Bangladesh visa for Indian price

Bangladesh, a close neighbor with shared cultural ties and a vibrant economy, is a frequent destination for Indian citizens for various purposes, from tourism and visiting family to business engagements. A common and reassuring aspect for Indian travelers is the Bangladesh visa for Indian price, which is significantly advantageous compared to many other international destinations. While a visa is mandatory for Indian passport holders (there is no visa-on-arrival facility), the cost structure is designed to facilitate smooth cross-border movement. This detailed, pointwise article will meticulously break down the Bangladesh visa for Indian price for different categories, outline the general application process, document requirements, processing times, and specifically address the nuances of obtaining a business visa.

1. The Cost Advantage: Bangladesh Visa for Indian Price

One of the most appealing aspects of obtaining a visa for Bangladesh for Indian citizens is the fee structure. For Indian nationals, the Bangladesh visa issuance fee is generally FREE (Gratis) for most categories, including Tourist and Business visas.

• Visa Fee (Government Fee): For Indian citizens, the visa fee charged by the Government of Bangladesh for various categories (Tourist, Business, Student, Transit, etc.) is ZERO (Gratis). This is a reciprocal arrangement between the two countries.

• Service Fee: While the government visa fee is waived, applicants will still need to pay a service fee if applying through an authorized visa application center (like the Official Bangladesh Visa Application Centre operated by a third party). This service fee typically ranges from INR 700 to INR 850 (including taxes) per application. This fee covers the operational costs of the application center, such as document collection, processing, and biometric data collection.

   
   

   

• Express/Urgent Processing Fee: If you opt for urgent processing, an additional express fee will apply. This fee can vary but will be significantly higher than the standard service charge. It's crucial to confirm this with the specific application center.

This "no visa fee" policy for Indian citizens makes Bangladesh an exceptionally affordable destination from a visa perspective.

2. General Documents Required for Bangladesh Visa Application (Regardless of Type)

Despite the favorable Bangladesh visa for Indian price, a comprehensive set of documents is required to apply for any type of visa. The application process typically involves an online form followed by physical submission at a Bangladesh High Commission or Deputy High Commission/Consulate, or an authorized Visa Application Centre in India.

• Valid Indian Passport:

  • Original passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Bangladesh.

     

     

  • It must contain a minimum of two blank pages for visa stamping.

  • Photocopies of the passport's bio-data pages (first and last page).

  • All old passports, if any, must be submitted with the application.

• Completed Online Visa Application Form:

  • The application form must be filled out online on the official Bangladesh Online MRV Portal (www.visa.gov.bd).

  • After filling, print the completed form. It must be signed by the applicant.

• Recent Passport-Sized Photographs:

  • Two (2) recent (taken within the last six months) color photographs.

  • Dimensions: 45mm x 35mm, with a plain white background.

  • Photos should show a full frontal view of the face, with a neutral expression.

• Proof of Residence in India:

  • A copy of your Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Ration Card, Driving License, or PAN Card.

  • Proof of residential address, such as a copy of a recent (not older than 6 months) electricity bill, gas bill, or landline telephone bill.

     

     

• Proof of Financial Soundness:

  • Updated bank statements for the last six months, showing sufficient funds to cover your stay in Bangladesh. While no specific minimum balance is officially stipulated for Indian citizens, a healthy and consistent balance is expected.

  • Alternatively, endorsement of foreign currency equivalent to US$150/- per applicant (not older than three months) or a copy of an international credit card/travel card.

• Personal Covering Letter:

  • A signed letter from the applicant addressed to the High Commission/Deputy High Commission/Consulate of Bangladesh.

  • This letter should clearly state the purpose of your visit, exact travel dates, and an assurance of your intent to return to India.

3. Specific Documents Required for Bangladesh Business Visa for Indian Citizens

For Indian citizens traveling to Bangladesh for commercial purposes, the Bangladesh visa for Indian price remains zero for the government fee, but the documentation is more stringent than for a tourist visa. In addition to the general requirements listed above, applicants for a Business (B) Visa must provide:

• Official Invitation Letter from Bangladeshi Company:

  • An original or clear scanned copy of an invitation letter from the inviting business organization or a local sponsor in Bangladesh.

  • This letter must be on the company's official letterhead, with its official seal/stamp, and signed by an authorized signatory.

     

     

  • It must explicitly state:

    • The applicant's full name, designation, passport number, and nationality.

    • Purpose of Visit: A detailed explanation of the business activities (e.g., attending business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, negotiations, investment discussions, etc.). It should clarify that the activities are non-remunerated in Bangladesh.

