Bangladesh launches electronic visa to boost tourism and business
Bangladesh's new electronic visa system promises 24-hour approvals, streamlining entry for travelers and professionals while targeting nations like the U.S., Canada, and China—but which visitors qualify for visa-on-arrival?
In a strategic move to transform its tourism sector, Bangladesh is set to roll out a revolutionary e-visa system delivering approvals in as little as 24 hours.
Official online visa application portal
Streamlining visa applications
Unveiled by Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan, the initiative targets the cumbersome paper-based visa process. Previously, travelers often waited weeks for approvals—a delay many found prohibitive. The new fast-track system now delivers same-day authorizations, offering unprecedented flexibility for tourists and business professionals needing last-minute travel arrangements.
The online portal, operated by the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh – Immigration and Passports Department, handles a full suite of services: new visa applications, extensions, exemptions, and visa-on-arrival (VOA). All visitors should check their eligibility and Bangladesh’s entry requirements before traveling.
Visa-on-arrival is available to passport holders from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Brunei and select European nations visiting for tourism, business, investment or government-employment purposes for up to 30 days. Applications must be initiated via the official authorities’ portal. Applicants must complete an online form with traveler details, required documents and consular fees. Once approved, the VOA document is downloaded, presented to immigration on arrival, and validated for entry.
Driving tourism and commerce
Officials expect eased access to unlock international visitor interest in the country’s rich culture and scenery. High Commissioner Khan specifically spotlighted key destinations such as the Sundarbans mangroves, Cox’s Bazar beach and Dhaka’s dynamic streets, all poised to benefit directly from the influx. The new system aims to fuel tourism and commerce by simplifying entry for professionals, foreign investors and leisure travelers alike, positioning Bangladesh as an accessible gateway in South Asia.
En tant que chargée de relation client, mes missions sont la gestion et le suivi des demandes de visas. Je reste informée des actualités concernant les nouvelles formalités de voyage ainsi que les spécificités des nouveaux visas.
