Bangladesh to launch e-visa system in 2023
Bangladesh will introduce an electronic visa system in 2023, reducing paperwork and streamlining travel for tourists, becoming the third South Asian country to adopt e-visas after India and Myanmar.
The Bangladesh is a South Asian country in the Bay of Bengal, east of India. Known for its lush greenery and numerous rivers, it has become a popular tourist destination. Until now, travelers from Europe and North America were required to obtain a paper visa before visiting. This could change in 2023 with the planned introduction of an electronic visa system. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming changes.
Bangladesh to launch e-visa system in 2023
The introduction of an electronic visa in Bangladesh is now official for 2023. The eagerly awaited announcement was made by Bangladesh’s Minister of Home Affairs, Asaduzzaman Khan, during the third UN United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS) in the United States, where he led the country’s official delegation.
Regarding the upcoming e-visa system, the minister confirmed that Bangladesh will soon sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formally initiate the project. According to Daily Bangladesh, the aim is to implement the e-visa system within six months of signing the MoU. By adopting the electronic visa in 2023, Bangladesh will become the third South Asian country to do so after India and Myanmar.
Plans underway since 2021
While the e-visa system is set to launch next year, its planning began earlier. Bangladesh has been preparing the legal and procedural framework for the e-visa system since 2021, aiming to modernize visa issuance for foreign travelers.
The push for a digital system stemmed from the limitations of the existing paper visa process, which involves lengthy and complex procedures for international tourists. Key delays included:
initiating the visa application process
submitting the request to a visa consultant
receiving the approved visa, among others.
For the Bangladeshi authorities, the paper-based system also lacked sufficient transparency. Thus, the government prioritized transitioning to a more automated, digitized, and secure visa framework: the electronic visa.
Current travel requirements for Bangladesh
Pending the launch of the electronic visa system in 2023, current travel procedures for Bangladesh remain unchanged. Travelers from Europe and North America must still obtain a paper visa before their trip. Currently, visas are not guaranteed upon arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
If implemented in 2023, the e-visa system will offer several benefits. Applicants worldwide will be able to apply and submit their electronic visa applications through a single, unified platform. Applications can be made at any time, with prompt responses on entry authorization. This new process will provide greater flexibility compared to current travel procedures for European, North American, and other international travelers.
A specialist in regulatory monitoring and a content destination expert, she analyzes daily changes in entry formalities to turn complex administrative processes into practical guides. Her role blends ground-level expertise with technical precision to ensure the reliability of the information provided to travelers.
