Bangladesh visa on arrival in 2024: Everything you need to know about

With its vibrant culture, rich history, and a plethora of natural wonders, Bangladesh is fast emerging as a favored destination for travelers worldwide. But to relish Bangladesh’s unique experience, one must navigate through the travel protocols set by the country, a significant part being the visa process. This article focuses on one such critical aspect – the “Bangladesh visa on arrival.” Understanding this can significantly facilitate your travel to this beautiful country, making it smoother and hassle-free.

Table of Contents

• What is a Visa on Arrival?
• The Bangladesh Visa on Arrival
• Visa on Arrival vs. Advance Visa for Bangladesh
• Who can get a Bangladesh visa on arrival?
• Requirements for getting a Bangladesh visa on arrival
• Invitation letter for Bangladesh Visa on Arrival
• Fees and Payment Methods
• Arrival Points in Bangladesh where Visa on Arrival is Issued
  • Bangladesh visa on arrival at the airports
  • Bangladesh visa on arrival at the land borders
• Bangladesh visa on arrival in trains from India
• Steps for getting a Bangladesh visa on arrival at Dhaka Airport
• Extending a Bangladesh visa on arrival
• Overstaying on a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival: Consequences
• Contact details about Bangladesh visa on arrival
• Important Considerations and Tips
• Bangladesh Visa on Arrival for US Citizens
• Bangladesh Visa on Arrival for UK Citizens
• Bangladesh Visa on Arrival for Australian Citizens
• Bangladesh visa on arrival for Indian passport holders
• Bangladesh visa on arrival experiences
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Visiting Bangladesh
• References

What is a Visa on Arrival?

A ‘Visa on Arrival’ (VoA) is a type of travel document that can be obtained when you reach your destination country rather than in advance. In essence, it eliminates the need for securing a visa before commencing your journey, providing considerable flexibility to travelers. However, not all countries offer this facility, and those that do, offer it to citizens of specific countries under certain conditions. It’s also worth mentioning that a visa on arrival is just one type among several kinds of visas – each with its own set of rules and procedures.

 

The Bangladesh Visa on Arrival

For eligible travelers, Bangladesh offers a visa on arrival facility. This visa is valid for a stay of a maximum of 30 days for tourism, business, investment, or a government job. To obtain a visa on arrival in Bangladesh, travelers must meet specific criteria set by the Bangladeshi government. However, bear in mind that the issuance isn’t guaranteed and is subject to the discretion of the immigration officer at the port of entry. The facility has its pros, such as convenience and time-saving, and cons, like possible uncertainty, which we will discuss in more detail further in the article.

 

Visa on Arrival vs. Advance Visa for Bangladesh

Understanding the difference between a visa on arrival and an advance visa for Bangladesh can help you decide which one suits your travel needs better.

A visa on arrival in Bangladesh is convenient and saves time as you do not need to visit the Bangladeshi embassy or consulate in your home country before traveling. However, it leaves some uncertainty because it is not guaranteed – the immigration officer decides upon your arrival. Also, queues can be long, especially during peak travel times, leading to a potentially long wait at the airport.

On the other hand, a pre-arrival visa ensures that you have secured the necessary permissions before starting your journey. It eliminates the uncertainty associated with a visa on arrival. However, it takes more time and effort to obtain, as you must apply in advance and wait for the processing, which may take several days or weeks. Also, getting an advance visa is more expensive in most countries.

Consider your circumstances, tolerance for uncertainty, and urgency of travel when deciding between the two.

 

Who can get a Bangladesh visa on arrival?

