Bangladesh Visa on Arrival (VoA): Requirements, Fees, and Process at Dhaka Airport
If you’re planning a trip to Bangladesh and don’t have time to apply for a visa beforehand, you may qualify for a Visa on Arrival (VoA). This facility is available for citizens of specific countries and can be obtained directly at the airport or designated entry points.
This article explains who can get a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival, how to apply, fees, validity, extension options, and what happens if you overstay.
What is a Visa on Arrival?
A Visa on Arrival allows eligible travelers to obtain a visa at the port of entry instead of applying at a Bangladeshi embassy in advance. It is valid for:
- Tourism
- Business
- Investment
- Government work
Bangladesh issues two types of VoA:
- On Arrival Visa – for regular visitors.
- Transit Visa – for travelers passing through Bangladesh.
Who Can Get a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival?
Eligible Countries
Bangladesh offers VoA to citizens of:
- North America: USA, Canada
- Europe: All EU and European countries
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Brunei
- Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Turkey
- Africa: Egypt
- Eurasia: Russian Federation
Special Cases
- Nationals from countries without a Bangladeshi embassy may apply.
- Travelers arriving from third countries without Bangladeshi embassies may be considered.
- Diplomatic/UN officials working in Bangladesh may get VoA with documents.
- Bangladeshi-origin foreign nationals and their family members may apply with proof of heritage. You will need to show proof of origin, such as a previous Bangladeshi passport, No Visa Required (NVR) seal, or a birth certificate. Family members may need to provide marriage or birth certificates linking them to the person of Bangladeshi origin.
- Investors and business travelers need an invitation letter from a Bangladeshi company plus BIDA or BEPZA approval. You must also have a letter of introduction from your company. The inviting organization in Bangladesh must inform the immigration authority in advance about your arrival.
Validity of the Visa on Arrival
The visa is valid for up to 30 days.
Extensions are possible but involve paperwork at the Department of Immigration and Passport (DIP) in Dhaka. Final approval rests with the immigration officer at the entry point.
Bangladesh Visa on Arrival Application (Pre-Registration Online)
Online Application Steps
- Register on the official Bangladesh VoA portal with email and password.
- Verify email via activation link.
- Log in and click “Apply for VoA.”
- Read instructions carefully and agree.
- Choose visa type (On Arrival or Transit).
- Fill in traveler information exactly as in your passport.
- Review/edit details.
- Upload documents (see below).
- Submit application, copy your tracking ID, and print the acknowledgment receipt.
Documents Required
Visitors must have necessary documents to justify the visit. This typically includes:
- Recent photo (passport-size)
- Passport bio-page copy
- Proof of accommodation (e.g., hotel booking)
- Proof of onward/return travel (e.g., flight ticket)
- Invitation letter (for business/official travel) or details of your host in Bangladesh
- Other supporting documents (if applicable)
How to Get a Visa on Arrival at Dhaka Airport
On arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka), follow signs to the VoA desk.
- Pay $50 USD (cash only) at the Sonali Bank counter inside the airport.
- Collect the payment receipt.
- Queue at the VoA counter with your receipt and documents.
- Answer questions (purpose of visit, accommodation, duration).
- Get your passport stamped with VoA.
- Proceed to immigration, baggage claim, and customs.
💡 Tip: The Sonali Bank counter also provides currency exchange at normal rates, useful before leaving the airport.
Extending a Visa on Arrival
Extensions are available at the DIP office, Agargaon, Dhaka. Processing is slow and requires multiple visits. If you plan to stay more than 30 days, apply for a regular visa in advance.
Overstaying a Bangladesh Visa
If you stay beyond your VoA validity:
- Fine: BDT 200/day for the first 15 days, then BDT 500/day.
- You must also pay the regular visa fee (different from VoA fee).
For example: US citizens: $160, UK citizens: £105+, Australian citizens: $150.
Short overstays are tolerated, but repeated overstays may affect future entries.
Bangladesh Visa on Arrival – FAQ
Can US, UK, and Australian citizens get a VoA in Bangladesh?
