Bangladesh visa
Table of Contents
This article outlines the primary visa categories relevant for foreign nationals engaging in business, investment, or employment activities in Bangladesh. The list of requirements for each visa is indicative and will vary from embassy to embassy. It is advisable to contact the relevant Bangladesh embassy for comprehensive and current information regarding specific visa requirements.
It is also important to recognise that while official visa policy of 2019 has been issued, in reality many offices e.g. Embassy, HIgh Commission, still follow the 2007 visa policy. Consequently, applicants may observe differences in procedural requirements or established practices among various Bangladeshi High Commissions, Embassies, and domestic immigration authorities.
Business Visa (Category B)#
- Purpose & Eligibility: Intended for business visitors conducting activities such as analysing investment potential, attending meetings (board, general, technical), recruiting manpower, participating in trade fairs/exhibitions, verifying product quality, negotiating with suppliers, acting as tour conductors, enhancing academic networks, or for foreign partners/directors of a company.
- Duration: Typically granted for up to 1 year with multiple entries, allowing a maximum stay of 30 days per entry. This may be extended up to 2 years, maintaining the 30-day stay limit per entry.
- Conditions: Employment within Bangladesh is strictly prohibited under this visa category. The applicant’s passport must possess a minimum validity of 180 days.
- Required Documents (First Visa):
- Completed visa application form.
- Copy of the applicant’s passport bio-page.
- Invitation letter from a registered business organisation in Bangladesh.
- Certificate of incorporation and valid trade license of the inviting organisation.
- Recent tax payment certificate (or tax exemption certificate) of the inviting organisation.
- Recommendation letter from the relevant Chamber of Commerce or recognised trade body in the applicant’s home country.
- Required Documents (Extension):
- Completed visa application form.
- Copy of the applicant’s passport bio-page and pages showing the current visa and arrival stamp.
- Invitation letter from the Bangladeshi business organisation.
- Recommendation letter from the relevant Chamber of Commerce or recognised trade association in Bangladesh.
- Police clearance certificate obtained in Bangladesh.
Employment Visas#
1. Category E1 (Project-Related Development Partners)
- Purpose & Eligibility: For expatriates employed by development partners (agencies or countries) involved in development projects under specific agreements (e.g., grant, loan, technical cooperation, Government-to-Government) with Government, Semi-government, or Autonomous bodies of Bangladesh. Note: This category generally excludes personnel under contractor agreements.
- Duration: Granted for the duration recommended by the concerned ministry or organisation, typically with multiple entries. Extendable based on continued project involvement and recommendation.
- Conditions: Passport must have at least 180 days validity. Must apply for a work permit within 15 days of entry.
- Required Documents (First Visa):
- Completed visa application form.
- Copy of the applicant’s passport bio-page.
- Recommendation letter from the concerned Ministry, Government Organisation, or Autonomous body overseeing the project.
- Required Documents (Extension):
- Completed visa application form.
- Copy of passport pages showing the bio-page, current visa, and arrival stamp.
- Recommendation letter from the concerned Ministry, Government Organisation, or Autonomous body.
- Work permit issued by the relevant authority.
- Police clearance certificate obtained in Bangladesh.
2. Category E (also knowns as E2) (General Employment)
- Purpose & Eligibility: For expatriates employed by National/International/Government/Semi-government/Autonomous/Private/Industrial/Commercial organisations, branch/liaison offices, or those working under contractors (including EPC/sub-contractors) involved in projects of Government/Semi-government/Autonomous bodies.
- Duration: Initially granted for up to 6 months with multiple entries. Extendable based on the validity period of the work permit (plus 15 days grace period), or for 30 days if work permit/police clearance processing is underway.
- Conditions: Must apply for a work permit from the relevant authority (e.g., BIDA, BEPZA, BEZA) within 15 days of entry into Bangladesh. Passport must have at least 180 days validity.
- Required Documents (First Visa):
- Completed visa application form.
- Copy of the applicant’s passport bio-page.
- Recommendation letter or E-visa recommendation letter issued by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA), Public Private Partnership Authority Bangladesh (PPPA), NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB), or the relevant Ministry/Government department.