• Citizens coming from The US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russian Federation, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Brunei, and European countries to Bangladesh for tourism, trade, investment, or a government job may get a visa on arrival.
• In countries where Bangladesh has no embassy, only the incoming citizens of those countries can be given an On-Arrival Visa justifying the necessity of travel.
• If a person arrives in Bangladesh from a country other than his own country, where there is no embassy of Bangladesh, he can be given an On-Arrival Visa by verifying the justifiability of the travel.
• On-Arrival Visas can be provided for officials and staff of foreign embassies and the United Nations office in Bangladesh, verifying relevant papers.
• On-Arrival Visas can be given to foreign citizens of Bangladeshi born and their spouse/children based on Bangladeshi citizenship certificates/certificates of Bangladeshi origin.
• On-Arrival Visas can be issued based on an invitation letter from the inviting company and the Bangladesh Investment Promotion Board / BEPZA’s certificate for foreign investors/traders. However, the inviting company will have to inform in advance about the arrival of foreign nationals to the directorate of immigration and passport and Immigration authorities.

Requirements for getting a Bangladesh visa on arrival

The requirements are as follows:

• Visa fees must be paid in foreign currency (USD/GBP/EURO).
• Except for government work, a foreigner must carry at least 500 (five hundred) US dollars / equivalent foreign currency in cash/credit card for other purposes.
• Incoming persons have to possess a return ticket.
• Incoming person should have the necessary documents for the on-arrival visa.

Nijhoom Tours can help with all the paperwork to get a visa on arrival if you book a tour or holiday with us. Contact us if you need assistance with an on-arrival visa.

Invitation Letter for Bangladesh Visa on Arrival

An invitation letter is not mandatory for a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival. However, an invitation letter from a reputable Bangladeshi organization will smoothen the visa process.

We can help you with providing an invitation letter for your on-arrival visa if you are an eligible national and book any tour with us, including a day tour in Bangladesh. Contact us now if you need an invitation letter for your on-arrival visa in Bangladesh.

Fees and Payment Methods

The fee for a visa on arrival for Bangladesh is $51 US for a single-entry visa, including taxes.

The fees must be paid in cash in foreign currency (USD, Euro, Pound Sterling). Cards are not accepted. Make sure to bring the exact amount of money in foreign currency.

 

Arrival Points in Bangladesh where Visa on Arrival is Issued

VOA facilities in Bangladesh are available at all international airports. According to the law, it should be available on all the land ports too. But in practice, only a few have the infrastructure for VOA, so it is available at only a few land ports.

Bangladesh visa on arrival at the airports

Bangladesh currently has three international airports. You can get a visa on arrival in all of these airports as below:

• Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
• Chittagong Shah Amanat International Airport
• Sylhet Osmani International Airport

Bangladesh visa on arrival at the land borders

According to our research, Visa on Arrival is currently available at the following land borders in Bangladesh. The rules are the same for the visa on arrival at the land borders as the airports.

It is strongly advised to verify if VOA is still available on any specific land border by calling the concerned number of the immigration police before your arrival if you decide to use any of them. Also, please let us know your experience in the comments if you get a VOA at any land border. It will help fellow travelers, as this information is scarce on the internet.

• 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 (Brahmnbaria District of Bangladesh / Tripura State of India)

Bangladesh visa on arrival in trains from India

Three trains currently run between Bangladesh and the West Bengal state of India. These are Maitree Express, Bandhan Express, and Mitali Express. However, there is no Visa on Arrival facilities for passengers from India coming to Bangladesh on these trains.

 

Steps for getting a Bangladesh visa on arrival at Dhaka Airport

Upon landing at Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, follow the signs directing towards the Arrivals section. A stair will guide your way, and once you descend, you’ll immediately spot the Visa on Arrival (VOA) area to your right, which is also clearly signposted.

Here’s a simplified guide to the process:

1. Follow the signs leading to the Arrivals section.
2. Locate the Visa on Arrival area at the bottom right of the escalator.
3. Pay a visa fee of $51 US or equivalent GBP/EURO at the Sonali Bank counter and get a receipt.
4. Join the VOA queue just beside the bank.
5. After getting your VOA, proceed to immigration.
6. Finally, collect your luggage and make your way through customs.

Once inside the VOA area, your initial task is to approach the counter of Sonali Bank Limited. Here, each traveler must pay a visa fee of $51 US or equivalent GBP/EURO. Only cash is accepted.

This location also provides a facility to exchange currency at a rate equivalent to that outside the immigration area. Hence, it is highly recommended to take advantage of this service.

