Visa Application Requirements and Formalities to visit Bangladesh

Visa requirements for Bangladesh

All foreigners would like to visit Bangladesh require a visa. Tourist visas are the easiest to obtain. Depending on the office you're dealing with, they can be issued for periods of up to two months (Australians can get six months), and whatever the length of your stay it is suggested that you apply for the maximum amount of time permitted, or at least specify a date. Most consular offices will request a letter of invitation along with the visa; this could be a letter from the Tour Operator or the contact that you may be visiting. Tourist visas can be extended for up to 30 days. Landing permits and transit visas are non-expendable.

Business visa can be issued for periods up to six months, and require a letter introducing your company along with a letter from your proposed business partner stating the purpose of your visit.

In case of long-term visa ISSUES Employment and NGO visas employer in Bangladesh should help you with obtaining the necessary paperwork.

Visa fees vary from nationality to nationality as Bangladesh practices a reciprocal fee system. Bangladesh visa fees are same for both the Bangladeshi and foreign nationals. You can check the ‘Visa Policy' described all the requirements for each visa.

If you obtain a visa that expires during your stay, you have to begin the process for visa extension as soon as you are settled in Bangladesh. Security clearances and work permits are required for most visa extensions. If your visa expires, you will have to pay a fine, a rate variable depending on your work and host organization. You will also require an exit visa to leave Bangladesh.

No visa Required in Bangladesh

Visas are required for nationals of all countries except- Bhutan, Barbados, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cyprus, Fiji, Western Samoa, Tonga, Sierra Leone, Lesotho, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Jamaica, Mauritius, Malawi, Maldives, Singapore, Switzerland, St. Kitts and Nevis, Ghana and Gabon.

'No visa required' means that no visa is required for stay in Bangladesh up to 90 days only. For further extension of stay permission is required. European, North American and Australian passport holders of Bangladesh origin do not required visa provided they pay US $ 50.00 or equivalent and have their passports stamped "No visa required for travel to Bangladesh" by Bangladesh Missions abroad.

Valid passport is required for nationals of all countries for a visit to Bangladesh. However, passports are not required for the holders of identity certificate, liaises passers issued by United Nations and its affiliated bodies and continuous Discharge certificate/Nollie's/ Seaman Book (Traveling on duty to join or repatriate from ship) issued by any country recognized by Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi nationals holding dual citizens need not have a visa provided their passport is stamped with "No Visa Required".

Visit visa information of Bangladesh

The Immigration Authority may issue landing Permit (LP) or Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) to the following category of visitors-

1. Tourist and business travellers who do not have a mission for Bangladesh in their country of origin can obtain a Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) valid for seven to 15 days on arrival. Business travellers require a letter of invitation from company based in Bangladesh, containing their Tax Identification Number and attestation from Chamber of Commerce or Bangladeshi government ministries with corresponding passport name and passport number and holding return air tickets and sufficient funds for stay and all documents for next destination. this however will not be applicable to residents and nationals of those countries against which the government has imposed sanction or embargo.

2. Foreign investors with proper documents or documents certified by the officials of the Board of Investments (BOI) or Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA) or Ministry of Industry presented at the Airport on the arrival.

3. Foreign delegates invited by Ministries or Division of the Government of Bangladesh to seminars, workshops, or International conventions for only the tenure of the stated event provided written request along with testifying documents satisfies the Immigration Authority.

4. Foreigners directly involve in export oriented establishments with documents & TIN (Tax Identification Number) of the concerned export oriented establishment certified by Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) or Bangladesh Garment Manufactures and Exporters Association (BGMEA) or other association of export oriented institutions of Bangladesh;

5. Foreign passport holders of Bangladeshi origin by birth, there children or spouse;

6. Foreign husband/wife of a Bangladesh national;

7. Foreigners with certified documents issued by Tablig Committee, Kakrail Mosque, Dhaka for the purpose of Tablig Jamat.

8. Doctors/Medical team with invitation letter issued by foreign embassies in Bangladesh, United Nations and/or its affiliate organizations for the purpose of emergency treatment and medical care of its officers or employees.

