Can you get a visa on arrival in Bangladesh? For eligible nationalities you can, without applying in advance. This 2026 guide covers who qualifies, the fee to bring, the documents to have ready and how the counter process works.
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) |
Bangladesh visa on arrival at a glance
- Who it is for: 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.
- Fee at the counter: US$50 (or equivalent), cash only at port
- Permitted stay: 30 days
- Validity: Single entry (same port for entry and exit)
How visa on arrival works
- Before you fly, confirm your nationality is eligible and your passport has six months' validity.
- Carry the exact fee (US$50 (or equivalent), cash only at port) — cash in an accepted currency is safest.
- Bring a passport photo, return/onward ticket and proof of accommodation.
- Complete the arrival/landing card and queue at the visa-on-arrival counter before immigration.
- Pay, receive the sticker or stamp, then clear immigration.
What to have ready at the counter
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds (min US$500 cash or credit card)
- Return ticket
- Hotel booking/invitation (tourism) or business letter (business)
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.
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.
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.