Bangladesh, with its unique past, lively culture and natural beauty draws tourists, business professionals, students and employment seekers alike. It is one of the most underrated countries offering a perfect blend of splendour and culture from the thrilling streets of Dhaka to the peaceful tea gardens in Sylhet. Travel across the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, to get a glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tiger; or simply relax on the world’s longest natural sea beach at Cox’s Bazar and enjoy the beautiful sunsets.
Bangladesh attracts many Indian tourists mainly due to the geographical proximity and shared cultural ties. Nonetheless, Indian nationals are required to have a valid visa to enter the nation. This blog will provide you with all the necessary information regarding the Bangladesh visa. We will cover different visa types, eligibility requirements, documents required and how to apply for a Bangladesh visa.
Different Types of Bangladesh Visas
Bangladesh offers visitors several different types of visas. Every category is designed specifically to suit the nature of your visit. Some of the most common types include:
- Tourist Visa – It is the most common type of visa used mainly to enter the country as a tourist. Best suited for leisure travel, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family. A Bangladesh tourist visa is generally valid for 90 days.
- Business Visa – Business professionals travelling to Bangladesh for official meetings, trade fairs, conferences, investments, and business exploration require this kind of visa. Applicants generally need to have an invitation letter from a local entity.
- Student Visa – International students seeking higher education in Bangladesh need to secure a student visa. Candidates need to have an admission letter from a registered institution in Bangladesh to apply for a student visa. It is mostly valid for the entire duration of the course.
- Work Visa – International employees employed by official Bangladeshi organisations need a work visa to work in the country. It is usually granted for the employment contract duration. It could be easily renewed as per the employment conditions.
- Transit Visa – This category of visa is best suited for travellers passing through Bangladesh on their way to a different country. It is a short-term visa (usually not more than 72 hours) that allows travellers to explore Bangladesh before their onward flight to their destination.
Also Read:- Why Do Indians Need a Visa for Bhutan?
Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
Although India and Bangladesh enjoy a good bilateral relationship, Indian citizens still need to apply for a visa before they can enter Bangladesh. Visitors are required to have a visa beforehand as visa-free and visa-on-arrival are not available for standard tourism or business visits. Important requirements include the following;
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond the intended date of stay
- The passport must have at least two blank pages
- Proof of adequate funds to financially support the duration of travel.
- Applicants should have a clean background. Any history of being a security risk or blacklisted would lead to the rejection of the application.
- Submit correct documentation according to the visa type.
- A fully completed visa application form
Also Read:- What is NOC Certificate
Documents Needed for a Bangladesh Visa
Candidates looking to secure a Bangladesh visa must submit supporting documents and a completed application form. The documents required are as follows;
- Completed visa application form
- A valid Indian passport with atleast 6 months of validity
- Recent passport-size photographs
- A cover letter stating the purpose of the travel
- Accommodation proof such as hotel bookings, invitation letters or other evidence of stay in Bangladesh needs to be provided
- Travel itinerary or a confirmed return or an onward travel ticket
- Proof of financial means to support the expenses during travel
- An invitation letter from a Bangladesh-based entity for a business visa
- Student visa applicants need to submit an admission letter from the educational institution
- An employment contract or appointment letter is needed for a work visa.
Note: The exact documents required will vary depending on the type of visa. Ensure the exact documents required before starting the visa application procedure.
Bangladesh Visa Application Process
It is a multi-step procedure. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply for a Bangladesh visa.
- Determine the Visa Type – The first step is to choose the correct visa type based on the nature of the visit (Business, Tourist, Student, etc). Choosing an incorrect visa can lead to delays and even rejection.
- Fill out the Online Application Form – After selecting the visa type, the next step is to start the application procedure by visiting the official portal (https://www.visa.gov.bd). Fill out the application form, and upload the recent photograph along with passport details. Download and print the final confirmation page.
- Gather the supporting documents – According to your visa category compile all the required documents. Ensure all the documents are in English or Bengali. Documents in other languages must be translated and notarized.
- Submit Application – Submit the completed and printed application along with the necessary documentation to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission/Embassy closest to you. If you prefer, you can apply for a visa through authorised visa facilitation centres.
- Pay the application fee – You can pay the fee for your visa through DD, by transferring it to the embassy’s bank account or in person at the counter. The type and duration of the visa will determine the visa fee.
- Collect your visa – You can track your visa application through the official website or message/mail alerts. Once the application is processed you can collect your visa from the embassy.
Things to Consider
- It’s best to submit your application 2-3 weeks before you plan to travel. Visa processing is a lengthy process and sometimes may take longer than expected.
- Before your visa is approved, do not book non-refundable tickets.
- Visa applications have very stringent photograph specifications, carefully read and follow the specifications.
- Multiple entry visas are available but generally granted only for a valid and acceptable reason.
- Through the Department of Immigration and Passports, visas in Bangladesh can be extended before the initial expiration.
- Be informed about the visa expiration date and other terms related to your visa as overstaying or breaking a rule will result in imposition of penalty.
Conclusion
Indian citizens need to secure appropriate visas to visit Bangladesh but the good news is that the visa application process is pretty straightforward, provided all the documents are in order and the purpose of the visit is clearly defined. Irrespective of whether you are visiting for business, spiritual reasons, pleasure or cultural exploration, a smooth visa processing will set the right tone for the trip. Begin your visa process early, double-check all your paperwork for authenticity and have fun visiting this amazing hidden gem of South Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Bangladesh visa-free for Indians?
No, currently there is no provision for visa-free entry into Bangladesh for Indian citizens. Some visa categories like tourist visas may not require the payment of a visa fee, but the application process still needs to be followed.
- Can I get a Bangladesh visa on arrival?
Visa on arrival is not encouraged for regular travel and may only be available to Indian citizens in rare or exceptional circumstances.
- Can I extend my visa while in Bangladesh?
Yes, visas can be extended before their original expiration date. To extend the visa while in Bangladesh, you will need to visit the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP).
- What is the validity of a Bangladesh tourist visa?
This type of visa is generally valid for 3 months with single or multiple entries depending on the the application and circumstances.
- How much does a Bangladesh visa cost?
The cost varies depending on the type of visa and its duration. Some visas like tourist visas may be issued free of charge for Indian citizens.
- Is personal appearance required at the embassy?
Appearing in person at the embassy is not always necessary. Applications in most cases can be submitted without personal appearance unless the candidate is called in for an interview as a part of the visa application process.