Last Updated: 1 September 2026
Bangladesh currently provides Visa on Arrival (VOA) for eligible foreign nationals subject to specific nationality, travel-purpose and documentation requirements. The current Bangladesh government information states that Visa on Arrival can be issued for a maximum of 30 days and remains subject to the satisfaction of the immigration authority.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Bangladesh ๐ง๐ฉ |
| Visa type | Visa on Arrival (VOA) |
| Maximum stay | Up to 30 days |
| Entry | Designated entry points |
| Purpose | Tourism, business, investment and government work |
| Eligibility | Depends on nationality and circumstances |
| Prior online application | Online OAV application facility is available |
| Return ticket | Required |
| Proof of funds | May be required |
| Supporting documents | Required |
| Final approval | Bangladesh immigration authority |
Bangladesh’s official online visa portal currently provides an On Arrival Visa (OAV) application option.
According to the latest Bangladesh Embassy information, Visa on Arrival is currently available for eligible foreign nationals travelling for:
The current eligible country group includes:
The latest Bangladesh Embassy guidance specifically states that this facility is for foreign nationals visiting for government work, tourism, business and investment.
Being a citizen of an eligible country does not guarantee that the traveller will receive a Visa on Arrival.
The visa is issued only after Bangladesh immigration authorities examine the traveller’s:
The final decision rests with the immigration authority at the designated entry point.
Bangladesh also identifies several other categories that may qualify for Visa on Arrival.
Visa on Arrival may be available to nationals of a country where Bangladesh does not have a diplomatic mission.
It may also apply where a traveller is coming from a country where Bangladesh has no embassy, high commission or consulate, subject to the applicable conditions.
Foreign nationals of Bangladeshi origin may qualify.
Their:
may also qualify, subject to proof of Bangladeshi origin and the applicable rules.
Foreign businesspersons and investors may qualify based on an invitation or recommendation from an appropriate Bangladesh authority or organisation.
Supporting documentation and prior communication with immigration authorities may be required.
Foreign nationals holding diplomatic or official passports may qualify under applicable arrangements.
Officials of UN organisations may also receive special treatment.
This is particularly useful for travellers living in the UAE.
The UAE is specifically included in Bangladesh’s current eligible country group for Visa on Arrival.
However, there is an important distinction:
UAE citizenship and UAE residency are not necessarily the same thing.
A UAE passport holder is specifically listed among the eligible nationalities.
A foreign national who merely holds UAE residency should also consider their passport nationality and the applicable VOA criteria.
Indian nationals are not listed in the current country group published by the Bangladesh Embassy in Paris for the resumed Visa on Arrival facility.
Indian citizens should therefore check the Bangladesh visa requirements applicable to their circumstances before travelling rather than assuming that VOA is available.
Pakistan is not included in the current country group specifically listed for the resumed tourism/business/investment VOA facility.
Pakistani citizens should check the appropriate Bangladesh visa process before travelling.
The Philippines is not included in the current listed country group for the resumed VOA facility.
Filipino citizens should check their visa requirements with the Bangladesh visa authorities before travelling.
Sri Lanka is not included in the current specific country group published for the resumed VOA facility.
Sri Lankan travellers should verify the current visa requirements before departure.
Nepal is specifically mentioned in Bangladesh’s visa policy as a nationality that may receive Visa on Arrival after satisfactory verification of the necessary documents.
Therefore, Nepalese travellers should carry the required supporting documents and be prepared for immigration verification.
Singapore is specifically included in the current VOA country group.
Singaporean citizens travelling to Bangladesh for eligible purposes may therefore qualify for VOA, subject to immigration approval and documentation.
Saudi Arabia is specifically included in the current VOA country group.
Saudi citizens travelling for an eligible purpose may qualify for VOA, subject to the required verification.
Qatar is included in the current Bangladesh VOA country group.
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Oman is included in the current Bangladesh VOA country group.
Bahrain is included in the current Bangladesh VOA country group.
Kuwait is included in the current Bangladesh VOA country group.
