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. 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
• Transit Visa Requirements
• Government Process Navigation

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 the following countries can enter Bangladesh without a visa:

• Bhutan and Nepal: 90 days visa-free stay
• Maldives: 30 days visa-free for tourism
• Diplomatic passport holders: Various countries including India, Pakistan, and several European nations

Visa on Arrival

Limited visa-on-arrival facility is available for specific nationalities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, primarily for business purposes with prior approval from relevant authorities.

Transit Requirements

Transit passengers continuing their journey within 8 hours without leaving the airport transit area generally don't require a visa. However, overnight stays or leaving the airport require a proper visa regardless of transit duration.

Standard Visa Requirements

All other nationalities, including citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, Australia, and most other countries, must obtain a visa before travel. Key requirements include:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Minimum 2 blank pages for entry stamps
• Completed visa application with supporting documents

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.

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, with validity periods ranging from 30 days to 3 months. Short-term tourist visas typically allow stays up to 30 days, while extended tourist visas can accommodate longer recreational visits with proper documentation.

Business Visa Categories

Business visas serve commercial travelers attending meetings, conferences, or exploring investment opportunities. These visas offer:

• Single-entry business visas for brief commercial visits
• Multiple-entry business visas for frequent business travelers
• Extended validity options for ongoing business relationships

Employment and Work Visas

Work visas require employment authorization and sponsor documentation from Bangladeshi employers. Processing times are typically longer, requiring comprehensive background verification and skills assessment.

Student and Academic Visas

Educational visas accommodate students enrolled in recognized Bangladeshi institutions. These visas require admission confirmation and financial capability documentation, with validity aligned to academic program duration.

Transit and Special Categories

Transit visas allow brief stopovers for travelers continuing to third destinations, typically valid for 72 hours. Special categories include diplomatic visas, official visas, and family reunion visas, each with specific eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.

Most visa types offer extension possibilities through local immigration authorities, though advance planning ensures smoother processing and appropriate visa selection.

Standard Processing Times

Tourist Visa: 3-5 working days for standard processing, with expedited service available in 24-48 hours. Business visas typically require 5-7 working days, while work permits demand 15-21 working days for complete processing. Student visas generally take 10-14 working days once all documentation is submitted.

Application Costs & Fee Structure

• Single Entry Tourist: $51-71 depending on nationality
• Multiple Entry Business: $101-151 for 6-month validity
• Work Visa: $160-200 plus processing fees
• Express Service: Additional $30-50 surcharge applies

Application Locations & Methods

Applications processed through Bangladesh missions worldwide or online via the official eVisa portal. Major processing centers include London, New York, Delhi, and Dubai consulates. Online applications available for 43+ nationalities with 72-hour processing guarantee.

Peak Processing Periods

Extended processing during Ramadan, Eid festivals, and December-January holiday periods. Recommend applying 2-3 weeks early during these times. Fastest processing typically occurs February-April and September-October.

Essential Documentation

• Passport valid 6+ months
• Completed application form with recent photograph
• Proof of accommodation and return tickets
• Financial statements showing sufficient funds
• Invitation letter (business/work visas)

Payment & Contact Information

Fees payable via money order, bank draft, or online payment. Cash not accepted at most locations. Bangladesh Embassy Washington: +1-202-244-0183. High Commission London: +44-207-584-0081.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose - tourist, business, transit, or diplomatic. Consult official embassy guidelines to confirm duration limits and specific requirements for your nationality and intended stay length.

Step 2: Document Preparation and Assembly

Gather essential documents including:

• Valid passport with minimum 6-month validity
• Completed application forms with accurate information
• Recent passport photographs meeting specifications
• Supporting documents specific to your visa category

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

Step 3: Application Form Completion

Complete forms through the designated online portal or obtain paper applications from the nearest Bangladesh mission. Double-check all entries for accuracy, as errors frequently cause processing delays or rejections.

Step 4: Appointment Scheduling and Submission

Book your appointment through official channels and submit your complete application at the designated consulate or visa center. Arrive punctually with all original documents and copies as specified.

Step 5: Fee Payment

Pay the applicable visa fee using accepted payment methods - typically cash, bank draft, or online payment systems. Retain payment receipts for tracking and collection purposes.

Step 6: Biometric Data and Processing

Provide biometric information if required for your visa category. Track your application status through official portals using your reference number and await processing completion within the stated timeframe.

Step 7: Visa Collection

Collect your processed visa in person or through authorized representatives. Review all details immediately and report any discrepancies before leaving the premises.