Overview of Bangladesh Visa On Arrival

Bangladesh, a country in South Asia, has been increasingly gaining popularity among tourists from all over the world. Known for its rich culture, heritage, and beautiful landscapes, Bangladesh is an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic and unique travel experience. However, the country's visa requirements can be a bit of a hassle for travelers.

Bangladesh offers visa on arrival to a limited number of foreign nationals, primarily for business and tourism purposes. To be eligible for a Bangladesh visa on arrival, visitors must hold a passport from an eligible country, have a return ticket or onward travel plans, and have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. The visa on arrival is typically valid for up to 30 days and may be extended upon application. It is important to note that not all foreign nationals are eligible for a visa on arrival.

The visa on arrival for Bangladesh is only available at designated international airports in the country, such as Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong, and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet.

The eligible countries are:

  • Afghanistan
  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Angola
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahamas
  • Bahrain
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Benin
  • Bolivia
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Bulgaria
  • Burundi
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Canada
  • Cpe aVerde
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Comoros
  • Congo Republic
  • DR Congo
  • Costa Rica
  • Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
  • Croatia
  • Cuba
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Djibouti
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Estonia
  • Eswatini
  • Ethiopia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kiribati
  • Kosovo
  • Kuwait
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Latvia
  • Liberia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macao
  • Madagascar
  • Malaysia
  • Mali
  • Malta
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritania
  • Micronesia
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nauru
  • Nepal
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Niger
  • North Korea (DPRK)
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Palau
  • Palestine
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • Rwanda
  • Saint Lucia
  • San Marino
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Senegal
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Solomon Islands
  • Somalia
  • South Korea
  • South Sudan
  • Spain
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Sudan
  • Suriname
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Syria
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan
  • Timor-Leste (East Timor)
  • Togo
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey
  • Turkmenistan
  • Tuvalu
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
  • Uruguay
  • Vanuatu
  • Holy See (Vatican)
  • Venezuela
  • Zimbabwe

Additionally, while it is true that visitors from eligible countries can apply for a visa on arrival upon entering Bangladesh, it is not accurate to say that they can travel to Bangladesh without a visa. Visitors must have a valid passport and meet the eligibility requirements for the visa on arrival in order to be granted entry into the country.

Eligibility for Bangladesh Visa On Arrival

To be eligible for Bangladesh Visa On Arrival, travelers must fulfill the following criteria:

  • The traveler must hold a passport from an eligible country. Currently, citizens of 22 countries, including the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, and most European nations, are eligible for Bangladesh Visa On Arrival.
  • The traveler must arrive in Bangladesh by air, through one of the designated international airports: Dhaka, Chittagong, or Sylhet.
  • The traveler must have a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds to cover their stay in Bangladesh.
  • The traveler must not be blacklisted or considered a security threat by the Bangladesh government.

It's important to note that the immigration officials have the final authority to grant or refuse visa on arrival to any traveler, even if they meet the eligibility criteria. It's advisable to carry all relevant documents and to have a backup plan in case the visa is not granted.

Application Process for Bangladesh Visa On Arrival

The application process for Bangladesh Visa On Arrival is as follows:

  • Upon arrival at one of the designated international airports (Dhaka, Chittagong, or Sylhet), the traveler must proceed to the Visa on Arrival Booth.
  • The traveler will be given a Visa on Arrival application form to fill out. The form is also available online and can be completed before arrival to save time.
  • The traveler will need to provide a passport-size photograph and the visa fee in cash (USD or equivalent in another foreign currency). The current visa fee for most countries is USD 51.
  • The traveler's passport will be examined to ensure that it has a validity of at least 6 months and at least one blank page for the visa.
  • After the visa is issued, the traveler will be allowed to proceed through immigration and enter Bangladesh.

It's important to note that the visa on arrival is not guaranteed, and immigration officials have the authority to refuse entry to any traveler. It's advisable to carry all relevant documents, including a return or onward ticket, hotel reservations, and proof of sufficient funds.

Required Documents for Bangladesh Visa On Arrival

The required documents for Bangladesh Visa On Arrival are:

  • A passport with a validity of at least 6 months and at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
  • A completed visa application form. The form can be obtained at the Visa on Arrival booth at the designated international airports or can be filled out online before arrival.
  • A passport-size photograph.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover the traveler's stay in Bangladesh. This can be in the form of cash, credit cards, or traveler's checks.
  • A return or onward ticket. This is to prove that the traveler intends to leave Bangladesh after their stay.

Fees for Bangladesh Visa On Arrival

The current visa fee for Bangladesh Visa On Arrival is 50 USD for most countries. However, the fee may vary for citizens of certain countries or for travelers applying for special types of visas. It's also important to note that the visa fee must be paid in cash (USD or equivalent in other foreign currencies) at the Visa on Arrival Booth at the designated international airports (Dhaka, Chittagong, or Sylhet). Credit cards or other forms of payment are not accepted for visa on arrival.

