🇧🇩 Bangladesh visa requirements

Most passports need a visa for Bangladesh. Some get 30 days visa-on-arrival, but don't count on it.

Who gets in without a fight?

Here's the deal with visas for Bangladesh. If you hold a passport from the US, UK, EU, Canada, or Australia, you must get a visa before you arrive. Don't show up expecting to snag one at the airport. The process isn't complex, but it takes time. Apply online through the Bangladesh mission in your country.

Now, for a select few, it’s easier. Citizens of India, Maldives, Bhutan, and Nepal get visa-free entry for a set period, usually 90 days.

Then there's the group that can sometimes get a visa on arrival (VOA). This typically includes citizens from countries not explicitly listed as visa-required or visa-free. Think South Korea, Japan, UAE, Saudi Arabia. The 30-day VOA is common here. Quick warning: VOA isn't guaranteed. It depends on the immigration officer's mood, the purpose of your visit, and whether you have onward tickets. It's always safer to have a visa in advance if you can. The fee for a VOA is usually around $51.

How long can you actually stay?

So, you've got your visa, or maybe you lucked out with a VOA. What's the damage? Most tourist visas, whether pre-approved or VOA, grant you an initial stay of 30 days. This can often be extended. You'll need to visit the immigration office in Dhaka to apply for an extension, usually in blocks of 30 days, up to a maximum of 90 days total on a tourist visa.

The real gotcha is the exit stamp. Make sure you get one when you leave. Missing an exit stamp can cause headaches later, especially if you try to re-enter. Double-entry visas are rare for tourists; most are single-entry. Plan your trips accordingly.

Overstaying is where things get expensive. The fines vary, but expect to pay around $10 per day for the first few weeks, then it can escalate. If you overstay by more than a month, you could face deportation and a ban from re-entering Bangladesh. Don't risk it.

What’s new in Bangladesh visa land?

Bangladesh has been slowly rolling out an eVisa system. This is a game-changer for many nationalities, aiming to streamline the application process. You can now apply online for certain visa types, which can significantly cut down on processing times and the need for in-person visits to embassies. Check the official Bangladesh eVisa portal for eligibility and application procedures.

Fee structures have also seen adjustments. While the standard tourist visa fee remains around $50-$100, the eVisa might have a small processing fee added. Keep an eye on the official government websites for the most up-to-date fee information.

Recently, there haven't been major suspensions or expansions of visa programmes, but the eVisa rollout is the most significant recent development. It’s worth checking the status of the eVisa system for your nationality before you start your application, as it's still being expanded to cover more countries and visa categories.