Planning a trip to Bangladesh? The prospect of a Bangladesh Visa On Arrival can be an appealing option, making your journey to this culturally vibrant nation more accessible than ever.
This comprehensive guide explores the nuances and considerations surrounding the Bangladesh Visa on Arrival, equipping you with the knowledge you need to make an informed travel decision.
What is Visa On Arrival For Bangladesh?
Dreaming of exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Bangladesh, sealing a business deal in Dhaka, or even embarking on a government assignment in this vibrant nation?
You can enjoy up to 30 days of stay in Bangladesh for purposes such as tourism, business, investment, or official government duties.
Securing a Visa on Arrival in Bangladesh hinges on meeting specific criteria set by the Bangladeshi government.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deeper into the pros and cons of Bangladesh’s Visa on Arrival facility, equipping you with the knowledge you need to make an informed travel decision.
Arrival Visa vs. Advance Visa for Bangladesh
When you’re planning to visit Bangladesh, it’s important to understand the difference between an arrival visa and an advance visa.
Arrival Visa
An arrival visa is very convenient. You don’t need to go to the Bangladeshi embassy or consulate in your home country before your trip.
However, there’s a catch. When you arrive in Bangladesh, an immigration officer will decide if you can enter the country. This can be stressful, and you might have to wait in long lines at the airport.
Advance Visa
An advance visa is different. You apply for it before your trip, and you know if you can enter Bangladesh before you leave. This can give you peace of mind.
But it takes more time and effort. You have to apply in advance and wait for your visa to be processed. This can take days or even weeks. Plus, it usually costs more than an arrival visa.
In summary, an arrival visa is convenient but uncertain, while an advance visa is more secure but requires more time and money.
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Eligibility for Visa on Arrival in Bangladesh
The eligibility criteria for obtaining a visa on arrival in Bangladesh are as follows:
- If you’re from a country where Bangladesh doesn’t have an embassy, you can still get a visa upon arrival. The same goes if you’re traveling from such a country.
- If you’re coming for business and have an approved invitation letter, you can get a visa on arrival. Just make sure your host informs immigration beforehand.
- Citizens from many developed countries like the USA, Canada, France, etc., can also get a visa on arrival.
- If you have Bangladeshi heritage or family ties, you’re eligible for a visa on arrival with the right documents.
- If you work for a foreign embassy or a UN-related organization in Bangladesh or hold a UN passport, you can also get a visa upon arrival.
Requirements for Obtaining a Visa on Arrival
To secure a visa on arrival in Bangladesh, travelers must adhere to the following requirements:
- Visa fees must be paid in foreign currencies such as USD, GBP, or EURO.
- Travelers are required to have a minimum of USD 500 or an equivalent amount in foreign currency, either in cash or available through a credit card.
- Visitors must possess a confirmed return ticket as proof of their intention to depart Bangladesh.
- Travelers should be prepared to present necessary documents that substantiate the purpose of their visit. These may include hotel reservations, a detailed travel itinerary, an invitation letter, and evidence of advance payments made in their home country to confirm their trip.
- Visitors from countries exempt from visa fees will not be required to pay a visa fee upon arrival.
- Visa fees for visitors from non-exempt countries will be determined based on reciprocity agreements.
- The relevant security agencies collect comprehensive information from visitors to ensure the safety and security of the country.
Monthly reports regarding visa issuances are submitted by immigration authorities at airports and land ports to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Immigration and Passports.
- A visa on arrival will only be issued after thorough verification and explanation of the purpose of the visit to the visa officer.
- Foreign military or defense forces seeking entry into Bangladesh must obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Fees and Payment Methods for Bangladesh Visa on Arrival
The fee structure for a visa on arrival for single entry in Bangladesh is $51 US (including taxes)
Please note the following important details regarding payment methods:
- Payment must be made in cash using foreign currency, specifically in USD, Euro, or Pound Sterling.
- Credit or debit cards are not accepted as payment methods for the visa fee.
It’s advisable to ensure that you have the exact amount of money in the specified foreign currency to cover the visa fee when you arrive in Bangladesh.
