🇧🇩 Bangladesh Visa Procedures
Dear visitors, according to the agreement signed between the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Republic of Turkey on November 12, 1987, only holders of Diplomatic (black), Service (grey), and Special (green) passports are exempt from visas for stays of up to 90 days. However, Turkish citizens holding Ordinary (bordo) passports are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Consulates require company activity certificates submitted with visa applications to be in English and original. The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and Ankara Chamber of Commerce can provide activity certificates in English upon request. Applicants who cannot obtain an English activity certificate from their chamber must have the document translated into English by a sworn translation office. A notarized approval is not required for the translation; however, the stamp of the translation office must be present on the document.
For both tourist and business travel to Bangladesh, an invitation letter is mandatory. The Consulates require an invitation even for tourism-related trips. These invitation letters do not require approval by an official authority in Bangladesh, but the stamp, signature, or seal of the inviting company or individual must be present. Invitation letters may be submitted by e-mail, and it is not necessary to obtain the original hard copy.
📌 How to Obtain a Bangladesh Visa?
Visa applications for Bangladesh can be completed without personally visiting the consulate. Once all documents are prepared, applicants may send them by courier to the relevant office, and the process will be carried out on their behalf. The list of required documents varies depending on the visa type and should always be checked before application.
📝 Bangladesh Visa Application Form
The most important step in the visa process is completing the application form. The form must be filled out in English, in block letters, and legibly. It includes personal information such as full name, gender, date of birth, nationality, occupation, passport number, travel dates, and purpose of travel. All declared information must be supported by documents. Any incorrect or incomplete information may result in the refusal of the application. After filling it out, the applicant must affix a photograph, sign the form, and include it in the application file.
📝 Required Documents for a Bangladesh Visa
The required documents depend on the type of visa (tourist, business, family/relative/friend visit, or transit), the intended duration (short or long stay), and the applicant’s occupational status (employee, employer, student, or retiree).
In general, the following are required:
A passport valid for at least 6 months after the end of travel
A fully completed and signed Bangladesh Visa Application Form
Two recent photographs
For employees: a visa request letter written in English on company letterhead, along with updated company documents (activity certificate, tax certificate, signature circular, trade registry gazette)
Company documents must be in English
For business visa applications: an invitation letter from the company in Bangladesh is mandatory, along with the inviter’s passport or ID copies
To obtain a one-year multiple-entry visa, the applicant’s passport should contain at least 1–2 previously issued Bangladesh visas
🕒 How Long Does It Take to Get a Bangladesh Visa?
Bangladesh visa applications are generally processed within 10 to 25 business days. However, this period may be extended due to official holidays, consulate workload, or incomplete submissions. To avoid delays, it is recommended to apply at least 30 days before the planned travel date.
💳 Bangladesh Visa Fee 2025
Bangladesh visa fees vary depending on the type of visa, duration of stay, and whether it is single-entry or multiple-entry. Visa categories include single-entry, one-year multiple-entry, single-entry transit, and multiple-entry transit. Each category has a different fee. The total cost includes the consular fee and the service fee. Fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
📌 Bangladesh Visa Refusal
Submitting documents and paying the visa fee does not guarantee approval. The authority to decide rests solely with the visa officers at the Bangladesh Consulate. Applications may be refused due to missing documents, insufficient financial means, or inaccurate information. If refused, applicants may reapply after correcting deficiencies.
📌 Important Notes for Bangladesh Visa Applicants
Holding a Bangladesh visa does not guarantee entry into the country; the final decision is made by the border police. Damaged or worn passports should not be used for applications, as they may result in refusal of entry even if the visa is approved. Carrying a vaccination card is not mandatory for entry; however, the World Health Organization recommends vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, cholera, polio, whooping cough, and meningitis. Air travel is strongly recommended for trips to Bangladesh, as road travel may take significantly longer due to insufficient infrastructure.