Upon payment, you’ll receive a receipt which you must present at a separate counter next to the bank to get your visa stamped into your passport.

You may be questioned regarding the purpose of your visit, duration of stay, accommodations, etc.

Once these steps are completed, you can proceed to the immigration area. Take the line for the airline crew/diplomats, show your VOA, and come outside.

After immigration, you can retrieve your luggage from the baggage claim area and then navigate through customs. Be prepared for a slightly slow process here, as your luggage must undergo scanning.

Extending a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival

Visitors who enter Bangladesh with a Visa on Arrival can extend their stay beyond the initial duration granted at the time of entry. The visa extension process allows individuals to legally prolong their stay in the country for tourism, business, investment, or a government job.

To apply for a Bangladesh Visa extension, you must visit the Department of Immigration and Passport (DIP) office, the designated authority responsible for visa-related matters. This office is located adjacent to the passport office in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Please note that extending your visa on arrival through this office will be a big hassle, as you must make multiple trips there on different days. If you plan to stay in Bangladesh longer than 30 days, getting a visa in advance from home for a longer duration is strongly advised to avoid these hassles.

You can also overstay for a few days if you must, and pay the fine while leaving, to avoid going through the hassle of extending your VoA.

Overstaying on a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival: Consequences

You can overstay your on-arrival visa in Bangladesh for a few days if you must. Bangladesh is not very strict about that. The fine for overstaying a VoA is 200 BDT per day for the first 15 days and 500 BDT per day after that.

On top of the fine, you must also pay for a new visa, the same as the fee for an advance visa back home – not the VoA fees of $51 US, which is $160 for the US, £105 starting for the UK, and $150 AU for the Australian citizens.

Contact details about Bangladesh visa on arrival

You can contact the following numbers of the immigration police in Bangladesh for any further information about the Visa on Arrival in Bangladesh at the 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) (Sylhet Airport): +88-01320005107
• Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) (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

 

Important Considerations and Tips

Despite its convenience, several factors need consideration when opting for a Bangladesh visa on arrival.

• Ensure that you are eligible: Not all nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival, so confirm your eligibility beforehand to avoid issues upon arrival.
• Be prepared for a wait: Depending on the number of arrivals and staff on duty, you may need to wait in line to get your visa.
• Keep documents ready: Have all the required documents, including your passport, return ticket, and other supporting documents, prepared to facilitate the process.
• Carry the correct currency: Ensure that you have enough cash in the correct currency to pay for your visa fee.
• Just as you enter the immigration hall, the VOA desk is on the right, before all the long queues in front of you at the desks. You pay the man in the bank booth, get a receipt, then fill out the form that the officer will give you.
• Make sure you have an address where you’ll be staying. They are very strict about that. Even if you don’t stay there, choose a well-known hotel where foreigners normally stay. A phone number is needed too. No need for a photograph.
• The bank is about the first thing you see on the right just as you enter the building in a little cubbyhole. It saves a step just to get the payslip there on the way.
• There should be no problem at all obtaining a visa on arrival. It will cost you 51 USD in cash, and it is valid for up to 30 days. You request how long you would like it for.
• Once you have the visa, use the queue at the far left to pass through immigration. It’s the desk for the airline crew and diplomats. No need to queue again under the VOA sign.

Bangladesh Visa on Arrival for US Citizens

A visa is required for the US Citizens to enter Bangladesh. You can get a visa in advance from the Bangladesh Embassy or the nearest consulate in the US. The visa is generally multiple entry with a validity of 1-5 years, depending on your purpose of travel. The fee is $160 US.

US Citizens can also get a hassle-free visa on arrival in Bangladesh if traveling for tourism, business, investment, or a government job. However, the issuance of this visa is a privilege, not a right, and is at the sole discretion of the Bangladeshi immigration officer. The fee for a visa on arrival is $51 US, including taxes, payable in cash US dollars only. The visa is a single entry.

Nijhoom Tours can help US Citizens with all the paperwork to get a visa on arrival if you book a tour or holiday with us. Contact us if you are a US Citizen and need assistance with an on-arrival visa.