Yes. Citizens of the USA, UK, Australia, and most EU countries can get a Visa on Arrival.
How much does a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival cost?
The fee is $50 USD (cash), payable at the airport.
Do I need to apply online before traveling?
Yes, you must pre-register online and bring the acknowledgment receipt.
Can I extend my VoA in Bangladesh?
Yes, but it is a slow process at the DIP office in Dhaka.
What happens if I overstay?
You must pay daily fines plus the full visa fee.
Can I get a Transit Visa on Arrival?
Yes, if you’re passing through Bangladesh on the way to another country.
Final Tips for Travelers
- Bring cash (USD) for the VoA fee. Cards are not accepted.
- Keep printouts of your acknowledgment receipt and invitation letter.
- Book return/onward tickets in advance as proof of departure.
- If planning to stay longer, apply for a regular visa before your trip.
Citizenship Policy and Work Permit Visa in Bangladesh
To learn more about Bangladesh Work Permit Visa, [click here]
To learn more about the Citizenship Policy in Bangladesh, [click here]
To learn more about the No Visa Policy for Foreign Citizens in Bangladesh, [click here]
To learn more about the tourist visa policy in Bangladesh, [click here]
Bangladesh Visa on Arrival Guide
Are You Eligible for a Visa on Arrival in 2025?
Select your country of citizenship to get an instant eligibility check. This tool provides guidance based on current regulations for tourism, business, or investment purposes.
$51 USD
Flat Fee (Cash Only)
30 Days
Maximum Stay
Printed Docs
Strictly Mandatory
Getting Your VoA at Dhaka Airport (HSIA)
This visual guide breaks down the arrival process. The key is preparation: have all your documents printed and the exact visa fee in cash ready to ensure a smooth experience.
Locate VoA Desk
After descending the escalator into the arrivals hall, the VoA desk and bank counter are immediately on your right.
Pay the Visa Fee
Go to the bank counter first. Pay the $51 USD fee in cash (or GBP/EUR) and get your payment receipt. This is a crucial first step.
Submit Documents
Approach the VoA immigration officer. Present your passport, payment receipt, and all your printed documents (ticket, hotel booking, etc.).
Clear Immigration
With the visa stamped in your passport, use the faster, designated line for "Diplomats/Crew/VoA" to enter the country.
Visa Details by Nationality
While the general VoA requirements are the same for all eligible travelers, the cost and availability of advance visas can vary. Select your country for specific details.
For United States Citizens
VoA Eligibility: Yes, US citizens are eligible for a Visa on Arrival.
VoA Fee: $51 USD, payable in cash.
Advance Visa Option: Recommended for longer stays. You can get a visa from the Bangladesh Embassy in the US. It typically costs **$160 USD** and offers multiple entries with a validity of 1-5 years, providing much greater flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key information on visa extensions, overstaying penalties, and other common queries.
The best choice depends on your travel plans. A VoA is convenient for short, simple trips, but an advance visa offers more certainty and is essential for longer stays. This chart visualizes the key differences.
Yes, it's technically possible, but the process is notoriously difficult and bureaucratic. It requires multiple visits to the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) in Dhaka and can be very time-consuming. **It is strongly recommended to get an advance visa if you plan to stay longer than 30 days.**
Expert Help Recommended
Navigating visa extensions is a common challenge. Firms like LegalSeba.com specialize in handling these processes, saving you significant time and frustration.
Overstaying your visa is costly. You will be required to pay fines upon departure, calculated as follows:
- **First 15 days:** 200 BDT per day.
- **After 15 days:** 500 BDT per day.
On top of the daily fines, you must also pay for a new "exit visa" at the standard embassy rate (e.g., ~$160 for US citizens), which is much more expensive than the original VoA fee.
No. The visa fee must be paid in **cash only**. Accepted currencies are US Dollars (USD), British Pounds (GBP), or Euros (EUR). There are no ATMs available before the payment counter, so you must have the cash with you upon arrival.
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