Bangladesh Tourist Visa
Table of contents
- Table of contents
- Traveling to Bangladesh
- Who Needs an Bangladesh Visa?
- Bangladesh Tourist Visa Validity
- Bangladesh Tourist Visa Requirements
- Bangladesh Visa Application Steps
- Bangladesh Tourist Visa Fees
- Where to Apply
- Bangladesh Tourist Visa Processing Time
- Approved Visa Applications
- Bangladesh Visa Extension
- Bangladesh Tourist Visa FAQ
Traveling to Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a treasure trove of historical and natural tourist sites. It is home to incredible natural places, including the Sundarbans, one of the largest mangrove forests in the world, and Cox Bazar Beach, considered one of the largest continuous beaches in the world. There are several World Heritage Sites for tourists to explore, as well as plenty of beach resorts and opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Who Needs an Bangladesh Visa?
Foreign nationals from the following countries are required to apply for a Bangladesh visa, before traveling to Bangladesh:
Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Macao, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Yemen.
Other foreign nationals can obtain a visa on arrival if they:
- Are from a country that does not have a Bangladeshi embassy or consulate.
- Have Bangladeshi origins.
- Hold a diplomatic or official passport or are involved in the UN or another international organization.
Tourists of Bangladeshi origin (except those from SAARC countries) can apply for a No Visa Required (NVR) sticker that is placed inside their passports.
Bangladesh Tourist Visa Validity
The Bangladeshi tourist visa is intended specifically for tourism purposes. This includes casual visits to friends and family, conferences and workshops, religious purposes, and cultural events. Other activities are prohibited to holders of a tourist visa.
Holders of a tourist visa are issued a single-entry visa with a validity period of three months. They are only eligible to stay for those three months. Extensions of up to one month may be obtained from the Department of Immigration and Passport (DIP) in the city of Dhaka.
It’s important to note that the visa validity period starts from the date of issue, not the date of travel on the application form.
Bangladesh Tourist Visa Requirements
Applicants for the Bangladesh tourist visa must meet the basic requirements for their visa application to be processed. All applicants must submit the following documents:
A valid passport and photocopy
The applicant should hold a passport valid for at least 6 months before their travel date and make a clear copy of the photo page.
Two passport-sized photos
The applicant is required to submit two recent personal photos, taken within the last 6 months against a white background.
Complete the visa application form
The visa application form must be completed and signed in accordance with the guidelines.
Invitation letter/Proof of accommodation (if applicable)
- The applicant may submit either an invitation letter from an individual with a copy of the invitee’s Bangladeshi passport or National ID card or a letter from a Bangladeshi organization.
- Alternatively, a hotel booking confirmation or another proof of accommodation can be used instead of an invitation letter.
Proof of subsistence
Applicants must prove they are able to support themselves for the duration of their stay in Bangladesh.
Return airline ticket
Return tickets must be from an accredited airline and clearly show the date of departure falling within the validity period of the applicant’s tourist visa.
Bangladesh Visa Application Steps
Applying for a Bangladesh tourist visa can be completed by following a few straightforward steps:
- Complete the visa application form
The visa application form should be completed and signed to be submitted to the nearest embassy or consulate. Foreign missions in certain countries allow applicants to fill out and submit the form online. Once submitted, applicants can then print the form to include with their application materials.
- Schedule and attend the visa appointment
Applicants should schedule and attend a visa appointment at the Philippines embassy or consulate to submit their application materials.
- Submit required documents and pay the visa fee
At the visa appointment, applicants will submit the required documents and the printed application form. Visa fee payment methods may vary depending on the location of the embassy or consulate.
- Collect passport with visa
Once the application is submitted, the Bangladeshi immigration officials will process the visa. If successful, the applicant will pick up their passport with the new tourist visa stuck inside on a blank page.
Bangladesh Tourist Visa Fees
The visa processing fee for a Bangladesh visa will vary depending on the nationality of the applicant and the number of entries they would like their visa to allow. Single, double, and multiple entry visas will all have different rates for processing. The visa application fee is non-refundable even if the visa application is refused.
Where to Apply
Most foreign nationals will apply for their tourist visa at the nearest Bangladeshi embassy or consulate. Some other nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at the border in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Tourist Visa Processing Time
The processing time for each Bangladeshi tourist visa will vary depending on the complexity of the visa application and the individual’s situation. It may also depend on the visa type and where the applicant submits their application. In most cases, the processing time will be around seven working days.
Approved Visa Applications
If the Bangladeshi tourist visa has been approved, the applicant will be notified to return to the embassy or consulate to retrieve their passport with the visa stuck inside.
If applying by post, the passport will be mailed back to the applicant with the visa inside.
Bangladesh Visa Extension
In some instances, a Bangladesh tourist visa can be extended for up to one month. Tourists who wish to extend their visa must contact the Department of Immigration and Passport (DIP) in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Tourist Visa FAQ
A Bangladesh tourist visa is a travel document that allows the holder to enter the country for a single entry and stay for up to three months. It is usually issued as a sticker visa.
A Bangladesh tourist visa will vary in cost depending on the nationality of the applicant and the number of entries they would like their visa to allow.
In most cases, the processing time for a Bangladesh tourist visa will be around seven working days.
Applications are usually submitted by post or in person at the nearest embassy or consulate. Applicants should be sure to check the guidelines for their unique situation before proceeding with the application process.
