Dhaka Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
-
Bangladesh visa on arrival (online advance application available)
- Who
- Nationals eligible for visa on arrival
- When
- Issued at the port of entry. An online advance application is available
- Cost
- USD 50 visa fee, cash only, excluding processing fees
Valid for a stay of up to 30 days for tourism, business or investment. The fee is paid in cash at the Sonali Bank counter.
Checked against the official source 2026-09-26
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Bangladesh requires most foreign nationals to secure visas before travel or upon arrival. Exemptions cover very few countries. Embassy applications and Visa on Arrival remain the common paths. The latter includes an online pre-application option.
Only citizens from a small handful of countries enter Bangladesh visa-free, usually for short visits.
The eligible country list stays short and changes. Verify directly through Bangladesh's official immigration website. Check even if you believe you qualify.
Bangladesh runs a Visa on Arrival (VoA) system with optional online pre-application. This differs from traditional pre-approved eVisas. The actual visa gets issued and paid for at entry ports.
Cost: The visa fee runs USD 50. Pay in cash at the Sonali Bank counter in the arrival hall. Processing fees may apply also.
Payment requires cash in US dollars. Credit cards do not work for visa fees at the counter. Find official instructions at https://voa.specialbranch.gov.bd/public/voa-instructions.html.
Most travelers need visas before travel or through Visa on Arrival. This includes visitors from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most European countries.
Requirements like invitation letters or hotel confirmations vary by embassy. Check with your specific mission. Visa durations and permitted stays depend on nationality and the sticker issued. Verify your passport stamp upon entry.
Arrival Process
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport entry follows a predictable sequence. It feels hectic. Knowing steps beforehand helps.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Bangladesh customs regulations follow standard patterns with clear duty-free import limits. Declaring items above limits or bringing prohibited goods risks fines or confiscation.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and illegal drugs - severe penalties apply
- Pornographic materials
- Counterfeit currency and goods
- Firearms and ammunition without prior permission
- Wireless transmitters (e.g., walkie-talkies) without authorization
Restricted Items
- Medications with controlled substances need doctor prescriptions. Some cases require prior Bangladesh Drug Administration approval.
- Plants, seeds, and agricultural products may require phytosanitary certificates.
- Pets require an import permit and veterinary health certificates arranged well in advance.
Health Requirements
There are no specific vaccination certificates required for entry into Bangladesh unless you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever. That said, several immunizations are strongly recommended for your own protection.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, influenza)
- Hepatitis An and Typhoid (due to potential for contaminated food/water)
- Hepatitis B ( for longer stays)
- Japanese encephalitis (for rural travel or extended visits)
- Rabies (for those who might have contact with animals)
Health Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check the current entry rules on the official government website before you travel. Medical facilities in Dhaka can be overwhelmed, and serious cases often require medical evacuation to another country, which is extremely expensive.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.
Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote from World NomadsRead our complete Dhaka Travel Insurance Guide →
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport. If a child is traveling with only one parent or without parents, immigration authorities may request a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s). While not always asked for, having such documentation can prevent delays.
Importing pets to Bangladesh involves significant advance planning. You'll need an import permit from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, a valid rabies vaccination certificate, and an international health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in your home country. Pets usually must arrive as cargo, not in the cabin. Start this process months before your trip.
If you wish to stay longer than your initial visa allows, you must apply for an extension before your current visa expires. This is done at the Department of Immigration & Passports office in Dhaka. Overstaying your visa results in fines and potentially being barred from future entry. Tourist visas are generally easier to extend than some other types, but it's not guaranteed.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.
View Dhaka Packing List →Ready to plan your trip to Dhaka?
Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.