In all cases of LP or VOA the following procedures or conditions must be observed:

a. Arriving foreigners must have a return ticket and at least US $500.00 endorsed in their passport.

b. Entry-Exit of persons issued with LP/VOA must be through the same airport.

c. LP/VOA may be issued for a maximum period of 30 (thirty) days.

Unless otherwise stated and will not be extended under any circumstances (nor extend able).

Note: Since regulations may change at short notice, check details with the Embassy or High Commission.

Restricted entry: The government of Bangladesh refuses admission and transit to nationals of Israel.

How to apply for a visa to Bangladesh: 

Consular section at the- Bangladesh embassy/high commission

Time required for Bangladeshi Visa Processing: Visas are usually processed in 4 working days. At least seven days should be allowed for some postal applications - it can vary from country to country. Rush and Emergency service may be available for additional fees.

Flying to Bangladesh

Flights to Bangladesh are serviced by the national airline is Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG) Beside national airline a number of international airline operate flight in Bangladesh.

Departure tax: BDT 800-2,500 depending on destination, included in the price of the air ticket.

Travel by Rail or Bus

A direct, twice-weekly Kolkata to Dhaka service was reintroduced in 2008 – the distance covered is 538 km and the service is called Maitree (Friendship) Express, it is run by both the Indian and Bangladeshi railways. Besides, a number of Luxurious Bus runs between the countries.

For other non-direct rail connections, cycle-rickshaw, bus or porter services provide the cross-border connections.

Getting to Bangladesh by BoatThere are two seaports in Bangladesh named Chittagong sea port and Mongla sea port. Currently, there are no international passenger routes to and from Bangladesh.

International Airports in Bangladesh

Dhaka (Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport)Airport Code: DAC. Location: The airport is 20km north of the city (journey time - 45 minutes). Website: N/A. Public transport description: Biman Bangladesh coaches run regularly in both directions. Taxis and Parjatan coaches are also available. Contact number: The airport immigration telephone number is +880-2-8914226.

Chittagong (Shah Amanat International Airport)Airport Code: CGP. Location: Website: N/A. Public transport description: N/A

Syhlet (Osmani International Airport).Airport Code: ZYL. Location: Website: N/A. Public transport description: N/A

List of Taxable Baggage Items:

a) Imported goods, other than personal and household items are taxable.

b) Each person is allowed two suitcases not exceeding 65 kg total as personal and household luggage. However, if the 3rd suitcase is of Magazines which are used for education purpose are not taxable.

c) Imported items which are used for commercial purposes are taxable.

d) Bangladesh citizens are not allowed to import Alcohol/Alcoholic beverages.

Duty & Tax free goods:

1. Cassette Player/Two-in-one

2. Disk man/Walkman (Audio) 

3. Portable Audio CD player

4. Desktop / Laptop Computer (with Printer & UPS)

5. Video and Still Camera

6. Still Camera

7. General/Push button/Cordless telephone Set

8. General/Electric Oven

9. Rice Cooker /Pressure Cooker

10. Blender/Juicer/Coffee Maker

11. General and Electric Type writer

12. Sewing Machine (manual)

13. Table/Pedestal Fan

14. Sports materials (for personal use) 

15. 200 gms Gold/ silver ornaments (Maximum 12 pieces of each item)

16. One Cartoon Cigarette (200 sticks) etc.

Top Tourist Attraction in Bangladesh Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach and Sunset

Cox's Bazar Sea Beach, Bangladesh

Reporting From Dhaka

Cox’s Bazar is known for its wide long sandy beach which is claimed to be the world’s longest natural sea beach (120 km long) and the top tourist attraction in Bangladesh located in the eastern coastline of Bangladesh.(At 254km, Brazil's Casino Beach is longer, but according to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is partly man made). Among the 120 km coastline, 96 km of the beach is covered by hill side. Cox's Bazar has yet to become a major tourist destination in Asia.

Cox's Bazar Sea Beach, Bangladesh

Cox's Bazar is also a town, a fishing port and district headquarters located at 21°35'N 92°01'E. It is 152 km south of Chittagong. The modern Cox's Bazar derives its name from Captain Hiram Cox; an officer serving in British East India Company defeated the Burmese king in 1799 and set up a Bazar (market) here which was named “Cox's Bazar” after him.

