Bangladesh Visa on Arrival: Eligibility & How To Get It

Bangladesh is finally appearing on the radar of curious travelers from the USA, UK, Australia and Europe. With historic Old Dhaka, tea gardens in Sylhet, tribal villages, mangrove forests, and ancient archaeological sites, it’s a country that rewards those who are willing to go beyond the usual tourist map.

But before you can enjoy an Old Dhaka Tour, a Dhaka Food Tour, or a World Heritage and Historical Places Tour, one practical question comes first:

“Can I get a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival, and how exactly does it work?”

This guide explains Bangladesh Visa on Arrival in a simple, traveler-friendly way: who is eligible, what documents you need, how much it costs, what happens at the airport, how to extend it, and what US, UK and Australian citizens should know. It’s written to match the expectations of serious travelers and to reflect real on-ground experience, not just theory.

What Is Bangladesh Visa on Arrival?

A Bangladesh Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a short-term visa that you can obtain directly at the airport or certain land ports after reaching Bangladesh, instead of going to a Bangladeshi embassy beforehand.

In practice, this means:

You arrive in Dhaka with the required documents.
You pay the visa fee at the airport.
Immigration officials review your case and, if satisfied, issue a visa sticker on the spot.

For many travelers, this feels easier than mailing passports or visiting consulates. However, it’s important to understand that Visa on Arrival is a privilege, not a right. The final decision always rests with the immigration officer at the port of entry.

A typical Bangladesh Visa on Arrival:

Is valid for up to 30 days.
Is usually single entry.
Can be issued for tourism, business, investment, government duty, and some special categories such as foreign nationals of Bangladeshi origin.

Because of these limits, VOA is best for travelers planning a short, focused trip—for example, 7–14 days to Discover Dhaka City, add a Half-Day Tour Dhaka, or combine an Old Dhaka and Sonargao Tour with Visiting Panam City.

Who Is Eligible for Bangladesh Visa on Arrival?

Not every nationality can get a Visa on Arrival. Bangladesh visa on arrival eligibility depends on where you’re from, why you’re visiting, and sometimes even from which country you are flying in.

Generally, travelers may qualify if they fall into one of these groups:

Citizens of specific countries
Travelers from countries such as the USA, Canada, UK, most European nations, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Brunei and some others are often eligible for VOA, especially when visiting for tourism, business or investment.
Travelers coming from a country without a Bangladeshi mission
If you are traveling from a country where Bangladesh has no embassy or consulate, you may be eligible for a Visa on Arrival, as long as you can justify why you couldn’t obtain a visa in advance.
Foreign nationals of Bangladeshi origin and their immediate family
Travelers with Bangladeshi roots—plus their spouse and children—often enjoy more relaxed conditions. With proof such as an old Bangladeshi passport, birth certificate, or citizenship paper, they can often receive a VOA more easily.
Officials and UN staff
Officers and staff of foreign embassies, international organizations, or UN agencies posted in Bangladesh can also qualify, sometimes with special fee waivers.

Even if you fit one of these categories, Bangladesh visa on arrival eligibility is not automatic. Immigration officers review your documents, ask a few questions, and only then decide whether to issue the visa.

Bangladesh Visa Requirements: What You Must Prepare

To make your visa process smooth, you should arrive with a full set of Bangladesh visa requirements already prepared. Think of it as building a strong “case” that you’re a genuine visitor.

Most travelers should carry:

Valid passport – At least six months’ validity from the date of entry, with a few blank pages.
Return or onward ticket – A printed confirmation that shows when you’ll leave Bangladesh.
Accommodation details – Hotel booking confirmation, tour confirmation from the Best Tour Agency in Bangladesh, or an invitation letter from a host with full address and phone number.
Proof of funds – Immigration sometimes expects you to carry at least around USD 500 in cash or have a credit card to show you can cover your stay.
Purpose documents
- Tourists: hotel/tour booking, rough itinerary (for example: Old Dhaka Tour, Dhaka Food Tour, Sreemangal and Sylhet Tour).
- Business visitors: introduction letter from your company + invitation letter from a Bangladeshi company.
- Investors: invitation from an investment board, industrial partner, or local company.
Two passport-sized photos – Not always required for VOA now, but safe to carry.
Travel insurance – Recommended, even if not mandated.