Bangladesh Visa on Arrival for UK Citizens

A visa is required for the UK Citizens to enter Bangladesh. You can get a visa in advance from the Bangladesh High Commission or the nearest consulate in the UK. The visa is single or multiple entries with a validity of 3 Months to 5 years, depending on your purpose of travel. The fee starts from £105.

UK Citizens can also get a hassle-free visa on arrival in Bangladesh if traveling for tourism, business, investment, or a government job. However, the issuance of this visa is a privilege, not a right, and is at the sole discretion of the Bangladeshi immigration officer. The fee for a visa on arrival is $51 US, including taxes, payable in cash US dollars, British Pounds, or EURO only. The visa is a single entry.

Nijhoom Tours can help UK Citizens with all the paperwork to get a visa on arrival if you book a tour or holiday with us. Contact us if you are a UK Citizen and need assistance with an on-arrival visa.

Bangladesh Visa on Arrival for Australian Citizens

A visa is required for the Australian Citizens to enter Bangladesh. You can get a visa in advance from the Bangladesh High Commission or the nearest consulate in Australia. The visa is generally multiple entry with a validity of 1-5 years, depending on your purpose of travel. The fee is $150 AU.

Australian Citizens can also get a hassle-free visa on arrival in Bangladesh if traveling for tourism, business, investment, or a government job. However, the issuance of this visa is a privilege, not a right, and is at the sole discretion of the Bangladeshi immigration officer. The fee for a visa on arrival is $51 US, including taxes, payable in cash US dollars, British Pounds, or EURO only. The visa is a single entry.

Nijhoom Tours can help Australian Citizens with all the paperwork to get a visa on arrival if you book a tour or holiday with us. Contact us if you are a Australian Citizen and need assistance with an on-arrival visa.

Bangladesh visa on arrival for Indian passport holders

A visa is required for Indian passport holders to enter Bangladesh. You can get a visa in advance from the Bangladesh High Commission or the nearest consulate in India. The visa is single or multiple entries with a validity of 3 Months or longer, depending on your purpose of travel. The fee for a Bangladesh visa for Indian passport holders is totally free.

Indian passport holders, however, are not eligible for getting a visa on arrival in Bangladesh in both the airports or the land borders with India. Getting an advance Bangladesh visa is the only option for Indian passport holders to enter Bangladesh.

Bangladesh visa on arrival experiences

These are the experiences of people from different countries who got Bangladesh visas on arrival:

I just did the VoA about 1 week ago so I can share. I am Canadian, therefore eligible for VoA. It was an OK experience. The VoA desk is located right before immigration at HSIA right after you go down some stairs, make sure you actually stop there. It was chaotic and the instructions were unclear but you need to pay first which is $51 USD (CASH) to the Sonali bank desk. Make sure you bring a $50 and a $1 USD bill. After that you get some kind of receipt then stand in line. Hopefully on the plane you get your arrival card, but if not, fill one in they were randomly strewn about the VOA desk (this small document is your “visa application form”)

You must have PRINTED copies of your hotel booking(s) and a flight to leave the country. Also, you need an invitation letter. We were actually there for business/meetings and he gave us a hard time about our letter saying it wasn’t official enough (it was more like a printed email). Eventually, he relented but it was a bit stressful.

For a tourist visa I’m unclear how you get an invitation letter, but you should probably have one from someone inviting you into the country for tourism purposes.

After getting the VOA stamp you do not need to go to an immigration officer, there is a very small sign indicating “VOA Entry” on the far left. You just walk straight through there, it’s next to the “crew/diplomatic entry”.

doctoreff, Canada
March 3, 2023
Port of Entry: Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the duration of the Bangladesh Visa on Arrival?

The maximum duration of an on-arrival visa in Bangladesh is 30 days.

What is the entry type of Bangladesh Visa on Arrival?

Bangladesh’s on-arrival visa is a single-entry visa.

What is the fee for a Bangladesh visa on arrival?

The fee is $51 US, including taxes.

What are the accepted currencies for Bangladesh visa on arrival fee?

