Planning a trip to Bangladesh? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from Bangladesh's official immigration authorities.
Quick answer
Most visitors to Bangladesh need visa on arrival, with an official government fee of US$50 (or equivalent), cash only at port.
Bangladesh visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Visa on arrival |
| Government fee | US$50 (or equivalent), cash only at port |
| Processing time | At the arrival counter |
| Validity | Single entry (same port for entry and exit) |
| Permitted stay | 30 days |
| Where to apply | https://www.mofa.gov.bd |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for Bangladesh?
Visa on arrival: Citizens of listed countries - USA, Canada, Australia, NZ, Russia, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Brunei, all European countries; plus travellers from countries with no Bangladesh mission. India is NOT listed.
Tourist visa (embassy): Indian nationals and others ineligible for VOA
Business e-Visa (limited rollout): Mainly business travellers; e-visa system evolving and not a reliable tourist channel
Bangladesh visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival | US$50 (or equivalent), cash only at port | 30 days | At the arrival counter | https://www.mofa.gov.bd |
| Tourist visa (embassy) | US$0 government fee for Indians (waived under India-Bangladesh bilateral agreement); applicant pays only the visa-centre service charge (approx INR 825) | 30 days | 5-10 working days (express 2-3 days) | https://www.visa.gov.bd |
| Business e-Visa (limited rollout) | — | — | — | https://www.visa.gov.bd |
Documents required
For the Visa on arrival:
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds (min US$500 cash or credit card)
- Return ticket
- Hotel booking/invitation (tourism) or business letter (business)
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- Visa on arrival: https://www.mofa.gov.bd — allow At the arrival counter.
- Tourist visa (embassy): https://www.visa.gov.bd — allow 5-10 working days (express 2-3 days).
- Business e-Visa (limited rollout): https://www.visa.gov.bd
- Arrival formalities: Arrival card
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
Bangladesh visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Bangladesh visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Bangladesh.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: Arrival card — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Bangladesh application.
- Processing: allow At the arrival counter. Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to Bangladesh
- Arrival card / declaration: Arrival card
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some local currency).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- Bring exact USD cash; not all land borders issue VOA. Indians need a pre-arranged visa (IVAC).
- Indian nationals: tourist visa free of charge, apply via IVAC.
Bangladesh visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Bangladesh visa?
Visa on arrival: US$50 (or equivalent), cash only at port. HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
Visa on arrival: At the arrival counter.
Things to do once your Bangladesh visa is sorted
Popular experiences in Bangladesh you can book on HolidaySG:
- Old Town Dhaka Day Tour — from SGD 114
- Safari Park Day Tour in Gazipur — from SGD 122
- Sonargaon Day Tour From Dhaka — from SGD 114
Official sources
- Embassy of Bangladesh (MOFA) — Visa on Arrival — verified 19 August 2026
- Bangladesh Online Visa Application (Ministry of Home Affairs) — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.