Points of Arrival in Bangladesh Offering Visa on Arrival
Visa on Arrival (VOA) facilities in Bangladesh are available at various points of entry, including international airports and a selection of land ports. Here is a breakdown of these arrival points:
Bangladesh Visa on Arrival at Airports
You can avail of the Visa on Arrival service at all three of Bangladesh’s international airports, which are:
- Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
- Chittagong Shah Amanat International Airport
- Sylhet Osmani International Airport
Bangladesh Visa on Arrival at Land Borders
While the law stipulates that Visa on Arrival should be available at all land ports, in practice, only a few have the necessary infrastructure to provide this service. Here is a list of land borders where Visa on Arrival is currently available:
- Benapole/Petrapole Land Border (Jessore District of Bangladesh / West Bengal State of India)
- Darshana/Gede Land Border (Chuadanga District of Bangladesh / West Bengal State of India)
- Sonamasjid/Mahadipur Land Border (Chapai Nawabganj District of Bangladesh / West Bengal State of India)
- Banglabandha/Fulbari Land Border (Panchagarh District of Bangladesh / West Bengal State of India)
- Burimari/Changrabandha Land Border (Lalmonirhat District of Bangladesh / West Bengal State of India)
- Tamabil/Dauki Land Border (Sylhet District of Bangladesh / Meghalaya State of India)
- Akhaura/Ramnagar Land Border (Brahmanbaria District of Bangladesh / Tripura State of India)
Bangladesh Visa on Arrival Obtaining Process
Upon arrival in Bangladesh, follow these steps to secure a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival (VOA):
- Arrival Section:After disembarking from your flight, follow the signs directing you towards the Arrivals section.
- Visa on Arrival Area: Descend via the stairwell, and you’ll easily spot the Visa on Arrival (VOA) area to your right. Look out for clear signage indicating its location.
- Payment of Visa Fee: Proceed to the Sonali Bank Limited counter within the VOA area. Here, you’ll need to pay the visa fee, which amounts to $51 US or an equivalent in GBP/EURO. Please note that only cash payments are accepted at this counter.
- Receipt Issuance: After paying the visa fee, you’ll receive a receipt as proof of payment. Keep this receipt safe as you’ll need it for the next step.
- Visa Processing Counter: Next, head to the counter located adjacent to the bank counter. Present your payment receipt at this counter to get your visa stamped into your passport.
- Inquiry and Verification: You may be asked questions related to the purpose of your visit, the intended duration of your stay, your accommodation details, and other relevant information.
- Immigration: After obtaining your visa, proceed to the immigration area. Look for the line designated for airline crew and diplomats. Show your Visa on Arrival and follow the necessary immigration procedures.
- Baggage Claim: Once through immigration, retrieve your luggage from the baggage claim area.
- Customs Clearance: Continue to the customs area. Please be prepared for potential delays, as customs may involve luggage scanning and inspection.
Following these steps will help streamline the process of obtaining a Visa on Arrival at Dhaka Airport, allowing you to proceed with your journey in Bangladesh smoothly.
How to Extend Arrival Visa in Bangladesh?
Travelers who initially enter Bangladesh with a Visa on Arrival (VoA) have the option to extend their stay in the country beyond the initial duration granted at the time of entry.
To initiate the process of extending a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival, you must personally visit the Department of Immigration and Passport (DIP) office, which serves as the designated authority responsible for handling visa-related matters.
The DIP office is situated adjacent to the passport office in Agargaon, Dhaka.
It’s essential to be aware that extending your visa on arrival through this office can be a cumbersome process, often necessitating multiple visits on different days.
Suppose you foresee the need to stay in Bangladesh for an extended period exceeding the initial 30-day duration. In that case, it is strongly advisable to obtain a visa in advance from your home country for a longer duration.
Bangladesh Visa on Arrival Contact Information
For further information or inquiries regarding the Visa on Arrival (VoA) process in Bangladesh, you can contact the following immigration police numbers at various airports and land ports:
Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
- Officer In Charge (OC) Immigration (HSIA): +880-2-8914226 (Land Line), +88-01320005902
- Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP) Immigration (HSIA): +88-01320005376
- Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Immigration (HSIA): +88-01320005111
Other Airports
- Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Immigration (Sylhet Airport): +88-01320005107
- Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Immigration (Chittagong Airport): +88-01320005108
Land Ports
- Officer In Charge (OC) Benapole Land Port: +88-01320006412
- Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) (Land & Sea Port East): +88-01320005101
- Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) (Land & Sea Port West): +88-01320005114
Senior Officials
- Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Immigration Admin: +88-01320005102
- Additional Deputy Inspector General (Addl. DIG) Immigration: +88-01320005035
- Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Immigration: +88-01320005006
These contact numbers are provided to assist travelers with inquiries related to the visa-on-arrival process in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Visa on Arrival for US Citizens
US citizens planning to visit Bangladesh have two options for obtaining a visa:
Visa in Advance
US citizens can apply for a visa in advance from the Bangladesh Embassy or the nearest consulate in the US.
