Good news for travellers: India has officially resumed standard tourist visa services for Bangladeshi citizens, with applications accepted from Sunday, 28 June 2026. This ends a nearly two-year suspension that began in August 2024, and reopens one of the most popular travel routes for Bangladeshis — for tourism, shopping, family visits, and sightseeing across Kolkata, Delhi, Agra, Kashmir and beyond.
Here's exactly what's changed, where to apply, what it costs, and how Traveler's Holiday Ltd can help you prepare a clean, approval-ready application.
What's the update?
India's newly appointed High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, announced the resumption during a visit to the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka. Tourist visa applications can be submitted from 28 June 2026, restoring regular travel between the two countries.
Throughout the suspension, India continued issuing medical visas and other urgent categories on humanitarian grounds — so this update specifically brings back the standard tourist (sticker) visa that had been paused.
Where can you apply?
Tourist visa applications are initially accepted through five IVAC centres:
- Dhaka
- Chattogram (Chittagong)
- Rajshahi
- Sylhet
- Khulna
India has indicated it plans to expand the service to more centres in the coming period. Because slots were limited during the phased reopening, expect high demand early on, especially around the summer and holiday seasons.
Important: There is no Indian e-Tourist Visa for Bangladeshis
This is a common misconception. Bangladeshi passport holders cannot use India's online e-Tourist Visa. Every applicant must apply for a sticker visa through IVAC, which involves an online form, document submission, and biometrics at the centre. Any website offering a Bangladeshi an "India e-visa" should be treated with caution.
How much does it cost?
Here's the part many people get wrong:
- The Government of India charges no visa fee for Bangladeshi nationals — Indian visas remain free of charge under the bilateral arrangement.
- The only official charge is the IVAC processing fee of BDT 1,500 (all-inclusive), payable at the centre.
⚠️ Beware of fraud. IVAC and the Indian High Commission have warned that no official ever contacts applicants by phone, social media or middlemen to "sell" appointment slots. Apart from the BDT 1,500 processing fee, no extra payment is required to obtain or speed up an appointment. Anyone demanding money for "guaranteed slots" is running a scam.
(Note: a legitimate agency may charge a separate, transparent service fee for preparing and assisting with your application — this is different from paying for appointment slots, which no one is authorised to sell.)
Documents you'll typically need
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank pages, plus any old passports
- The completed online visa application form printout
- A recent colour photograph (white background, 2x2 inch / 50x50 mm as specified by IVAC)
- National ID (NID) copy
- Proof of address (recent utility bill matching your details)
- Proof of funds — recent bank statement, and/or USD endorsement on your card/passport
- Confirmed return air ticket or itinerary (if travelling by air); land-port travellers note their port
- Profession proof — NOC/employee ID for job holders, trade license for business owners, student ID for students
Always confirm the latest checklist on the official IVAC website (ivacbd.com) before submitting, as requirements can be updated.
How to apply: step by step
- Fill in the online application form on the Indian visa portal and choose the Tourist category and your IVAC centre.
- Upload your photo and book an appointment slot at your chosen centre.
- Assemble your documents, making sure your name, date of birth and address exactly match your passport and NID.
- Visit the IVAC centre for document submission and biometrics, and pay the BDT 1,500 processing fee.
- Track your application online and collect your passport once the visa is issued.
Validity and stay
Single-entry tourist visas for Bangladeshis are typically valid for 30 to 90 days from the date of issue, depending on your profile and travel pattern. Plan your trip within the visa validity — tourist visa extensions are not normally granted except in genuine emergencies, so avoid overstaying.
Don't forget the India e-Arrival Card
India has introduced an e-Arrival Card for foreign nationals travelling to the country. Check the current arrival requirements before you fly or cross the border, and complete any required declaration so you're not held up at immigration.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Name/spelling mismatch between the form and passport — a frequent issue when transliterating from Bengali. Copy exactly from your passport.
- Date of birth or address mismatch across the form, NID and utility bill — update outdated records first.
- Applying too late — apply 4–6 weeks ahead in normal periods and up to 8 weeks during peak season (April–June, Eid, Puja).
- Booking non-refundable tickets before approval — use a refundable ticket or itinerary for the file, and book final flights only after the visa is granted.
- Falling for "guaranteed slot" agents — only the BDT 1,500 IVAC fee is official.
Frequently asked questions
When can Bangladeshis apply for Indian tourist visas again? From 28 June 2026, through five IVAC centres (Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Khulna).
Is there an Indian e-visa for Bangladeshi citizens? No. You must apply for a sticker visa through IVAC with biometrics.
How much is the Indian tourist visa fee? The visa itself is free for Bangladeshis. Only the IVAC processing fee of BDT 1,500 (all-inclusive) applies.
How long does it take? Timelines vary with demand. Apply 4–6 weeks before travel, and up to 8 weeks in peak season.
Can I extend my tourist visa in India? Generally, no, except in genuine emergencies. Travel within your visa validity and exit on time.