How to Get a Bangladesh Visa for US Citizens in 2023

Bangladesh is a country in South Asia that offers a variety of attractions for travelers, such as natural beauty, wildlife, culture, history, and cuisine. If you are a US citizen and want to visit Bangladesh, you will need a visa to enter the country. In this article, we will explain the procedure, fees, and other details of applying for a Bangladesh visa for US citizens.

Bangladesh Visa for US – Procedure, Fees, etc in 2023

Are you planning to visit Bangladesh in 2023? If you are a US citizen, you will need a visa to enter this South Asian country. But don’t worry, getting a Bangladesh visa for US citizens is not too complicated if you follow the right steps.

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about applying for a Bangladesh visa for US citizens, including the types of visas, the application process, the fees, the visa on arrival option, the visa extension procedure, and some frequently asked questions.

By reading this article, you will be able to prepare for your trip to Bangladesh and avoid any visa-related issues or delays. So let’s get started!

Types of Bangladesh Visa for US Citizens

Depending on the purpose and duration of your visit, you can apply for different types of Bangladesh visa for US citizens. The most common types are:

• Tourist Visa: This visa is issued for tourism purposes only. You can stay up to 60 days with a tourist visa and it is usually valid for 1-5 years with multiple entries.
• Business Visa: This visa is issued for business-related purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, etc. You can stay up to 60 days with a business visa and it is usually valid for 1-5 years with multiple entries. You will need an invitation letter from a company or organization in Bangladesh to apply for this visa.
• Journalist Visa: This visa is issued for foreign journalists who are traveling temporarily for their work. You can stay up to 30 days with a journalist visa and it is valid for one entry only. You will need a letter from your employer and clearance from the Ministry of Information in Bangladesh to apply for this visa.
• Diplomatic/Governmental Visa: This visa is issued for officials who are traveling for diplomatic or governmental purposes. You can stay up to 90 days with a diplomatic/governmental visa and it is valid for multiple entries. You will need a note verbale from your government or organization to apply for this visa.
• Research Visa: This visa is issued for foreigners who are participating in a research, training, or internship program in a government-approved organization in Bangladesh. You can stay up to 6 months with a research visa and it is valid for one entry only. You will need an invitation letter from the host organization and clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Bangladesh to apply for this visa.
• Transit Visa: This visa is issued for foreigners who are changing flights in a Bangladesh airport. You can stay up to 72 hours with a transit visa and it is valid for one entry only. You will need a confirmed onward ticket and a valid visa for your next destination to apply for this visa.

How to Apply for a Bangladesh Visa for US Citizens?

There are two ways to apply for a Bangladesh visa for US citizens: online or in person.

Online Application

You can apply online through the Bangladesh Online MRV Portal. The online application process requires you to:

• Fill up and submit the online visa application form
• Print the completed form
• Take the printed form along with the required documents and payment of visa fees to the nearest Bangladesh Embassy or Consulate in the US

The required documents include:

• Your passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay
• Two passport-size photos taken in front of a white background
• Proof of payment of the visa fee (check the payment requirements of the Bangladesh Embassy or Consulate where you are applying)
• Additional documents depending on the type of visa you are applying for (see above)

The current visa fees are available here. The fees vary depending on the type and validity of the visa.

The processing time for online applications is usually 7-10 working days.

In-Person Application

You can also apply in person at the nearest Bangladesh Embassy or Consulate in the US. You will need to submit the same documents as mentioned above along with your application form. You can download the application form at www.bdembassyusa.org/uploads/Visa_Form.pdf.

The processing time for in-person applications is usually 3-5 working days.

Can I Get a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival?

Yes, you can get a Bangladesh Visa on Arrival (VOA) if you meet certain conditions. The VOA is available at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and some other land ports. The VOA is valid for 15-30 days and it costs $50 USD (plus tax), payable in cash only.

To be eligible for a VOA, you must:

• Have a valid passport with at least six months of validity
• Have a confirmed return or onward ticket
• Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host in Bangladesh
• Have at least $500 USD or €500 in cash or credit
• Enter Bangladesh by air, sea, or road but not by train

The issuance of a VOA is at the sole discretion of the immigration officer at the port of entry. Therefore, it is recommended that you obtain your visa in advance to avoid any inconvenience or denial.

How to Extend a Bangladesh Visa for US Citizens?

If you want to extend your stay in Bangladesh beyond the validity of your visa, you will have to apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Passports in Dhaka. You can apply for an extension up to a week before your visa expires but not sooner. You will need to submit the following documents:

• Your passport and visa
• A completed extension application form
• A letter from your host or sponsor explaining the reason for your extension
• Proof of payment of the extension fee (check the fee schedule here)

The processing time for visa extensions is usually 3-5 working days.

Final Words

We hope this article has helped you understand how to get a Bangladesh visa for US citizens in 2023. As you can see, there are different options and requirements depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. Make sure you choose the right type of visa and apply in advance or on arrival as per your eligibility.

Bangladesh is a beautiful and diverse country that offers many attractions and experiences for travelers. Whether you want to explore its natural wonders, wildlife, culture, history, or cuisine, you will find something to suit your taste and interest.

So don’t hesitate to visit Bangladesh in 2023 and enjoy its hospitality and charm. Just remember to follow the visa rules and regulations and have a safe and enjoyable trip!
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Bangladesh?

No, you do not need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Bangladesh. However, if you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever and are older than one year of age, you will need to show proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Can I work or study in Bangladesh with a tourist visa?

No, you cannot work or study in Bangladesh with a tourist visa. You will need to apply for an employment visa or a student visa if you want to work or study in Bangladesh.

Can I travel to India from Bangladesh with a tourist visa?

Yes, you can travel to India from Bangladesh with a tourist visa. However, India typically prohibits anyone on a tourist visa from exiting and returning within a two-month period. That is, once you cross into Bangladesh, you will have to remain in Bangladesh for two months before being allowed back into India. However, you can obtain permission in advance to re-enter before that two-month threshold. You can check the Indian Bureau of Immigration website here for more information.

What is the No Visa Required stamp?

The No Visa Required (NVR) stamp is a seal or sticker that allows citizens of Bangladesh who have a foreign passport and dual nationality, as well as non-Bangladeshis who are the legally married spouses or children of Bangladeshi citizens, to enter Bangladesh without a visa. You can apply for the NVR stamp at your nearest Bangladeshi Embassy or Consulate or at the Immigration and Passport Office in Dhaka. You will need to submit the following documents:

• Your passport and visa (if applicable)
• A completed NVR application form
• Proof of Bangladeshi citizenship (such as birth certificate, national ID card, etc.)
• Proof of relationship with a Bangladeshi citizen (such as marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
• Two passport-size photos
• Proof of payment of the NVR fee (check the fee schedule here)

The NVR stamp is valid for as long as your passport is valid. If you obtain a new passport, you will have to transfer your NVR stamp to the new passport.
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