These visas are multiple-entry with varying validity periods ranging from 1 to 5 years, depending on the purpose of travel. The visa fee for US citizens is $160 US.
Visa on Arrival
Alternatively, US citizens can opt for a hassle-free Visa on Arrival (VoA) when traveling to Bangladesh for tourism, business, investment, or government-related duties.
The fee for a Visa on Arrival is $51 US, inclusive of taxes, and must be paid in cash US dollars. Please note that a Visa on Arrival is a single-entry visa.
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Bangladesh Visa on Arrival for UK Citizens
UK citizens planning to visit Bangladesh have two options for obtaining a visa:
Visa in Advance
UK citizens can apply for a visa in advance from the Bangladesh High Commission or the nearest consulate in the UK.
These visas can be either single or multiple entries, with a validity ranging from 3 months to 5 years, depending on the purpose of travel. The visa fee starts at £105.
Visa on Arrival
Alternatively, UK citizens can avail of a hassle-free Visa on Arrival (VoA) when traveling to Bangladesh for tourism, business, investment, or government-related duties.
The fee for a Visa on Arrival is $51 US, which includes taxes, and must be paid in cash, either in US dollars, British Pounds, or EURO. Please be aware that a Visa on Arrival is a single-entry visa.
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Bangladesh Visa on Arrival for Australian Citizens
Australian citizens planning to visit Bangladesh have two options for obtaining a visa:
Visa in Advance
Australian citizens can apply for a visa in advance from the Bangladesh High Commission or the nearest consulate in Australia.
Typically, these visas are multiple-entry, with validity periods ranging from 1 to 5 years, contingent upon the purpose of travel. The visa fee is $150 US.
Visa on Arrival
Alternatively, Australian citizens can obtain a convenient Visa on Arrival (VoA) when traveling to Bangladesh for tourism, business, investment, or government-related duties.
The fee for a Visa on Arrival is $51 US, inclusive of taxes, and must be paid in cash, either in US dollars, British Pounds, or EURO. Please note that a Visa on Arrival is a single-entry visa.
Details about Bangladesh Visa on Arrival for Australian Citizens
Bangladesh Visa Requirements for Indian Passport Holders
Indian passport holders who wish to visit Bangladesh are required to obtain a visa in advance. The visa can be obtained from the Bangladesh High Commission or the nearest consulate in India.
These visas can be issued as single or multiple entries, with varying validity periods, depending on the purpose of travel.
The noteworthy aspect for Indian passport holders is that the visa fee for Bangladesh is entirely waived, making it free of charge.
It’s important to note that Indian passport holders do not have the option of obtaining a Visa on Arrival (VoA) in Bangladesh, either at airports or land borders shared with India.
On Arrival Visa Train From India
Three train services are operating between Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal:
- Maitree Express
- Bandhan Express
- Mitali Express
Travelers entering Bangladesh via these train services must obtain the necessary visa in advance through the appropriate channels, such as the Bangladesh High Commission or the nearest consulate in India.
Visa on Arrival is not an option for those arriving in Bangladesh by train.
Considerations and Tips for Obtaining a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival
When opting for a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival (VoA), it’s important to keep the following considerations and tips in mind to ensure a smooth process:
- Confirm Eligibility: Verify your eligibility for a Visa on Arrival, as not all nationalities qualify for this option. Ensure you meet the necessary criteria to avoid complications upon arrival.
- Expect Potential Wait Times: Depending on the volume of arrivals and the availability of immigration staff, you may encounter wait times at the Visa on Arrival counter.
- Organize Required Documents: Have all essential documents readily available, including your passport, return ticket, and any supporting documents relevant to your purpose of travel.
