The Indian government is set to resume tourist visa services for Bangladeshi citizens from 28 June, following a hiatus of nearly two years.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi, who said the decision is part of an effort to normalise bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries.
While tourist visas were suspended, medical visas remained available on humanitarian grounds and will continue to be issued.
Initially, applications will be accepted at Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in Dhaka (two centres), Chattogram, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna. Other centres across the country are expected to resume operations in phases.
Application process
Prospective travellers must apply through the official Indian Online Visa Portal. Applicants should select “Regular Visa Application” option, choosing Bangladesh as the country and “Tourist Visa” as the visa type. It is mandatory to provide accurate personal, passport, and travel details as per the applicant’s passport.
Upon successful submission, a Web File Number or Application ID will be generated, which must be preserved for all future correspondence. Applicants are also required to upload a digital photograph with a white background and print the completed form for signing.
Required documentation
To be eligible, a passport must have at least six months of validity and a minimum of two blank pages. Applicants must also submit any previous passports. Other mandatory documents include:
- A recent colour photograph.
- A copy of the National Identity Card (NID) or Birth Registration Certificate.
- Proof of current residence.
- Profession-based documents: A No-Objection Certificate (NOC) or official certification for employees; an updated Trade Licence for businesspersons; and a student ID card or Bonafide Certificate for students.
Financial solvency, appointments
Applicants must demonstrate financial capability through a six-month bank statement, a minimum foreign currency endorsement of $150 on their passport, or a copy of an international credit card.
The visa processing fee must be paid through the designated IVAC payment portal. Following payment, an appointment must be scheduled via the IVAC Bangladesh website.
Under new regulations, daily appointment slots are opened at 6pm for the following day. However, applicants must complete their sign-up on the portal by 5:30pm to book a slot.
On the scheduled date, applicants must visit the respective IVAC between 8am and 1pm with their printed application, passport, and all supporting documents. The file should be organised with the printed application on top, followed by the IVAC fee receipt and then the other documents.
At the centre, officials will collect biometric data, including a digital photograph, fingerprints, and an iris scan. After submission, a delivery receipt will be provided, which is essential for passport collection.
Processing and collection
The status of an application can be tracked on the IVAC website using the receipt number. Once the visa is processed, an SMS notification will be sent to the applicant’s mobile number.
Passports can typically be collected from the IVAC centre between 4pm and 5pm, as specified on the receipt. While the standard processing time is a minimum of three working days, it may take longer depending on document verification, the applicant’s nationality, or other special circumstances.
The Indian authorities have cautioned that no information can be modified once the online application is submitted. Applicants are urged to double-check all details, including names, addresses, and passport numbers, before final submission. Preserving the Application ID or Web File Number is also strongly advised for future reference.