- Required Documents (Extension):
- Completed visa application form.
- Copy of the applicant’s passport showing the bio-page, current visa, and arrival stamp.
- Recommendation letter from the employing organisation.
- Valid work permit issued by the relevant authority.
- Police clearance certificate obtained in Bangladesh (exceptions may apply for those in Government/Semi-government/Autonomous body projects).
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) certificate (required for the first extension).
- Income tax clearance certificate or tax exemption certificate (required for second and subsequent extensions).
3. Category E3 (Technical/Support Employment)
It is important for prospective applicants to be aware that although the E3 (Technical/Support Employment) visa category is outlined in the official visa policy, its practical issuance is understood to be significantly limited. Direct verification of its current availability with the relevant Bangladeshi mission or immigration authorities is strongly recommended before proceeding with an application.
- Purpose & Eligibility: For individuals entering Bangladesh for specific technical tasks such as machinery/software supply, installation, maintenance, supervision, project inspection, research and development support, technical assistance, or similar short-term technical roles.
- Duration: Granted for up to 6 months with multiple entries, allowing a stay of up to 90 days per entry. Extendable based on the work permit duration (plus 15 days grace period), or for 30 days if work permit/police clearance processing is underway.
- Conditions: Passport must have at least 180 days validity. Must apply for a work permit if the stay requires it, typically within 15 days of entry if applicable.
- Required Documents (First Visa):
- Completed visa application form.
- Copy of the applicant’s passport bio-page.
- Recommendation letter or E-visa recommendation letter from the concerned Ministry, BIDA, BEZA, BEPZA, BHTPA, PPPA, or other relevant authority.
- Required Documents (Extension):
- Completed visa application form.
- Copy of passport showing the bio-page, current visa, and arrival stamp.
- Valid work permit (if required for the extended duration/nature of work).
- Police clearance certificate obtained in Bangladesh.
- TIN certificate (required for the first extension).
- Income tax clearance certificate or tax exemption certificate (required for second and subsequent extensions).
Private Investor Visa (Category PI)#
- Purpose & Eligibility: For foreign investors establishing or investing in industrial or commercial enterprises under 100% foreign ownership or joint ventures within the private sector in Bangladesh.
- Duration: Initially granted for up to 1 year with multiple entries. Extendable for periods up to 5 years at a time, based on the continuation of the investment. Note: A ‘No Visa Required’ (NVR) facility may be available for investors making a significant investment (e.g., US$ 5 million or equivalent), subject to certification by relevant authorities.
- Conditions: Investors intending to work within their own company must obtain a work permit. Passport must have at least 180 days validity. Must apply for a work permit within 15 days of entry if applicable.
- Required Documents (First Visa):
- Completed visa application form.
- Copy of the applicant’s passport bio-page.
- Recommendation letter from BIDA, BEZA, BEPZA, BHTPA, the concerned Ministry, PPPA, or other relevant authority, certifying the applicant as a genuine investor.
- Documentation outlining the business plan, including proposed activities, investment amount, potential for local employment generation, etc.
- Required Documents (Extension):
- Completed visa application form.
- Copy of the applicant’s passport showing the bio-page, current visa, and arrival stamp.
- Recommendation letter from the relevant authority (BIDA/BEZA/BEPZA etc.) confirming the continuation of the investment.
- Copies of the company’s registration documents (e.g., certificate of incorporation, trade license, TIN certificate) receiving the investment.
- Valid work permit (if the investor is employed by the company).
- Police clearance certificate obtained in Bangladesh.
- Income tax clearance certificate or tax exemption certificate.
Visa on Arrival (VoA)#
The Visa on Arrival (VoA) facility allows eligible foreign nationals to obtain a visa upon entering Bangladesh at designated international airports and land ports, granted by the immigration authority.
- Eligibility:
- Purpose: VoA is generally available for tourism, business, investment, or official duties.
- Nationality: Citizens of many countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, EU countries, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Brunei, and Nepal are often eligible.
- Other Cases: It may also be granted to:
- Nationals of countries where Bangladesh has no diplomatic mission.
