign citizens, spouses, and children of Bangladeshi origin, though NVR excludes SAARC-country passport holders. Special categories include diplomatic visas, official visas, journalist visas, missionary visas, and family reunion visas, each with specific eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.

Most visa types can be extended or renewed at the Department of Immigration and Passports in Dhaka City, though advance planning ensures smoother processing and appropriate visa selection.

Standard Processing Times

Tourist visas are typically processed in 3–15 days through the online application system, though standard processing at Bangladesh missions usually takes two weeks. For Indian citizens, tourist visas require 10–14 working days and business visas take 5–10 working days. Express processing is available in 2–3 days at additional cost. Work permits typically demand 15–21 working days, while student visas generally take 10–14 working days once all documentation is submitted. Travelers should apply 4–8 weeks before departure to allow for potential delays.

Application Costs & Fee Structure

• Single Entry Tourist: USD 160 when applying at Bangladesh missions in the United States
• Visa on Arrival: USD 50 plus applicable bank charge, valid for a maximum of 30 days (single entry)
• Tourist Visa: USD 50–160 and Business Visa: USD 50–200 depending on nationality and duration
• Student Visa: USD 200–400 depending on course duration and nationality
• Indian Citizens: Visa fee waived under bilateral agreement; service charges of approximately INR 825 apply

Application Locations & Methods

Applications are processed through the official online portal at visa.gov.bd, where travelers complete e-applications and track decisions. Applications can also be submitted through Bangladesh missions worldwide, including major processing centers in London, New York, Delhi, and Dubai, though physical document submission may still be required at visa centers or embassies. Visa on Arrival pre-registration is handled separately at voa.specialbranch.gov.bd.

Peak Processing Periods

Extended processing occurs during Ramadan, Eid festivals, and December–January holiday periods. Processing may be slower during holidays including Durga Puja and Eid. Apply 2–3 weeks early during these times. Fastest processing typically occurs February–April and September–October when application volumes are lower.

Essential Documentation

• Passport valid 6 months beyond intended departure date with at least two blank visa pages
• Completed application form with recent photograph: 35×45 mm, JPEG format, white background, under 300 KB, taken within last 6 months
• Proof of accommodation and return tickets
• Financial statements showing sufficient funds
• Full Bangladesh address including village, police station, district, and pincode
• Invitation letter for business and work visas

Payment & Contact Information

Fees payable via money order, bank draft, or online payment. Cash not accepted at most embassy or mission locations. Visa on arrival fees must be paid in foreign currency cash at the airport bank counter (Sonali Bank PLC). Bangladesh Embassy Washington: +1-202-244-0183. High Commission London: +44-207-584-0081. Applications received Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., delivery 3:30–5:00 p.m.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose, whether tourist, business, work, student, or family-related. Each category has specific documentation requirements and validity periods, so confirm which applies to your situation before beginning the application process.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

Bangladesh uses an online visa portal at visa.gov.bd where you fill out the electronic application form. Provide accurate passport data, contact details, and a complete Bangladesh address including village, police station, district, and pincode. Errors in photo specifications or incomplete addresses frequently cause delays. After completing the form online, print it for physical submission at your designated embassy, consulate, or visa application center.

Step 3: Document Preparation and Assembly

Gather all required documents for your specific visa category:

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity beyond your departure date and at least two blank pages
• Printed visa application form from the online portal
• Two recent passport photographs taken within the last 6 months against a white background
• Supporting documents specific to your visa category (invitation letters, business documents, hotel bookings, financial proof)
• Copies of all original documents

Ensure all documents are translated into English or Bengali by certified translators when required.

Step 4: Appointment Scheduling

Book your appointment at your nearest Bangladesh Visa Application Center by completing the online visa application first, then selecting your preferred date and time slot. Arrive at the visa application center 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment and attend in person. You cannot send a representative on your behalf.

Step 5: Biometric Data Collection

Some applicants are called for biometric data collection where fingerprints and photographs are taken at the visa center. Your fingerprints will be scanned digitally, so ensure your fingertips are free of cuts, abrasions, or henna. Children under 5 years are exempt from fingerprinting, while those aged 12-17 need parental or guardian consent.

Step 6: Fee Payment and Document Submission

Submit your complete application package with all original documents and copies at the visa application center or embassy. For US nationals, the visa fee is USD 160, while fees vary for other nationalities. Payment methods typically include cash, bank draft, or online payment systems depending on the location. Retain all payment receipts for tracking purposes.

