Bangladesh visa on arrival & customs policy

All foreigners require a valid Bangladeshi visa to enter Bangladesh. Since 2011, Bangladesh has started Visa On Arrival (VOA) for a certain list of citizens.  Tourists, investors and business travelers can get a single entry Visa On Arrival in Bangladesh. 

Visa duration, type & entry ports:

▐ The maximum duration of Visa On Arrival (VOA) is 30 days which is expendable for additional 30 days. Read the Visa Extension policy on this page for the detail information.

▐ You will get Single Entry for Visa on Arrival, Multiple Entry is not allowed for this reason. 

▐  All the international Airports and Land Ports provide Visa on Arrival (VOA) for the following restrictions.

Who are eligible for Visa On Arrival (VOA)?

▐ Visitors from countries in which Bangladesh has no Embassy or Diplomatic Mission, and from those countries, which issue Visa on Arrival (VOA) to travelers from Bangladesh, will qualify for Visa on Arrival (VOA) for a genuine visit.

▐ Foreign investors, exporter and the people attending a seminar or symposium organized by the government of Bangladesh will also be eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA). Visitors must produce valid documents (i.e. Invitation Letter) from concerned authorities such as BOI, BEPZA, BGMEA, FBCCI and concerned Ministries of the Government.

▐ The citizens of All European Countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait & Oman can get Visa on Arrival (VOA) for the official duty, business, investment and tourism regardless of the Bangladeshi mission status. ( N.B. Citizens of Ireland do not require a visa). 

▐ Bangladeshi origin foreign citizens, their spouse and children are eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA). VOA seekers must submit proof of Bangladeshi origin e.g., citizenship certificate, current/expired Bangladesh passport.

▐ Officers/staff of the foreign Embassies, UN and subsidiary organizations in Bangladesh are eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA). VOA seekers must submit their appointment letters and other related travel documents.

▐ Members of defense and security forces with prior clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh.

▐ If any listed national arrives in Bangladesh from a third country where there is no Embassy or Mission of Bangladesh, will qualify for Visa on Arrival (VOA). 

N.B: The immigration officer at the port of entry (i.e. airports, land ports etc.) will approve VOA after examining all relevant documents and after his/her full satisfaction. Please use the same port for entry and departure. People from any country under official ban will not, however, qualify for Visa on Arrival (VOA) or Land Permit (LP).

Requirements:

▐ Valid Passport: To enter Bangladesh, you will need a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your stay.

▐ Visa Fee: The Visa On Arrival fee must be paid only in cash when entering Bangladesh and the cost per person is US $51 or €51, with all taxes included.

 Return Ticket: Visitors must have the Return Ticket.

▐ Cost of the Visit: Visitors must have a minimum USD 500 in cash or in credit card (Except those on government duty)

▐ Documents: Visitors must have necessary documents (i.e. Invitation Letter, Hotel Booking) for the visit. Collect your documents from the agency or invited person before arrival, if you visit with any agency or with personal invitation.

Tips:

▐ Enter the immigration hall, you’ll see a visa payment counter (VOA Desk) just before you reach the immigration desks. You can pay in any major currency, or in Taka, but you get the best rate if you pay in American Dollars. Get the receipt and fill out the form given from the counter.

▐  Enter an address and phone number where you’ll be staying. Choose a well-known (for the foreigners) hotel address and phone number, if you don’t have any address. Collect your documents from the agency or invited person before arrival, if you visit with any agency or with personal invitation.

▐ After, just go to the queue of the immigration desk and complete the formalities within a while. The whole process takes a while. There’s no need for any photos, photocopies or application forms. You just need your passport and some cash. 

Customs regulations:

▐  One visitor can carry 200 cigarettes and 1 liter of alcohol as usual while entering.

▐ Foreigners are permitted to bring in US$5000 without declaring it and Bangladeshis can bring in US$2500.

▐  On departure, tourists are allowed to reconvert 25% of the total foreign currency encashed in the country. This is only possible at the airport in Dhaka, and you will need to have your encashment slips with you as proof.

Visa Extension:

▐ Before one week earlier from the expiry date, visit the Immigration & Passport Office, Agargaon in Dhaka. It’s painless to extend your visa. This is also the office where long-term visitors are required to register.

▐ Fill the relevant form, pay the fee (same as the fee for the one-month visa) and get the receipt.

▐ Visa extension completes within three or four days normally. You can keep hold of your passport during this time. 

For further information, contact with us. Pathfriend is always here to help you for any support to visit Bangladesh. Have a nice visit.