- Foreign nationals arriving from a country (other than their own) where Bangladesh has no mission.
- Foreign investors/businesspersons with invitation letters attested by relevant authorities like BIDA or BEPZA (the inviting organisation should inform immigration authorities in advance).
- Foreign citizens of Bangladeshi origin, their spouses, and children (proof of origin, such as a previous Bangladeshi passport or NVR seal, is required).
- Officials/staff of foreign missions, UN organisations, or international bodies based in Bangladesh (with official appointment letters/documents).
- Duration and Fees:
- Duration: VoA is typically granted for a maximum stay of 30 days with single entry.
- Fees: The standard fee is USD 50 plus applicable taxes (approximately USD 51 total), payable in foreign currency (USD, EUR, GBP) cash at the entry port. Fees may vary based on reciprocity agreements. UN passport holders are generally exempt from fees.
- Requirements:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining.
- Confirmed return ticket (a printed copy is often strictly required).
- Proof of sufficient funds (minimum USD 500 or equivalent in cash or credit card statement), unless travelling on official government duty.
- Documents supporting the purpose of the visit (e.g., invitation letter for business/investment, hotel reservation for tourism, official letter for duty).
- Important Considerations:
- Discretionary: The issuance of VoA is not guaranteed and rests entirely on the satisfaction of the immigration officer at the port of entry based on the presented documents and interview.
- Recommendation: It is strongly advised to obtain the appropriate visa from a Bangladeshi Embassy or Consulate before travelling whenever possible to avoid uncertainty or potential denial of entry.
- Conversion: While generally visas cannot be converted after entry, VoA can potentially be converted into certain categories (A2, E1, E2, E3, PI) by the Security Services Division (SSD) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, subject to approval and potentially additional fees. An application for conversion typically needs to be submitted shortly after arrival.
- Extension: An extension beyond the initial 30 days may be possible by applying to the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) in Dhaka, subject to valid reasons and documentation.
Family Visas (Dependents)#
Spouses and dependent children/legal guardians of principal visa holders in categories E1, E2, E3, and PI can apply for dependent visas (FE1, FE2, FE3, FPI respectively).
- Duration: Generally co-terminus with the principal visa holder’s visa validity.
- Conditions: Employment in Bangladesh is strictly prohibited for dependent visa holders. A valid passport (minimum 180 days validity) is required.
- Required Documents (General):
- Completed visa application form.
- Copy of the applicant’s passport bio-page.
- Copy of the principal visa holder’s passport bio-page and valid visa page.
- Proof of relationship (e.g., attested marriage certificate, birth certificate).
- Request/recommendation letter from the principal visa holder’s sponsoring organisation or relevant authority.
- Required Documents (Extension - General):
- Same as above.
- Copy of passport pages showing the current visa and arrival stamp.
- Police clearance certificate obtained in Bangladesh.
General Conditions and Procedures#
- Issuing Authority: First-time visas are typically issued by Bangladesh Embassies, High Commissions, or Consulates abroad.
- Extension Authority: Visa extensions are processed within Bangladesh by the Security Services Division (SSD), Ministry of Home Affairs, or the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP), depending on the category and specific circumstances.
- Visa Conversion: Conversion from one visa category to another after arrival (e.g., from Tourist or VoA to an Employment or Investor category) generally requires approval from the SSD and is subject to specific conditions and procedures.
- Work Permit Requirement: Visas intended for employment or investment where the holder will work (E1, E2, E3, PI, N1) are typically stamped with a condition requiring the holder to apply for a work permit from the relevant authority (BIDA/BEPZA/BEZA/NGOAB etc.) within 15 days of entry.
- Extension Application Timing: Applications for visa extensions should ideally be submitted to the DIP/SSD at least one month prior to the expiry date of the current visa to allow sufficient processing time.
- Security Clearance: A security clearance certificate from the relevant authorities in Bangladesh is a common requirement for visa extensions for most categories involving residency.
Key Contact
For assistance with navigating Bangladesh visa requirements and application processes, please reach out to:
- Ariful Hasan
- Phone: +8801975603559
- Email: [email protected]