Visas in bangladesh in 2024
In this article, about Visas in bangladesh, we will offer you with information about various types of visas in Bangladesh. However, we will not discuss all types of visas. Rather, we will discuss visas relevant to business in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh provides many sorts of visas for foreign people who wish to take advantage of the present investment and job incentives provided by the Bangladesh government. It is quite simple to obtain a visa from any other nation; nevertheless, there is no clear rule, and the practices of Bangladeshi diplomatic offices vary from mission to mission.
Business visitors to Bangladesh will need a visa, which must be requested from the Bangladeshi diplomatic mission in the applicant’s country. Visa availability fluctuates according to the political climate and other internal matters. It is normally recommended that you secure a visa in your native country before to travel.
Some countries’ nationals can receive visas upon arrival at a Bangladeshi airport (mostly in Dhaka).
Please keep in mind that Bangladeshi diplomatic missions’ practices vary by location, so you should confer with the local Bangladeshi diplomatic mission before visiting Bangladesh.
B VISA
In general, this Business visa is granted to businesspeople who wish to take advantage of the opportunities available in Bangladesh. For example, meeting with various businesspeople and government officials to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh, visiting factories and employees, determining legal impediments, and contacting various professionals to discuss potential business strategies in Bangladesh. However, the objective of such a visit should be limited to the activities listed above, and a person with a business visa is not permitted to conduct any business without the consent of the competent government (e.g., BIDA, BEPZA) or to engage in any type of job without a work permit.
Eligible Participants: Business owners or their representatives.
Authorized stay duration: In general, a B visa is valid for 3 to 6 months, with a maximum stay of 30 days each entrance. The applicant must state the purpose of the visa and how long they want to remain in Bangladesh on the application form.
Indicative list of required documents: referral from recognized chambers of commerce or referral from a local sponsor in Bangladesh, as well as a declaration of good standing or company credentials.
E VISA
This is the most popular and widely used category of visa for foreign citizens seeking employment in Bangladesh. The relevant Bangladesh Mission will award a visa for a maximum of three (three) months, subject to the submission of supporting documentation. Later, the Department of Immigration and Passports will extend the validity of the visa with multiple-travel facility for a maximum of one (one) to two (two) years at a time, based on the receipt of a work permit in the case of employees, airlines, banks, and insurance companies, and on the recommendation of Bangladeshi sponsors, as well as clearance from security agencies in other cases. This visa is renewed based on the work permit.
Eligible Persons:
(a) Experts/Consultants/Employees/Persons employed in governmental/semi-governmental, autonomous, and similar organizations.
(b) staff and individuals working in local and foreign government/private, industrial/trade organizations, as well as staff of the Liaison Office and Branch Office.
(c) Employees and persons working in local and foreign government/private contractor firms and institutions of the same type.
Authorized duration of stay: The appropriate Bangladesh Mission initially awards visas for a maximum of three (three) months, subject to the submission of papers/documents supporting the appointment with application.
Indicative list of required documents: Letter of appointment and recommendation from the appropriate Ministry in Bangladesh / Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) / Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA)
FE VISA
Eligible Persons: Spouse and other dependents of the Principal traveling on an E category visa.
The authorized term of stay is the same as the Principal’s E category visa.
Indicative list of required documents: Relevant documents, such as birth/marriage certificates or a letter from the recommending authority.
E1 VISA
Authorized term of stay: The Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh of the relevant nation grants an E1 visa for a maximum of 6 (six) months, subject to the submission of appointment-supporting papers and documentation.
Individuals visiting for the provision, installation, and maintenance of equipment and software, as well as project management, are considered eligible.
Indicative list of required documents: Invitation from local sponsor, copy of agreement, recommendation of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), or relevant Ministry, Department, or Agency
PI VISA
Eligible Persons: Investors in private sector industrial or commercial entities, including joint ventures and 100% foreign-owned companies.
Authorized term of stay: PI visas are awarded for three months on the first application if the necessary documents are submitted.
Indicative list of required documents: Certificate / Letter from BIDA / BEPZA (if applicable) certifies that the applicant is a legitimate investor.
FPI VISA
Eligible Persons: Spouses and dependents of the Principal traveling on PI category visa.
The authorized term of stay is the same as the Principal’s PI category visa.
Indicative list of required documents: Relevant documents, such as a birth/marriage certificate or a letter from the recommending authority
A3 VISA
Eligible Persons: Experts, advisers, officials, staff members, and laborers working in any project under a bilateral or multilateral agreement between the Bangladesh government.
and development partner agencies.
Authorized stay duration: The concerned Bangladesh Mission grants A3 visas for a maximum of three (three) months following submission of an appointment letter with the application.
Indicative list of required documents:
1. A recommendation from the relevant ministry, ERD, or government organization, as well as a copy of the agreement.
2. Security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
FA3 VISA.
Eligible persons include the spouse and other dependent family members of A3 visa holders.
The authorized term of stay is the same as the Principal’s A3 category visa.
Indicative list of required documents:
1. A recommendation from the relevant ministry, ERD, or government organization, as well as a copy of the agreement/MOU, etc., with the GOB.
2. Police Verification Report.
J VISA
Journalists from newspapers, magazines, television or radio networks, news agencies, representatives of print, electronic, or satellite media, and freelance journalists are also eligible.
The authorized term of stay is normally three years.
An indicative list of required documents: For the issuing of a J category visa, a clearance from the External Publicity Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka is required. This normally takes 21 days to process after the application is submitted. In addition to the visa application form, the applicant must submit completed FF-I and FF-II forms.
FJ VISA
Eligible Persons: Spouse and dependent members of the Principal’s family travelling on the J category visa.
The authorized term of stay is the same as the Principal’s J category visa.
Indicative list of required documents: Relevant documents, such as a birth or marriage certificate or a letter from the recommending authority.
N VISAS
Eligible People: Individuals appointed in NGOs registered in Bangladesh
Authorized length of stay: varies.
Indicative list of required documents: Letter of appointment and certificate / letter of recommendation from Bangladesh’s NGO Affairs Bureau.
FN VISA
Eligible individuals include spouses and dependent family members of “N” Visa holders.
The authorized term of stay is the same as the Principal’s N category visa.
Indicative list of required documents: Relevant documents, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or letter from the recommending authority.
VISA UPON ARRIVAL.
Eligible Persons: Foreign investors and business owners may also apply for VOA through the HSIA. Not every national can apply for VOA. This visa is issued at the sole discretion of the Bangladeshi immigration officer.
The authorized stay is 30 days.
Indicative list of required documents:
a. The LP/VOA candidate must also have a return ticket.
b. A letter or identity certificate on letterhead from various associations of export-oriented commercial/industrial groups (for example, FBCCI/BGMEA) specifying the applicant’s link with the organization and the duration of the relationship.
c. The VOA applicant must have US $500 or similar foreign money endorsed in his or her passport, credit card, debit card, traveler’s check, or cash.