Visa to Bangladesh
Expedited Visa Services

Bangladesh Visa

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:  A passport, visa and onward/return ticket are required.  All travelers to Bangladesh, including American citizens, must have a valid visa in their valid passport prior to arrival.  Although airport visas (landing permits) are available upon arrival by air, the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka does not recommend this option for most categories of travelers as working hours may not coincide with flight arrival times and precise formalities can vary.  Additionally, if issued, landing permit validity is usually limited to a maximum of fifteen days.  A valid visa in an expired or cancelled U.S. passport is not acceptable to the Bangladeshi authorities; if you are issued a new U.S. passport, you will need a new visa.

If you intend to use Dhaka as a hub from which to visit other countries in the region, ensure that you obtain a multiple-entry visa before arrival.  If you intend to work for a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Bangladesh, you should ensure that your sponsor has provided you with up-to-date advice on the kind of visa you must obtain before arrival.  It is difficult and time-consuming to change your immigration status once you have arrived in Bangladesh.

Visas to Bangladesh which are expiring may be extended at the Directorate of Immigration and Passport, located at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon, Dhaka.  The phone numbers are (880-2) 913-1891 and 913-4011.

New visa rules, introduced in October 2006, require foreign nationals who come to Bangladesh to work or for long-term visits to have the appropriate work permits and clearances on arrival.  There are increased financial penalties for overstaying visas.  Additionally, those who overstay for more than 90 days face the possibility of being charged with violating the Foreigners Act of 1946.  For further information on these rules, please check with the nearest Bangladeshi Embassy or Consulate (U.S. addresses listed below) before traveling, or visit the Bangadeshi Immigration Police web site at www.immi.gov.bd, which provides further details on rules relating to foreigner registrations. 

There are two exit requirements:

A.  When traveling by air, there is a departure tax on all foreigners except children under the age of two.  This tax is often included when air tickets are purchased.  Otherwise, it is collected at the airport at the time of departure.  The amount of the departure tax varies, depending on the destination (e.g., the departure tax for the U.S. is the most expensive, at USD $43).  There is no travel tax for transit passengers transiting Bangladesh without a visa and in country for 72 hours or fewer.  These requirements may be subject to change, and travelers are advised to check with the Embassy of Bangladesh before traveling.

B.  Departing foreign nationals are also required to comply with the income tax ordinance of 1984 and submit an income tax clearance certificate/income tax exemption certificate to local airline offices upon departure from Bangladesh.  More information can be obtained from the Bangladesh Board of Revenue web site at http://www.nbr-bd.org/.

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:  Bangladesh is a democratic republic with a parliamentary form of government.  On January 11, 2007, President Iajuddin Ahmed declared a state of emergency.  On May 12, 2008, the Chief Adviser announced that national parliamentary elections would be held in the third week of December, 2008.  Bangladesh remains a developing country with poor infrastructure.  Tourist facilities outside major cities and tourist areas are minimal.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION:  Americans living or traveling in Bangladesh are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Bangladesh.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. 

The U.S. Embassy is located approximately four miles south of Zia International Airport, and five miles north of downtown in the Diplomatic Enclave, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka, telephone (88-02) 885-5500, fax number (88-02) 882-3744.  The workweek is Sunday through Thursday.  The Consular Section is open for American Citizens Services Sunday through Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  For emergency services and general information during business hours, please call (88-02) 882-3805.  For emergency services after hours, please call (88-02) 885-5500 and ask for the duty officer.  The Embassy's Internet home page is http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/

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