Duration and Extension of Bangladesh Visa On Arrival

The duration of Bangladesh Visa On Arrival is typically 30 days, but it can be extended for another 30 days by applying to the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) in Bangladesh. The extension process requires the traveler to submit an application, pay a fee, and provide a valid reason for the extension. The decision to grant an extension is at the discretion of the DIP, and there is no guarantee that an extension will be granted. It's important to apply for the extension before the initial visa expires to avoid any penalties or legal issues. Overstaying a visa in Bangladesh can result in fines, detention, or deportation.

Restrictions and Limitations of Bangladesh Visa On Arrival

Here are some of the restrictions and limitations of Bangladesh Visa On Arrival:

  • Bangladesh Visa On Arrival is only available to travelers arriving by air at the designated international airports (Dhaka, Chittagong, or Sylhet). Travelers arriving by land or sea must apply for a visa in advance.
  • The visa on arrival is valid for tourism, business, or official purposes only. It cannot be used for employment, work, or long-term stays.
  • The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days by applying to the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) in Bangladesh.
  • Overstaying a visa in Bangladesh can result in fines, detention, or deportation. It's important to apply for an extension or leave the country before the visa expires.
  • The immigration officials have the final authority to grant or refuse visa on arrival to any traveler, even if they meet the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents.
  • The visa on arrival is not a guarantee of entry into Bangladesh. The immigration officials can refuse entry to any traveler who is considered a security threat or for any other reason.

It's important to understand these restrictions and limitations before applying for a Bangladesh Visa On Arrival and to ensure that all relevant documents and requirements are met.

Tips and Advice for Bangladesh Visa On Arrival Applicants

Here are some tips and advice for Bangladesh Visa On Arrival applicants:

  • Check the eligibility criteria and required documents before applying for a visa on arrival.
  • Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months and has at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
  • Fill out the visa application form accurately and completely. You can also fill out the form online before arrival to save time.
  • Have a passport-size photograph and the visa fee in cash (USD or equivalent in other foreign currencies) ready for submission at the Visa on Arrival booth.
  • Carry all relevant documents, such as a return or onward ticket, hotel reservations, and proof of sufficient funds.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions of Bangladesh, and dress modestly.
  • Take appropriate health and safety precautions, such as getting vaccinated, drinking bottled water, and avoiding street food.
  • Stay informed about the local situation and any travel advisories issued by your government or the Bangladesh government.
  • Be prepared for potential delays or complications in the visa on arrival process and have a backup plan in case the visa is not granted.
  • Always be respectful and courteous to the immigration officials and follow their instructions.

By following these tips and advice, you can increase your chances of obtaining a Bangladesh Visa On Arrival and enjoy a safe and hassle-free trip to Bangladesh.

Alternatives to Bangladesh Visa On Arrival

There are a few alternatives to Bangladesh Visa On Arrival that travelers can consider depending on their purpose and duration of stay in Bangladesh:

  • E-visa: Travelers can apply for an e-visa through the official website of the Bangladesh government. The e-visa is valid for up to 60 days and allows for a single entry into Bangladesh.
  • Regular visa: Travelers can apply for a regular visa at the Bangladesh embassy or consulate in their home country. This option is recommended for travelers who plan to stay in Bangladesh for a longer period or for work or study purposes.
  • Visa through a sponsor: Travelers can also apply for a visa through a sponsor, such as a local company or individual in Bangladesh. This option is recommended for travelers who plan to visit Bangladesh for business or official purposes.

It's important to note that the requirements and processing times for these visa options may vary, and travelers should check the latest information from the official sources before applying for a visa. Additionally, it's important to comply with all the visa conditions and regulations to avoid any legal issues or penalties while in Bangladesh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bangladesh Visa On Arrival

Citizens of most countries are eligible for Bangladesh Visa On Arrival. However, some countries are excluded from the list, and travelers from those countries need to apply for a visa in advance.

The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days by applying to the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) in Bangladesh.

The current visa fee for most countries for Bangladesh Visa On Arrival is 50 USD or equivalent in other foreign currencies.

No, the visa on arrival is only available for travelers arriving by air at the designated international airports (Dhaka, Chittagong, or Sylhet).

No, the visa on arrival is only valid for tourism, business, or official purposes. It cannot be used for employment, work, or long-term stays.

Yes, the visa on arrival can be extended for another 30 days by applying to the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) in Bangladesh.

Travelers need to provide a valid passport, a passport-size photograph, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds.

Yes, the immigration officials have the final authority to grant or refuse entry to any traveler, even if they meet the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents.

Bangladesh is generally considered safe for travelers, but travelers should take appropriate health and safety precautions, such as getting vaccinated, drinking bottled water, and avoiding street food.

The visa on arrival can be processed within a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the volume of arrivals and any complications in the process.