Getting Process a Bangladesh Visa for UK Citizens

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 UK citizen and want to visit Bangladesh, you will need a visa to enter the country. But don’t worry, getting a Bangladesh visa for UK 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 UK 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.

Read More: How to Get a Bangladesh Visa for US Citizens in 2023

How to Get a Bangladesh Visa for UK Citizens in 2023

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 UK Citizens

Depending on the purpose and duration of your visit, you can apply for different types of Bangladesh visa for UK 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. You can use this visa to visit the various tourist attractions in Bangladesh, such as the Sundarbans National Park, Cox’s Bazar Beach, Dhaka City, Sylhet Tea Gardens, Chittagong Hill Tracts, etc.
• 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. You can use this visa to conduct business activities in Bangladesh, such as importing or exporting goods, investing in projects, setting up joint ventures, etc.
• 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. You can use this visa to cover news stories or events in Bangladesh, such as political developments, social issues, cultural festivals, etc.
• 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. You can use this visa to perform official duties or represent your country or organization in Bangladesh, such as attending bilateral or multilateral meetings, negotiations, agreements, etc.
• 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. You can use this visa to conduct academic or scientific research or participate in training or internship programs in Bangladesh, such as studying the environment, culture, history, economy, etc.
• 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. You can use this visa to transit through Bangladesh on your way to another country.

How to Apply for a Bangladesh Visa for UK Citizens?

There are two ways to apply for a Bangladesh visa for UK 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 UK

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. For example, a single-entry tourist visa valid for 3 months costs £40, while a multiple-entry business visa valid for 5 years costs £160.

The processing time for online applications is usually 7-10 working days. You will receive an email notification when your visa is ready for collection. You will have to collect your visa in person or send an authorized representative with an authorization letter.

In-Person Application

You can also apply in person at the nearest Bangladesh Embassy or Consulate in the UK. You will need to submit the same documents as mentioned above along with your application form. You can download the application form here.

The processing time for in-person applications is usually 3-5 working days. You will receive a receipt when you submit your application and you will have to present it when you collect your visa.

The Bangladesh Embassy in London is located at 28 Queen’s Gate, London, SW7 5JA. The office hours are from Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The consular section is open from Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The contact number is +44 (0)20 7584 0081 and the email address is mission.london@mofa.gov.bd.

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.

The VOA is only available for certain categories of travelers, such as:

• Those of Bangladeshi origin, their spouse and children, on the basis of a Bangladesh Government issued certificate of citizenship or origin.
• Those traveling on business, on the basis of an invitation letter from the inviting company, together with a foreign traders/ investors certificate from the Bangladeshi authorities.
• Diplomats and officials traveling for official purposes.
• UN and other international organizations officials traveling for official purposes.
• Tourists traveling with organized groups.

If you are not eligible for a VOA or if you want to stay longer than 30 days, you will have to apply for a regular visa before your trip.

How to Extend a Bangladesh Visa for UK 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 the 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. You will receive a receipt when you submit your application and you will have to present it when you collect your extended visa.

The Department of Immigration and Passports is located at Passport Bhaban, E-7, Agargaon, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka -1207. The office hours are from Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The contact number is +8802-8159525 and the email address is info@dip.gov.bd.