Travellers should prepare the following documents:
Bangladesh immigration guidance specifically requires visitors to possess a return ticket, sufficient funds and documents that justify the purpose of their visit.
Bangladesh’s published VOA guidance states that visitors should possess at least US$500 or equivalent foreign currency in cash or on a credit card.
Travellers should carry evidence of sufficient funds when travelling.
A return ticket is one of the stated VOA requirements.
Travellers should keep their confirmed return or onward flight details available for inspection.
The purpose of the trip is important.
The current Bangladesh VOA facility covers:
The traveller should have documents that support the stated purpose of the visit.
Bangladesh Visa on Arrival may be issued for a maximum of:
The visa is generally issued as a single-entry visa for up to 30 days.
An extension may be possible in certain circumstances through the Department of Immigration and Passports, subject to the applicable visa policy and approval.
Travellers should not assume that an extension is automatic.
The applicable VOA fee can depend on:
Bangladesh’s official guidance states that VOA fees are payable in foreign currency and that the fee may be determined on a reciprocity basis.
Therefore, there is no single universal VOA fee for every nationality.
Bangladesh has an official Online MRV Portal through which applicants can initiate visa applications.
The portal currently supports:
An email address is required to complete the online forms.
Check whether your nationality or circumstances qualify for VOA.
Make sure your passport is valid and suitable for international travel.
Prepare:
Bangladesh’s official visa portal provides an On Arrival Visa (OAV) application option.
Where required, print and sign the completed application.
Carry your passport and supporting documents.
Present the required documents to the immigration authority.
If the immigration authority is satisfied with the application and documents, the VOA may be issued.
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | Regular Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Can be obtained at entry if eligible | Applied for before travel |
| Online application | OAV facility available | Available |
| Maximum VOA period | Up to 30 days | Depends on visa |
| Return ticket | Required | May be required |
| Proof of funds | May be required | May be required |
| Supporting documents | Required | Required |
| Final approval | Immigration authority | Visa authority |
| Eligibility | Selected nationalities/categories | Broader visa categories |
Bangladeshi-origin foreign nationals should understand the difference between Visa on Arrival and No Visa Required (NVR).
NVR is a separate facility for eligible foreign citizens of Bangladeshi origin and certain family members.
An NVR endorsement can remain valid for the validity of the passport and allows multiple entries without a normal visa requirement, subject to the applicable conditions.
Final approval depends on Bangladesh immigration authorities.
A passport alone may not be sufficient.
This is specifically listed as a VOA requirement.
The published guidance specifies US$500 or equivalent in cash or on a credit card.
Bangladesh visa policies and eligible nationalities can change.
Yes, eligible foreign nationals can obtain Visa on Arrival subject to the applicable conditions and immigration approval.
It may be issued for up to 30 days.
Yes. UAE nationals are specifically included in Bangladesh’s current VOA country group.
It depends on the traveller’s passport nationality and applicable VOA conditions. UAE residency by itself should not automatically be treated as VOA eligibility.
Yes. Bangladesh’s published VOA guidance requires visitors to have a return ticket.
The published guidance states that visitors should possess at least US$500 or equivalent in cash or on a credit card.
Bangladesh’s official online visa portal provides an On Arrival Visa (OAV) application facility.
Yes. Tourism is one of the purposes covered by the current VOA facility.
Yes. Business and investment are among the purposes covered by the current VOA arrangements.
Yes, subject to the applicable requirements and supporting documentation.
An extension may be possible under the applicable immigration rules, but it requires approval.
For the most accurate and current information, travellers should use Bangladesh Government and Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites.
Bangladesh Online MRV / Visa Portal:
Official Bangladesh Visa Portal
Bangladesh Embassy in Abu Dhabi โ Visa Information:
Bangladesh Embassy Abu Dhabi โ Visa Checklist
Bangladesh Embassy โ Visa on Arrival Information:
Bangladesh Embassy โ Visa on Arrival
Travellers should verify their nationality-specific eligibility and current requirements immediately before travelling because Bangladesh’s VOA rules can change.