Lovely Wave in Cox's Bazar Beach

Over many years Cox's Bazar has been an attraction to both international and domestic tourists who come here to spend their leisure. Splashing on Golden Sandy Beach against a backdrop of beautiful and illusive chain of hills creates an unforgettable illusive view. Towering cliffs, surfing waves, delightful sea foods, colorful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes against the picturesque background of a chain of afforested hills with rich wildlife made this beach as one of the most attractive tourist spot in the world Where every emerge of the wave present something like starfish, jellyfish, rare kind of small stone, oyster, snail and so on. You can pick up this kind of presents from sea as a souvenir of Cox’s Bazar. You can see the huge beautiful greenery Jhau Garden (Locally called Jhau Bon) nearby the sandy beach. There is proper scope to rest inside the garden and you can easily verbalize your own thought to your soul mate/s. Opportunities of bathing and swimming in shark free warm water, lazy Sun bathing facilities makes Cox’s Bazar as a top tourist attraction. To sit down in the umbrella set on the beach, you may sometimes heed into the past to see the vastness of the sea. The wind come from the sea will soothe your tired soul. You may forget the robotic city life and your personal problem also.

Sunset in Cox's Bazar Beach

Here sky and sea meet together as if they embrace each other! The sun rise and sun set on the sandy beach is particularly a matter of specialty. When the sun rises from the eastern side of the sea it looks like a fiery round shape globe is coming from the sea. During evening Cox’s Bazar provides a unique opportunity to observe the beauty of sunset behind the waves. When the light of the sun fall down to the sand at sunset, it looks like the sand is not as if they were pearl! After that tourists can flock to the fashion markets located near the shore and in the town. These markets are a good place for shopping. Typical items include conch-shell show-pieces, local made cigars, hand woven clothes and beautiful handicrafts from the tribal Rakhaine families are good buys.

Dusk in Cox's Bazar Beach

How can I describe the moonlight night of Cox's Bazar? Adorable and soft light of moon will embrace you with its beauty and magnetizing power. The sky with full of stars of the night and the glittering light of the fishing boats produced an atmosphere of super-natural. It creates a dreamy impression upon the mind of the visitors.
If you are really adventurous and want to enjoy the wildness and madness of the illusive blue Sea you can come to Cox's Bazar round the year but it is better during November to April. Sea continues its wildness till August and it has even more exotic if you come to Cox's Bazar in the time of depression of the Sea. 

How to go Cox's Bazar

You can start heading towards the Cox’s Bazar by air or by bus. By air form Sahajalal International Airport, Dhaka or Shah Amanat International Airport, Chittagong, You can go directly to Cox’s Bazar Airport through several local airlines such as Biman Bangladesh Airlines, United Airways, Best Air, GMG Airlines etc. one way fair range will be approximately BDT 3500 - BDT 7500.

You can directly go to Cox’s Bazar by bus as well. There are many bus services from different location of Dhaka and Chittagong. Ticket price range will be BDT 900-BDT1500.

If you are thinking of an adventurous journey with comfort, Train service of Bangladesh Railway is the best option. But unfortunately Train service is available up to Chittagong. From Kamalapur Railway Station or Airport Railway Station, Dhaka you can get board on the train towards Chittagong. Train is available in different time but night journey is best, start at 10.30 pm (Turna Nishitha) from Kamalapur Railway Station, Dhaka. After arriving Chittagong Railway Station, you can go bodderhaat and find the bus services of various companies which can lead you to Cox’s Bazar sea beach, Kolatoli point directly. It is a wish decision for the tourists from abroad to take help of the local tour operators. 

Hotels in Cox's Bazar

Undoubtedly Cox’s Bazar is the most visited tourist spot in Bangladesh. The place is visited by a number of tourists from all over the world every year. To Support the tourists, there is a jungle of luxurious tourist hotels, Motel rest house etc. including few 5 star hotels replacing the natural mangrove jungle. 

Others tourist attractions in Cox’s Bazar:

There are many other tourist attractions around Cox’s Bazar, which are easily accessible. 
Himchari- Is famous for Himchari Waterfall and natural beauty beside the beach drive. It is located about 8 km south of Cox’s Bazar. You can go there by Jeep and it is really exotic experience to drive on the sea shore. 