Having “too many” documents never hurts. It signals seriousness and makes it easier for the officer to approve your Bangladesh Visa on Arrival quickly.

Bangladesh Visa Fees and Duration

Bangladesh visa fees on arrival are generally around USD 50, paid at a bank counter inside the airport in cash (often in US dollars, but sometimes Euros or British Pounds are accepted).

Key points:

The typical Visa on Arrival is single-entry and valid for up to 30 days.
The immigration officer has the power to grant fewer days based on your ticket or travel plan.
If you need longer or multiple entries (for example, if you plan to visit India and then return), it’s safer to obtain a regular visa from an embassy.

Travelers from the USA, UK, and Australia should also remember that advance visas often cost more than USD 50, but they may come with benefits like multi-year, multiple-entry validity, which is useful for repeat visits and long-term projects.

Step-by-Step: How To Get Bangladesh Visa on Arrival at Dhaka Airport

For many visitors, landing at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is their first contact with Bangladesh. Knowing what to expect removes stress and lets you start enjoying the country faster.

1. Follow the Arrival and VOA Signs

After leaving the aircraft, follow the signs for “Arrivals” and “Visa on Arrival”. The VOA desks are usually located just before the main immigration counters. There is often an escalator or staircase down into a hall where you’ll see the VOA area on one side.

2. Go to the Bank Counter and Pay the Fee

Before speaking with immigration, head to the bank counter (often run by Sonali Bank) labeled for VOA payments. Here you:

Pay your VOA fee (commonly USD 50; keep a bit extra ready).
Receive a receipt for the payment.

Only cash is usually accepted, so don’t rely on cards. It’s smart to bring USD, Euros, or GBP in crisp notes.

3. Fill Out the Visa on Arrival Form or Show Online Acknowledgement

Depending on the system currently in place, you may:

Fill out a paper application form, or
Present an online acknowledgement receipt if you registered in advance through the official VOA portal.

In both cases, ensure that all information exactly matches your passport.

4. Submit Your Documents at the VOA Desk

Move to the Visa on Arrival immigration desk and present:

Passport
Payment receipt
Completed form or online acknowledgement
Return/onward ticket
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Any supporting papers such as business letters, proof of funds, or documents showing Bangladeshi origin

The officer may ask questions like:

Why are you visiting Bangladesh?
How long will you stay?
Where will you sleep?
Have you visited before?

Answer clearly and politely. This is where strong documents and a clear itinerary—maybe including activities such as Old Dhaka Tour, Half-Day Tour Dhaka, or a Sreemangal Tour—help show that you are a genuine traveler.

5. Receive Your Visa Sticker

If the officer is satisfied, they will place a visa sticker in your passport. Check:

Your name is spelled exactly as in the passport.
The visa type (tourist/business) is correct.
The validity dates align with your plan.

6. Pass Through Immigration and Collect Luggage

Once the visa is in your passport, join the regular immigration line, receive an entry stamp, collect your baggage, and walk through customs. Outside, your hotel driver or your guide from the Best Tour Agency in Bangladesh can meet you and start your journey to Discover Dhaka City.

Bangladesh Visa Detail for US Travelers

For American visitors, some Bangladesh visa detail for US travelers are worth noting:

US citizens can typically get a Visa on Arrival for up to 30 days, single entry, for tourism or eligible business trips.
The VOA fee is around USD 50, while a full visa obtained from a Bangladeshi embassy in the US can cost more but often allows 1–5 years of multiple entry.
US citizens of Bangladeshi origin can apply for a “No Visa Required” (NVR) seal, which allows repeated entries as long as the passport is valid.
Because VOA is discretionary, many US travelers who want long stays—for example, several weeks exploring Sundarbans and Bagerhat Tour, Sreemangal and Sylhet Tour, and North Bengal tour—prefer to secure a full visa before departure.