- Currency Preparation: Ensure you possess sufficient cash in the correct currency (usually US dollars) to cover the visa fee.
- Accommodation Details: Be ready to provide the address of your intended stay in Bangladesh. No passport-sized photographs are needed for the visa application.
- Visa Payment Process: The Visa on Arrival process involves paying the fee at a bank booth located within the airport. After payment, you’ll receive a receipt and fill out the necessary form provided by the immigration officer.
- Choose Visa Duration: You can request the desired duration of your visa, which can be up to 30 days.
- Immigration Queue: Once you have obtained your visa, proceed to the immigration area. Utilize the queue designated for airline crew and diplomats, typically found on the far left.
FAQs About Bangladesh Visa On Arrival
Here are some FAQs related to Bangladesh Visa on Arrival that can you assist to know some extra information.
Who is eligible for a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival (VoA)?
Eligibility for VoA varies by nationality. Typically, travelers from certain countries are eligible for VoA, while others are not. Check the specific eligibility criteria for your nationality before traveling to Bangladesh.
How long is the Visa on Arrival valid for?
The validity of a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival is typically up to 30 days. However, you can request your preferred duration when applying at the immigration counter.
What is the fee for a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival, and how can I pay it?
The fee for a VoA is $51 US, including taxes. Payment must be made in cash, usually in US dollars, but some airports may accept British Pounds or EURO. Ensure you have the exact amount in the specified currency.
Can I extend a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival?
Yes, it is possible to extend a Visa on Arrival in Bangladesh. However, the extension process can be complex and may require multiple visits to the immigration office.
Are there any land borders where Visa on Arrival is available?
While the law stipulates that VoA should be available at all land ports in Bangladesh, in practice, only a few have the necessary infrastructure to provide this service. Verify the availability of VoA at specific land borders before your arrival.
Can I get a Visa on Arrival for purposes other than tourism?
Yes, Visa on Arrival in Bangladesh is available for various purposes, including business, investment, and government jobs. Ensure you have the necessary documents to support your purpose of travel.
Do I need a photograph for the Visa on Arrival application?
Generally, no passport-sized photographs are required for the visa-on-arrival application in Bangladesh.
What should I do if I need assistance with the visa-on-arrival process?
If you require assistance with the visa-on-arrival process, especially with paperwork and documentation, some tour operators and agencies in Bangladesh may offer support. Contact them for guidance and services.
Can I use a credit or debit card to pay for the Visa on Arrival fee?
No, credit or debit cards are not accepted as payment methods for the Visa on Arrival fee in Bangladesh. You must pay in cash using the specified foreign currency.
Are there any additional fees or charges associated with the Visa on Arrival?
In most cases, the $51 US fee for the Visa on Arrival includes all applicable taxes. However, it’s advisable to confirm this at the immigration counter to avoid any surprises.
What is the processing time for obtaining a Visa on Arrival at the airport?
The processing time for a Visa on Arrival can vary depending on factors like the number of arrivals and the efficiency of immigration services at the airport. Be prepared for potential wait times.
Can I leave Bangladesh from a different airport or land border with a Visa on Arrival?
Generally, you should exit from the same port of entry specified on your Visa on Arrival. If you plan to exit from a different location, it’s advisable to check with immigration authorities for any special requirements.
Is there a specific dress code to adhere to when applying for a Visa on Arrival?
While there isn’t a strict dress code for obtaining a Visa on Arrival, it’s recommended to dress modestly and respectfully, as is customary in many countries.
What is the procedure if I have dual citizenship or hold multiple passports?
If you have dual citizenship or multiple passports, it’s essential to enter Bangladesh using the same passport for which you obtained the Visa on Arrival.
Can I apply for a Visa on Arrival if I have previously been denied entry to Bangladesh?
If you have a history of being denied entry or overstaying a visa in Bangladesh, obtaining a Visa on Arrival may be more challenging.
Are there any health or vaccination requirements for obtaining a Visa on Arrival in Bangladesh?
Currently, there are no specific health or vaccination requirements for obtaining a Visa on Arrival in Bangladesh.
Final Words
if you’re planning to visit Bangladesh and considering a Visa on Arrival, it’s important to be well-prepared and informed about the process.
Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, have the necessary documents ready, carry the correct currency for the visa fee, and be patient if you encounter any wait times at the airport.