Step 7: Application Processing and Tracking

Most e-visas are processed in 3-15 days, though you should plan at least 4-8 weeks before departure. Standard processing time is typically 5-7 working days for tourist visas and 5-10 working days for business visas. Track your application status online using your reference number at visa.gov.bd or check your registered email for status updates. Visa issuance may be delayed if reference to Bangladesh authorities is required for clearance.

Step 8: Visa Collection

Collect your processed passport with the visa stamp in person at the designated collection time, or arrange courier delivery if that service is available at your visa application center. Review all visa details immediately upon collection, including your name spelling, passport number, visa validity dates, visa type, and number of entries allowed. Report any discrepancies to the visa center staff before leaving the premises.

Who Qualifies for Visa on Arrival

Bangladesh grants Visa on Arrival (VOA) to nationals of the following countries traveling for tourism, business, investment, or official government work: United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Russian Federation, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Brunei, and all European countries. VOA is also available to nationals of any country where no Bangladeshi Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate exists, and to holders of diplomatic and official passports from a broader range of states. VOA is currently issued at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

Online Pre-Registration

Travelers eligible for VOA are strongly encouraged to pre-register online before departure at voa.specialbranch.gov.bd, operated by the Special Branch of Bangladesh Police. Pre-registration requires passport details, travel itinerary, accommodation address in Bangladesh, and purpose of visit. Completing registration in advance reduces airport waiting time and allows immigration officers to verify information before arrival. A passport photograph is not required for Visa on Arrival.

Entry Requirements

• Valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
• Confirmed onward or return airline ticket
• Hotel reservation or full accommodation address in Bangladesh
• Minimum funds of USD 500 (or equivalent) in cash or available on a credit card — not required for official government travel
• Business travelers: letter of introduction from employer and letter of invitation from the host company in Bangladesh
• Investors: recommendation letter from the Bangladesh Board of Investment or BEPZA
• Defense or security personnel: prior written clearance from the Security Services Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bangladesh

Fee and Payment

The VOA fee is USD 50 (plus applicable bank service charge), deposited in foreign currency cash to Sonali Bank PLC at a dedicated counter in the arrivals hall. Currency exchange facilities are available at the same location. United Nations passport holders are exempt from the VOA fee.

Airport Processing Steps

Upon arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, proceed to the On-Arrival Visa desk and present your pre-registration confirmation (if completed), passport, return ticket, and accommodation details. After the initial immigration review, pay the fee at the Sonali Bank PLC counter, then return to the immigration desk to have the visa stamp affixed in your passport.

Validity and Extension

A VOA is issued as a single-entry visa valid for a maximum of 30 days. An extension for a further 30 days may be applied for at the Department of Immigration and Passports in Dhaka; the process requires multiple visits on separate days. For stays anticipated to exceed 30 days, obtaining a standard visa from a Bangladesh mission before travel is strongly advised. VOA issuance is at the sole discretion of the immigration officer and is not guaranteed even for eligible nationals.

Overview of the Draft Policy

Bangladesh is in the process of replacing its immigration framework, in place since 2006, with a new Visa Policy 2026. The draft was tabled at a cabinet meeting on 2 July 2026 chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. A ministerial committee headed by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury was subsequently formed to review and finalize the document before enactment. The policy is designed to modernize entry and exit procedures, attract foreign direct investment, and support Bangladesh's transition from Least Developed Country to developing-nation status.

Key Proposed Changes

• 34 named visa categories to replace the current framework — covering state delegates, government officials, international organization representatives, business travelers, crew, diplomatic personnel, development partners, employment, investors, technical experts, students, journalists, medical travelers, religious activities, accompanying family members, transit, and others, each with defined validity periods and extension procedures governed by 31 standardized conditions
• Expansion of e-visa services and development of a fully digital immigration system to streamline entry at airports and ports of entry
• A reciprocity-based approach to visa issuance aligned with how partner countries treat Bangladeshi passport holders
• Streamlined procedures for foreign investors, technology professionals, and highly skilled workers

Current Status

As of July 2026, the Visa Policy 2026 remains a draft under ministerial review and has not been enacted. The existing 2006 visa framework continues to govern all visa issuance. Travelers should apply under current procedures and monitor official announcements from Bangladesh's Ministry of Home Affairs or Ministry of Foreign Affairs for implementation dates and any resulting changes to fees, categories, or eligibility lists.