If your trip is short and focused on Dhaka, an Old Dhaka and Sonargao Tour, and maybe Visiting Panam City, the VOA can work well. For anything more complex, an advance visa reduces risk.

Bangladesh Visa Detail for UK Travelers

If you hold a British passport, here are key Bangladesh visa detail for UK visitors:

UK nationals are usually eligible for a Visa on Arrival when visiting for tourism, business or similar permitted purposes.
The VOA is generally single-entry, 30 days, with a cost similar to other nationalities.
British Bangladeshis often choose an NVR endorsement instead of repeated visas, especially if they visit family frequently.
Travelers planning longer routes—combining Bangladesh with India, Nepal or Southeast Asia—often secure a full multiple-entry visa before traveling to avoid any issues with re-entry or airline check-in.

For a short visit that includes an Old Dhaka Tour, Dhaka Food Tour, Street Photography Tour in Dhaka, and a quick escape to the countryside, VOA is usually enough—as long as you carry proper paperwork.

Bangladesh Visa Detail for Australian Travelers

Australians planning to discover Bangladesh’s less-explored corners should be aware of some Bangladesh visa detail for Australia:

Australian passport holders usually qualify for a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival when visiting for tourism, business or investment.
As with others, VOA is generally 30 days, single entry, and requires cash payment of the fee.
Because the journey from Australia is long and trips are often extended, many Australians visit Bangladesh as part of a multi-country itinerary. If you plan to combine Bangladesh with India, Thailand, or other regional destinations, a pre-arranged visa may provide smoother re-entry options and fewer date worries.

For a focused two-week trip—perhaps arriving in Dhaka for a Half-Day Tour Dhaka, exploring Old Dhaka, then heading out on a Sreemangal and Sylhet Tour and finally a Sundarbans and Bagerhat Tour—the Visa on Arrival can certainly work if documented well.

Should You Rely on Visa on Arrival or Get a Visa in Advance?

Choosing between Visa on Arrival and an advance visa depends on your situation. Here’s a simple way to decide:

Visa on Arrival is usually fine if:

You are traveling from an eligible country.
You plan to stay 30 days or less.
You are entering Bangladesh only once.
You have all required documents printed and organized.
You are comfortable with a small amount of uncertainty at the airport.

An advance visa is usually better if:

You need more than 30 days.
You require multiple entries (for example, you’ll exit to India and then re-enter Bangladesh).
You are traveling with a group and cannot risk being turned back.
You want the peace of mind of having everything approved before boarding.

Many travelers who book comprehensive World Heritage and Historical Places Tours—covering Dhaka, Panam City, tea estates, archaeological ruins, and river journeys—prefer an embassy visa for total flexibility.

Extending or Overstaying a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival

Extending Your Visa

If you decide you want more time in Bangladesh, you can apply for a Bangladesh visa extension:

You must visit the Department of Immigration and Passports in Agargaon, Dhaka.
You submit an application with your passport, photos, proof of address and sometimes sponsor letters.
You pay an extension fee and return later to collect your passport.

The process can be slow and requires patience, so if you already know you need more time, it’s wiser to apply for a longer visa before traveling.

Overstaying

Some travelers overstaying for a short period may be required to pay a daily fine when leaving, plus the cost of a new visa equivalent. However, relying on overstays is not recommended. Rules change, and frequent or long overstays can impact future visa applications.

To keep your trip focused on experiences like Old Dhaka Tour, Sreemangal Tour, and North Bengal tour—not on paperwork—plan your visa duration carefully.

How Your Visa Unlocks Travel Experiences in Bangladesh

Once your visa is stamped, the real reason you came to Bangladesh begins. With a properly planned itinerary, even a short Visa on Arrival stay can open the door to powerful travel experiences.

