The Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set different visa policies for different nationality holders. While some foreign nationals enjoy visa exemptions, others must obtain a valid travel document to enter Bangladesh.
US citizens can either get a Bangladeshi visa on arrival or apply for a valid visa prior to entering the country. There are different types of Bangladesh visas that US passport holders can apply for, depending on the purpose of their visit!
Bangladesh Tourist Visa - An Overview
If a US citizen wants to enter Bangladesh for tourism or leisure purposes, such as visiting friends or family members, spending holidays, or exploring the country, he/she must apply for a tourist visa.
Validity Period
When it comes to the validity period, the Bangladesh government offers two types of tourist visas, including:
30-Day Tourist Visa - This one is a single-entry visa that permits holders to stay in the country for a total of 30 consecutive days within a 30-day period.
90-Day Tourist Visa - Although this travel document is also valid for a single entry, it comes with a validity period of 90 days.
You can select any travel document depending on the nature of your visit!
Tourist Visa Requirements
To visit Bangladesh as a tourist, US nationals must have a valid visa. You are required to fulfill some visa as well as entry requirements to enter Bangladesh. Here are the required documents needed to apply for a Bangladesh tourist visa:
Valid Passport - A copy of an applicant's original passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity. Also, make sure your passport has at least 2 blank pages for stamps.
E-mail Address - The applicant's email address will be linked electronically to their passport. Upon approval, they'll receive their approved visa via email.
Passport Photo - A digital passport-type photograph with a white background, preferably taken within the last 6 months.
Invitation Letter - An invitation letter issued by the host.
Proof of Accommodation - A copy of your hotel bookings or any other lodgings.
Proof of Status - A copy of your immigration status, such as a resident card, study permit, or work permit.
Itinerary - A detailed itinerary or a copy of your round-trip tickets.
Keep in mind that a visa does not guarantee your entry to Bangladesh. The final decision will be made by the immigration officer. So, make sure to fulfill all the entry requirements while traveling to Bangladesh.
To enter the country, travelers must have a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, with a PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel. Even if you have a negative COVID-19 test, you are required to "home quarantine" for 14 days!
How to Apply for a Bangladesh Visa from the USA?
Bangladesh authorities have made the visa application process simple and convenient. Now, instead of visiting the Bangladesh embassy or consulate office, applicants can apply for a tourist visa online.
Citizens of the United States of America are eligible to apply for a Bangladesh visa via VisaHQ. All you need to do is follow the following simple steps:
Fill out the Visa Application Form - First of all, complete the online Bangladesh visa application form by providing personal, contact, travel, and passport details.
Pay the Visa Fee - As this entire process is online, you'll need online payment options to pay the embassy fees as well as the visa service fees. To do so, you can use a debit card, credit card, or PayPal account.
Submit Your Application - Finally, submit your application form with supporting documents. Make sure to double-check the provided date prior to submitting your online form!
If your visa application is error-free, you'll receive your travel documents via email. Afterward, you can simply pack your bag and travel to Bangladesh!
Processing Time
The processing time for a Bangladesh visa varies from applicant to applicant. The estimated processing time for a tourist visa is 15-20 business days. However, if there are errors or mistakes in your application, your visa will most likely be delayed!
Other Bangladesh Visas for US Citizens
Besides a tourist visa, Bangladesh offers several other types of visas to US citizens. US nationals can partner up with VisaHQ to get any one of the following visa types:
Business Visa - If an applicant wants to visit Bangladesh for professional and commercial activities, he/she can apply for a business visa. In this category, Bangladesh offers both single-entry visas as well as multiple-entry visas.
Official Visa - If a US citizen wants to enter Bangladesh for some official business, they can apply for an official visa. It is a diplomatic visa that stays valid for 30 days.
Work Visa - You can also apply for a work visa through VisaHQ. It is a multiple-entry visa that stays valid for 12 months.