🇧🇩 Bangladesh visa for India citizens
India passport holders must apply for a visa at a Bangladesh consulate or embassy before travelling. Expect documents, an appointment, and lead time measured in weeks.
The verdict
For India passport holders specifically
Indian passport holders need to apply for a Bangladesh visa through a consulate. Forget e-Visa or on-arrival options. You'll need to visit or mail your application to the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi or their consulate in Kolkata. The application process itself is straightforward. Expect to pay around BDT 800 to BDT 1200 (roughly $7 to $10 USD) for a tourist visa, though this can vary. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 working days.
The most common pitfall for Indian applicants is incomplete documentation, especially missing clear, dated photographs that meet specific requirements. Always double-check the consulate's website for the latest photo dimensions. You will also need to show proof of onward travel, meaning a return ticket or a ticket to a third country. Proof of sufficient funds, usually a bank statement showing a few months of activity, is also required.
Bangladesh visa, the full picture
Bangladesh offers visa-on-arrival for about 30 nationalities. Most others need to apply in advance.
Who Gets In Visa-Free and Who Needs a Pre-Approval
If you hold a passport from the US, UK, EU countries, Canada, or Australia, you'll need to apply for a visa before you arrive. Don't count on getting one at the airport. For citizens of countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, and Nepal, you're generally granted visa-free entry for a certain period, often 90 days. Other nationalities will find themselves in the "visa-required" category, needing to submit an application through a Bangladeshi embassy or consulate in their home country or a designated third country. The application process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, so plan ahead.
How Long Can You Actually Stay and What to Watch For
Tourist visas for Bangladesh typically allow for stays of 30 days, though this can be extended. Extensions are usually granted in 30-day increments at the immigration office in Dhaka. The kicker? You need to exit Bangladesh to get a new entry stamp if you want to re-enter on a fresh tourist visa. Some nationalities might have specific rules about double-entry visas, so clarifying this with the embassy is wise. Overstaying is where things get sticky. While exact enforcement varies, penalties can include fines and potential detention. Fines are often around $5 USD per day of overstay, but the real consequence could be a ban from re-entering the country for a period. Always keep track of your visa expiry date and any exit stamps.
Working Remotely on a Tourist Visa: A Practical Reality
Officially, working remotely on a standard tourist visa for Bangladesh is a grey area. The government doesn't have a dedicated digital nomad visa, so you're technically not supposed to be conducting business that generates income from within the country. However, enforcement is often lax, especially for short-term stays. Many travellers work on their laptops from cafes or co-working spaces without issue. The key is not to draw attention to yourself. Avoid setting up a formal office space or engaging in activities that clearly indicate local employment. If you plan a longer stay and are concerned, exploring business visa options might be more appropriate, though that comes with its own set of requirements and limitations.
Recent Changes: The eVisa and What That Means
Bangladesh has been rolling out an eVisa system, which is a significant step towards simplifying the application process for many nationalities. Previously, most travellers had to visit an embassy. Now, eligible applicants can apply online and receive their visa electronically before travelling. The eVisa is initially for tourism purposes and typically offers a 30-day stay. Fees for visas have also seen adjustments, with the eVisa generally costing around $50 USD, though this can vary slightly depending on your nationality and the type of visa. It's crucial to check the official immigration website for the most up-to-date list of eligible countries for the eVisa and current fee structures, as these details can change. The eVisa system is still expanding, so not all nationalities are covered yet.
How other passports enter Bangladesh
The rule changes entirely with the document. Open the row that matches yours.