Popular options include:

Half-Day Tour Dhaka – The perfect introduction on arrival day.
Old Dhaka Tour – Dive into history, mosques, colonial buildings, and river life.
Dhaka Food Tour – Taste biryani, kebab, chai, and classic sweets.
A Cultural Tour – Combine mosques, temples, churches, and old neighborhoods.
Old Dhaka and Sonargao Tour – Visit the historic capital and spend time Visiting Panam City, an atmospheric ghost town of merchant mansions.
Sreemangal and Sylhet Tour – Explore tea gardens, waterfalls, and tribal villages.
Sreemangal Tour – A shorter version focused only on the tea capital.
Sundarbans and Bagerhat Tour – Experience the world’s largest mangrove forest and centuries-old mosques.
North Bengal tour – Archaeological sites, ancient temples, and rural landscapes.
World Heritage and Historical Places Tours – Curated trips linking UNESCO sites and important heritage locations across the country.
Street Photography Tour in Dhaka – For photographers who love people, colors, and movement.

Having a reliable partner—the Best Tour Agency in Bangladesh—makes it easier to align these trips with your visa duration so you can enjoy each day without rushing.

Why Travel with Bangladesh Explore for Visa-Based Trips?

Visa rules look complicated on paper, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Traveling with Bangladesh Explore gives you:

Pre-trip guidance about whether a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival is suitable for your case.
Well-designed itineraries that respect the length of your visa—no last-minute panic about overstay.
Airport assistance and smooth transfers after immigration, so you aren’t bargaining with taxi drivers when you’re tired.
Local expertise that turns formalities into a stress-free start, and lets you focus on the country instead of the queue.

From the moment your visa is stamped until the day you fly home, we help transform your Bangladesh trip from “Will this work?” to “That was one of my best travel experiences.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the easiest way to get a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival?

The easiest way is to arrive with all Bangladesh visa requirements already prepared: passport with six months validity, return ticket, hotel or tour booking, proof of funds, and any business or invitation letters. Head to the bank counter at Dhaka airport, pay the VOA fee in cash, and then present your papers at the Visa on Arrival desk. If you travel with a supportive local operator such as the Best Tour Agency in Bangladesh, they can advise you beforehand and meet you after immigration.

Is Bangladesh Visa on Arrival guaranteed if I meet the criteria?

No. Even if you meet Bangladesh visa on arrival eligibility conditions and carry all documents, the final decision belongs to the immigration officer on duty. That’s why some travelers, especially those with long or complex trips, still prefer to get their visa in advance from a Bangladeshi embassy or consulate. VOA is convenient but always discretionary.

How much does Bangladesh Visa on Arrival cost, and how long is it valid?

The Bangladesh visa fees for VOA are usually around USD 50, paid in cash at the airport bank counter. The visa is generally a single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days. The officer can issue fewer days based on your ticket and travel plan. If you need multiple entries or a much longer stay, applying for a full visa in advance is the smarter option.

Can I extend my Visa on Arrival if I want to stay longer?

Yes, a Bangladesh visa extension is sometimes possible. You need to visit the Department of Immigration and Passports in Dhaka, complete forms, provide supporting documents, and pay relevant fees. However, this process can be time-consuming and may require multiple visits. If you already know you want to explore a wide itinerary—like Old Dhaka Tour, Sreemangal and Sylhet Tour, Sundarbans and Bagerhat Tour, and North Bengal tour—getting a longer visa from your home country is usually easier.

Is Bangladesh safe and worth visiting on a short visa?

For travelers who love authentic culture, history, and real-life experiences, Bangladesh is absolutely worth visiting—even on a short visa. With a 10–14 day Bangladesh Visa on Arrival you can Discover Dhaka City, join a Dhaka Food Tour, explore historic quarters on an Old Dhaka and Sonargao Tour, and maybe even add a quick Sreemangal Tour or World Heritage and Historical Places Tours. With the right planning, even a short visa becomes the gateway to a rich and memorable journey.