Inani Beach

Inani Beach- A Pristine rocky beach with corals all around. The calmness and serenity of Inani Beach is mind blowing. It is bordered by hills and forests and is located only 32km south of Cox’s Bazar. It can also be accessed via Himchari. Don’t miss the chance to visit Inani Beach while going to Cox’s Bazar. You may take packet lunch with you.

Taknaf Marine Drive

Taknaf- is about 84km from Cox’s Bazar and it may be a memorable experience as the journey in marine drive through forested hilly roads. Taknaf is the border town in the southern tip of Bangladesh territory. The side of river Naf and the Bay of Bengal situate Teknaf Town. Wide sandy beach in the backdrop of high hills with green forests with rich flora & fauna and natural waterfalls enhance charms of the tourists and the scenery never to be forgotten. You can enjoy shopping in the local market called Burmese Market where you will find all the Burmese and tribal handmade materials. Do not forget to visit the Wall of Ma-Thin which tells a sad story of love. 

Ramu and Lamapara: A typical Buddhist village located 16 kilometers away from Cox's Bazar. It is accessible from the main highway leading to Chittagong. The village accommodates monasteries, khyangs and pagodas. The beautiful Burmese Bara Khyang at lamapara has the country's largest bronze statue and it has three wooden buildings house, a number of relics-precious Buddhist images of silver and gold set with gems and stones inside the pagoda. The temple lies in a quite palm shaded village about 5km from Ramu, on the bank of Baghkhali River. The village is famous for its handicrafts and homemade Cigars. Weavers trade there in open workshops and craftsman make handmade cigars in their pagoda like house. 
Moheskhali Island- It is another attraction for the tourists who come to Cox’s Bazar. The area of the island is about 268 square kilometers. The center of the island and the eastern coastline rises, a range of low hills, up to 300 feet high. But the coast to the west and north is a low-lying treat, covered by mangrove jungle. In the hills on the coast is built the shrine of Adinath and by its side on the same hill is Buddhist Pagoda. You can go to this Island by local motorboat called trawler or by speedboat from cox’s Bazar fisheries Ghat (Harbor). 
Dulahazra Safari Park: This Safari Park is an extension of an animal sanctuary located along the Chittagong –Cox’s Bazar highway about 50 Km from Cox’s Bazar Town. The sanctuary itself protects a large number of wild elephants, different type of birds, monkeys etc which are native to the area where domesticated elephants are available for ride. Other animal attractions are lions, Bengal tigers, Crocodiles, Bears, Coital etc. which is wonderful project to attract the tourists.
There are a number of other Islands too. Some names are Saint Martin Island, Chera Dip, Sonadia Island, Shah pori island etc have enough items to attract tourists.

 

Regards

FromDhaka

Bangladesh

1,100 cyclone-shelters ready in Cox’s Bazar

Some 1,100 cyclone-shelter centres have been kept ready in the coastal district of Cox’s Bazar as the cyclonic storm “Mahasen” continues to move towards the country’s coastal belt.

This was revealed at a meeting of the District Disaster Management Committee held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Monday afternoon.

Leave of government employees in the district has also been cancelled so that the officials could take part in emergency rescue mission in the event of cyclone causing any havoc.

District Primary Education Officer Liton Barua told the meeting that the district’s 537 cyclone-shelter centres and 534 more new cyclone shelters- cum-schools were kept ready. The centres will be opened immediately in case of any emergency.

Red Crescent Society official Sirajul Mostafa said that a three-phase preparation – before, during and after the disaster – was taken to tackle the potential disaster that is likely to lash the coastal areas on Tuesday.

The volunteers were ready to provide help, he said.

Deputy Commissioner Md. Ruhul Amin after Sunday’s meeting said as many as 113 emergency medical teams were kept ready while a district control room was opened.

The people of the district’s coastal areas were alerted about the disaster through loudspeakers to ensure that they can make the necessary preparations to shift to safe shelters before the cyclone hits.

The Monday’s meeting also took stock of the availability of food and other essential items in the district. There are adequate stock, the meeting observed.