The accepted currencies are USD, GBP, and EURO.

Can I pay a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival fee with a credit/debit card?

No. Only cash is accepted. Make sure to have the exact amount of change for the fee. There are no facilities to pay the fee with a credit or debit card.

Is there an ATM near the on-arrival visa counter in Bangladesh to withdraw the visa fee in foreign currency?

There are none. Also, you can not get foreign currency in any ATM anywhere in Bangladesh. They provide only local currency, which is Bangladeshi Taka (BDT).

How long does it take to get a visa on arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka?

The processing time for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Bangladesh can vary depending on several factors, such as the volume of arrivals, the time of your arrival, and staffing at the immigration counter. Generally, the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours.

If you arrive at the Visa on Arrival desk when there is no one else, getting the visa will take less than 30 mins if you have proper documentation. If you arrive when there are long queues, especially just after the flights from China, the time will be significantly longer.

Is an online application required for the visa on arrival in Bangladesh?

No prior application is necessary for the visa on arrival in Bangladesh, online or offline.

Is a photo required for the visa on arrival in Bangladesh?

No photo is required.

What should I do if I arrive outside of the VOA service hours?

Bangladesh visa on arrival is provided 24/7. Anytime there is an incoming flight, the on-arrival visa counter will remain. You can get a VOA anytime you arrive.

Is proof of onward travel required for a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival?

It is strictly required. You must have a printed copy of your onward travel ticket to get a VOA. The immigration authority will keep a copy of the ticket.

Can I work in Bangladesh with a VOA?

You can not. It will be written on the VOA stamp on your passport.

What happens if I overstay my VOA in Bangladesh?

You will have to pay fines for the number of days you overstayed. Also, have to pay for a new visa. The charge for the visa fee will be the same for getting a visa at home, typically $150 US. You’ll have a brand new visa on your passport while leaving!

Are any restrictions or requirements due to COVID-19 for the Bangladesh Visa on Arrival?

Currently, there is none. All COVID-19-related restrictions in Bangladesh were recently lifted.

What are the operating hours of the VOA service at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka?

The Visa on Arrival service at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, operates 24/7. Anytime there is an incoming flight, the service will be available.

Can US Citizens get a visa on arrival in Bangladesh?

Yes, US Citizens can get a visa on arrival in Bangladesh if they travel for tourism, trade, investment, or a government job.

Can UK Citizens get a visa on arrival in Bangladesh?

Yes, UK Citizens can get a VOA in Bangladesh in Bangladesh if they travel for tourism, trade, investment, or a government job.

Can Australian Citizens get a visa on arrival in Bangladesh?

Yes, Australian Citizens can get a visa on arrival in Bangladesh if they travel for tourism, trade, investment, or a government job.

Can Indian Citizens get a visa on arrival in Bangladesh?

No, Indian Citizens can not get a VOA in Bangladesh. They must get an advance visa.

How can I contact the Bangladesh immigration authorities for further information about the VOA?

You can find the contact details here.

Visiting Bangladesh

Planning to visit Bangladesh? We can help organize a memorable holiday in Bangladesh for you to experience the best of it. We are an award-winning local tour operator in Bangladesh specializing in organizing tours and holidays in Bangladesh for Western travelers, with numerous positive reviews on Tripadvisor.

Check out our 1-7 days Bangladesh tour packages and 8-28 days Bangladesh holiday packages to see what we can organize for you in Bangladesh. Contact us now for your memorable Bangladesh holiday!

References

• Bangladesh government’s letters (circulars) on visa on arrival in Bangladesh

Obtaining a “Bangladesh visa on arrival” can be a convenient way to visit this beautiful country. However, it’s crucial to understand the process, prepare your documents, and set your expectations correctly. The insights provided in this article should help you in this regard, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable journey to the heart of South Asia, Bangladesh.

Have you got a Bangladesh visa on arrival recently? How was your experience? Which nationality do you have, and how much did the visa cost you? Share with us in the comments, which will help others to know more about Bangladesh’s visa on arrival.