    • Duration of Stay: Exact intended dates of arrival and departure.

    • Inviting Entity's Information: Full name, address, contact details, and their official registration number (e.g., Trade License, TIN) in Bangladesh.

       

       

    • Financial Responsibility: A clear statement indicating who will bear the financial expenses for the applicant's stay in Bangladesh (travel, accommodation, daily expenses).

    • Recommendation/Authenticity: A copy of a recommendation letter or updated membership from a recognized Chamber of Commerce or Business Association in Bangladesh, or other documents regarding the authenticity of the local sponsor's business.

• Covering Letter from Indian Company/Employer:

  • On the official letterhead of your Indian employer/company, signed and stamped by an authorized signatory.

  • It must state: Your full name, designation, date of joining, salary, the specific business purpose of your trip to Bangladesh (matching the invitation letter), and the exact dates of travel.

  • A clear undertaking from the Indian company to bear all financial expenses related to your trip (if applicable) and confirmation of your employment and return to India after the business trip.

• Indian Company Registration Certificate:

  • A copy of your Indian company's registration certificate (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation, GST registration, Partnership Deed).

• Proof of Profession/Employment in India:

  • If employed: A certificate from the employer (on company letterhead) stating your designation, date of joining, and salary.

  • If self-employed: Business registration documents, and sometimes the company's bank statements for the last six months.

     

     

• Proof of Business Dealings (for Importers/Exporters):

  • If the applicant is an importer/exporter, copies of the Import Registration Certificate (IRC) & Export Registration Certificate (ERC) may be required.

  • Copies of Letter of Credit (LC)/Telegraphic Transfer (TT) pertaining to either the last three business transactions or the impending business transaction with a Bangladeshi company.

4. Application Process and Processing Time

The application for a Bangladesh visa for Indian price (zero government fee, plus service charge) generally follows these steps:

1. Online Application: Fill out the online visa application form on the official Bangladesh MRV Portal (www.visa.gov.bd). Print the generated form.

2. Gather Documents: Prepare all necessary original documents and their photocopies as per the specific visa category's checklist.

3. Appointment/Submission: Submit your complete application package (printed form + documents) at the nearest Bangladesh High Commission/Deputy High Commission/Consulate in India (e.g., New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Agartala, Guwahati) or through their authorized visa application center (e.g., BD Visa Application Centre).

   • While some centers may allow walk-ins, it's often advisable to check if an appointment is required.

4. Pay Service Fee: Pay the applicable service charge at the time of submission.

5. Submission and Verification: The officials will review your documents. Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) may be collected.

    

    

6. Processing: The application is then processed by the High Commission/Consulate.

7. Collection: Once the visa is approved, you will be notified to collect your passport with the affixed visa.

• Processing Time: The average processing time for a Bangladesh visa for Indian citizens is typically 5 to 7 working days. However, this can vary depending on the type of visa, the volume of applications, and the specific High Commission/Consulate or application center. During peak seasons, it can extend up to 10-15 working days. It's always advisable to apply well in advance, preferably 2-3 weeks before your planned travel date.

5. Important Notes and Visa Validity

• No Visa on Arrival: Indian citizens are not eligible for a Visa on Arrival in Bangladesh. A pre-obtained visa is mandatory.

• Validity:

  • Tourist Visas for Indian citizens are typically issued for 1 year with multiple entries, allowing a stay of up to 30 or 90 days per visit.

  • Business Visas can be issued for up to 1 year with single, double, or multiple entries, often allowing a stay of up to 30 days per visit.

     

     

  • The validity period of the visa begins from the date of issue, not from your intended date of travel.

• Overstay Penalties: Overstaying your visa in Bangladesh can lead to significant daily fines (e.g., 1,000 Taka per day for up to 15 days, 2,000 Taka per day for 16-90 days, and more severe penalties for longer overstays) and potential legal proceedings or future entry bans.

• Extension: Visa extensions can be applied for at the Department of Immigration and Passport (DIP) in Bangladesh, subject to specific conditions and police clearance for longer extensions.

   

   

In conclusion, the attractive Bangladesh visa for Indian price (zero government fee) makes it a cost-effective travel option. However, applicants must still meticulously prepare all required documents and adhere to the application process through the designated High Commissions/Consulates or visa application centers in India. For business travelers, the specific requirements, particularly concerning invitation and company support letters, are crucial for a successful application and to ensure a smooth and compliant visit to Bangladesh. Always cross-reference the latest requirements on the official Bangladesh High Commission/Consulate websites in India or the authorized visa application center portals.