Bangladesh has its share of spirit, from the spiritual vibes of Dhakeshwari Temple to the peaceful beaches of Cox’bazar and the social vibes of the street markets of Dhaka, it is a superb combination of heritage, man-made & natural beauty, and hospitality. For Indians, travelling to this nearby destination is not only access that is feasible but perhaps more rewarding if you have family, business, or historical connections on the other side.
Before you start packing, you will want to be informed about the various types of Bangladesh visa for indians, their validity, and which one is most relevant to your plan of travel plan. In this article, we will dispense all that information so you are clear on the visa options available to you, and apply with ease and confidence.
Do Indians Need a Visa to Travel to Bangladesh
Yes. Indian nationals must have a valid visa to enter Bangladesh for any purpose—tourism, business, study, or family visit. There are no visa on arrival facilities for Indians at this time unless there are special circumstances (that is diplomatic visit or official visit).
You should apply for a visa before you arrive via the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission offices located in India, or check if you can make online e-token appointments.
Bangladesh Visa Types for Indians
Depending on your motivation for travelling, there are different visa types. For our purposes, we’ll identify the most popular ones:
Tourist Visa
Purpose: For leisure travel, leisure travel/sightseeing, visiting friends & relatives.
Details:
- single or multiple entry
- validity – typically 3 months
- stay duration each time – typically for 30 days
- extension – allowed under most circumstances
Who should apply:
Indians are going to Bangladesh to visit tourist sites, attend personal events (eg, weddings), or visit family/friends.
Business Visa
Purpose: Business meetings, Trade fairs, partnerships, or investment.
Features:
- Single, double, or multiple entry
- Validity: 3 months to 1 year at the discretion of the consular officer and per the validity of the invite
- Length of stay: 30 to 90 days, per the time of the visit
Required Documents (along with normal visa documents):
- A letter of invitation from a Bangladeshi registered company
- A cover letter from the Indian employer/company
- Trade licenses from both companies
Who should apply:
Business owners, exporters/importers, corporate delegates, and trade visitors to a trading event/trade fair.
Student Visa
Purpose: To study/train in an institution in Bangladesh (for example, MBBS, engineering, or religious)
Features:
- Typically single-entry, renewable
- Validity: Depends on the length of the course
- Duration of stay: As per the admission letter
Required Documents:
- Admission letter from an accredited institution
- proof of financial support
- No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Education in Bangladesh and the Ministry of External Affairs in India
Who should apply: Students going for long-term academic or vocational courses.
Medical Visa
Objective: To utilize medical services in clinics, hospitals, or with
Specialists in Bangladesh.
Characteristics:
- Single or multiple entry (generally
- short-term)
- Validity: Up to 3 months
- Period of stay: Up to 30 days, can be extended if necessary
Necessary documents:
- Appointment confirmation or reference letter from a Bangladeshi
hospital/clinic.
- Medical documents from Indian doctors.
Who should apply:
Patients considering or seeking treatment, and family members accompanying them
them for treatment purposes.
Transit Visa
Purpose: To transit through Bangladesh to another destination.
Characteristics:
- Single entry
- Validity: Short duration (max. 72 hours)
- Duration of stay: 3 days maximum
Who should apply: Indians who are stopping over in Bangladesh for a short period, while going to another country (a very rare case).
Official and Diplomatic Visas
Purpose: For government officials, diplomats, and members of international organizations.
Characteristics:
- Linked with diplomatic/political channels
- Duration, even entry validity, and number of entries vary
Who Should Apply:
Not applicable to all travelers – officials and official delegations, diplomatic missions.
Understanding Visa Validity and Duration of Stay
Visa validity describes the time during which you can enter Bangladesh. The stay period tells you how long you can stay in Bangladesh on each visit.
For example,
- You may have a visa validity of 3 months (you can enter once within this time frame).
- The stay period may be 30 days as the stay period, meaning that you can only stay in Bangladesh for 30 days per entry.
How to Apply for a Bangladesh Visa from India
Step-by-step Process:
E-TOKEN Appointment
Visit https://www.visa.gov.bd and book an appointment with the nearest Bangladesh mission in India (Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Agartala, etc.).
Prepare Documents
Common documents are:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months)
- Passport-size photos (as specified by the embassy)
- Completed visa form
- Invitation/tour plan/accommodation details
- Proof of funds (bank statement/sponsor letter, etc.)
Submit Application
On your appointment day, go to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission or Consulate with your originals and copies.
Receive Visa
It should take about 7-10 working days to process, depending on the mission and visa type.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a Bangladesh visa as an Indian citizen is a relatively simple process–if you choose the right visa, submit the right documents, and have a clear purpose. The Bangladeshi missions in India are well prepared to receive your application, whether you’re visiting family for a few days or you are staying for a few months as an academic.
OneVasco and other reliable third-party partners can also help you with the process and alleviate any ame, even more convenient for you, with their guidance or application services. Just remember to plan, be aware of the process, and before you know it, you’ll be crossing the border with your visa in your hand, and your next adventure ready to roll.
