Bangladesh is quickly becoming a secret treasure in South Asia. It boasts stunning scenery, historical sites, lively rivers, and a rich tribal culture. A lot of people from the West who want to go to Bangladesh want to know if they can get a visa when they arrive there.
You can do that. But just as with any other kind of travel, knowing the rules and being ready will make sure you can go into Bangladesh without any problems. This guide has all the information you need concerning the Visa on Arrival (VOA) process in Bangladesh, especially if you are from a Western country.
What does “Visa on Arrival” (VOA) entail for people who want to travel?
A visa on arrival is a visa that you acquire when you go to a country. Travelers who match the conditions can acquire their visa at a certain port of entry into Bangladesh when they arrive, instead of having to go to an embassy or consulate before they leave.
Important benefits for travelers:
- You don’t have to apply ahead of time or go to a consulate.
- Good for trip plans that change at the last minute or are flexible.
- Processing is quick (typically 15 to 30 minutes at the airport)
Who is Allowed to Seek a Visa When They Arrive in Bangladesh?
Some Western countries, including the US, allow their citizens to receive a visa when they arrive in Bangladesh. • Great Britain • Canada • New Zealand • Australia • Most EU countries, like Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and others • Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland are all Scandinavian countries.
Requirements for eligibility:
- Your passport must be good for at least six months after you arrive.
- The reason for the trip could be business, tourism, investment, or official business.
- Type of entry: You must enter at one of the following ports of entry by air, land, or sea:
- Proof of return or onward travel: Needed
- Proof of hotel booking or an invitation letter is needed for information about where to stay. People from countries who don’t have a Bangladeshi embassy can also apply for a VOA, but the rules may be different.
Where Can You Get a Visa When You Arrive?
At the main airports and several land borders in Bangladesh, you can receive a visa when you arrive:
- Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka
- Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong
- Osmani International Airport in Sylhet
Land entrance points:
- Benapole (from India)
- Burimari
- Tamabil
- Akhaura
Please be aware that VOA is not available at all points of entry by land or sea. Before making preparations, always check for the most recent news.
Type and length of visa:
It is good for up to 30 days at first, and it can be renewed for another 30 days in Dhaka only.
Types:
- Only one entry (not several entries with VOA)
- Given out for business, travel, or investment reasons
Visa on arrival: What you need to bring to get a VOA, you will need the following:
- A passport that is at least six months old
- Two recent photos that are the same size as a passport
- A ticket for a flight back or to another destination
- A letter from a local host or a confirmed hotel reservation that shows you have made plans for where you will stay
- A recent bank statement, a valid credit card, or enough cash to show that you can pay for the products.
- A letter from the firm that invited you or your local tour operator explaining why you are going
Tip: Hire a local business-like Bangladesh Tours and Adventures to make sure your paperwork is right and ready.
Visa on Arrival Price and Payment
- Cost: $51 (may change)
- Payment method: Most of the time, cash (USD), but some airports take cards.
- Receipt: Always ask for a receipt when you pay.
Travel tip: Bring the right quantity of tiny bills in USD to avoid delays.
A Step-by-Step Instruction on How to Secure a Visa When You Arrive at the Airport
- Go to the visa on arrival counter when you get there.
- Get the VOA application form and fill it out
- Pay the price and send in the papers
- Wait for immigration to say yes.
- After you obtain the okay, head to passport control to get your stamp. Usually, it takes 15 to 60 minutes to process, depending on the time of day and how busy it is.
Can You Get Your Visa Longer Once You are There?
Yes, you can add another 30 days to your VOA.
How to get an extension:
- Go to the Immigration and Passport Department in Dhaka
- Hand in your passport, visa, extension application, and payment
- Explain why you need to remain longer (for business or pleasure
- Processing takes 2 to 3 business days
Things to Avoid:
- Bringing a passport that is less than six months old
- Forgetting a ticket to get back home or to a later destination
- Not having a hotel confirmation or invitation from a host
- Thinking that the VOA lets you enter more than once
- Not having cash in US dollars for the visa fee
When You Shouldn’t Use a VOA
- If you want to go to Bangladesh more than once during your trip
- If you want to stay for more than 60 days
- If you are coming from a country that is not eligible
- If you work, volunteer, or do research (you need a special visa) In this case, it is better to get a regular visa from the Bangladesh embassy or consulate in the country where you are staying.
Visa on Arrival in Bangladesh: Questions and Answers
Is it Guaranteed ?
No, immigration authorities make the last call. If all the right documentation are submitted, visa on arrival is frequently granted.
Can I apply with My Family or kids?
Yes. Kids need their own visa and have to meet the same admission conditions.
Do you need insurance for your trip?
Not necessary, but very helpful.
Can I acquire a VOA While I’m on a Cruise?
Yes, but only if you tell immigration ahead of time that you are coming to an approved harbor.
Why should you book with a tour company in your area?
Bangladesh Tours & Adventures is a licensed local operator that can conduct the following:
- Make paperwork easier
- Send you VOA invitations
- Set up a meet-and-greet service at the airport
- Help you with visa problems right away
- Show you how to get through customs and enter the country
Real Stories from Guests:
“I flew from London to Dhaka, and VOA was easy to comprehend. My guide from Bangladesh Tours & Adventures welcomed me after I passed through immigration. “I felt totally safe!” — Anna S., UK
“When I got here from Germany, I had all my paperwork ready.” It took 20 minutes to finish everything. — Martin L. from Germany.
“I visited Cox’s Bazar and the Sundarbans. It was easy to get in because of VOA and my local host. — Rachel D., USA
Last Thoughts
If you have a Visa on Arrival, you can visit Bangladesh, a country with lots of history, beautiful nature, and real-life adventures. Now is your chance to do something different from the normal things that tourists do.
Before you go, make sure you know everything you need to know about going to Bangladesh. The country has a lot of different landscapes, from the foggy Bandarban Mountains to the strong Sundarbans.
So why not? Prepare your bags, print out your documents, and say “yes” to a journey. Bangladesh is waiting for you.
