Documents Required for Bangladesh Visa, Indians Complete Checklist 2026

The Bangladesh e-visa has one of the shortest document lists of any visa available to Indian travelers. You do not need a bank statement, salary slip, ITR, employer letter, cover letter, or sponsor declaration. The application asks for seven things and most take seconds. The one item that requires real preparation is the photo, Bangladesh’s portal automatically rejects grey backgrounds, and Indian studios use grey by default.

Complete Document Checklist

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  Indian passport — valid 6+ months, 2+ blank pages

  Both Bangladesh and Pakistan (if applying for any visa) require minimum 6 months passport validity from the date of entry. Bangladesh specifically requires 2 blank pages. Ensure your passport is in good physical condition.

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  2 passport photos — 45x35mm, white background (Bangladesh) Most Critical

  Specific size: 45x35mm (slightly different from the standard 35x45mm used for most visas — note the width-first format). White background, taken within 6 months, no glasses, neutral expression, full face visible. Bangladesh visa centres are strict about photo specifications.

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  Bank statements — last 6 months (Bangladesh) Most Critical

  Required for Bangladesh visa. Statements should show regular income or adequate savings to fund your trip. No specific minimum amount is mandated, but show enough to cover your intended stay comfortably. Self-employed applicants can show ITR instead.

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  Return flight ticket and hotel booking (Bangladesh) Most Critical

  Confirmed return or onward flight ticket from Bangladesh. Hotel booking or host invitation letter with complete address in Bangladesh. The address in Bangladesh section of the application form requires: house/flat, road, area, police station, district, postal code.

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  Cover letter (Bangladesh)

  A brief letter (1 page) addressed to the Bangladesh High Commission/visa centre stating your purpose of visit, travel dates, places you plan to visit in Bangladesh, and confirming you will return to India before the visa expires. For salaried applicants, include employer name and that you have approved leave.

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  Pakistan sponsor CNIC copy (for Pakistan Visit Visa) Most Critical

  If applying for a Pakistan Visit Visa: your sponsor in Pakistan must provide a copy of their Pakistani CNIC (national ID card). Sponsorship certificate may also be required, attested by an authorized officer in India. The sponsor must be a Pakistani citizen currently residing in Pakistan.

What the Portal Checks Automatically

How to Prepare Each Document Correctly

Getting the photo right (most important step)

Go to remove.bg on your phone or computer. Upload your existing passport photo. The tool replaces the background with white in about 10 seconds. Download the JPEG result. Zoom in on the corners and hairline, check there are no grey patches. Save as JPEG under 2MB. This single step eliminates the most common cause of Indian rejections.

Scanning your passport correctly

Download Adobe Scan or Microsoft Lens (both free). These apps handle document scanning far better than your regular camera app, they auto-correct perspective and enhance contrast. Open your passport flat on a hard surface in good daylight. Scan in document mode, not photo mode. After scanning, zoom in on the MRZ zone at the very bottom of the bio-data page and verify each character is sharp and individually readable. Save as JPEG or PDF under 2MB.

Does your employment status change any of this?

No. The Bangladesh e-visa form does not ask about your employment, income, or professional background at any point. The checklist above applies identically to salaried employees, freelancers, business owners, homemakers, students, retired persons, and NRIs. Every applicant submits the same documents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Documents

Bangladesh vs Other Southeast Asia Destinations for Indians

Before You Apply, Final Checklist

Common Mistakes Bangladesh Travelers Wish They Had Known

Booking non-refundable flights before getting visa approval. The e-visa takes 5 to 10 working days standard but can extend during Vietnamese public holidays. Always wait for the approval email before booking flights you cannot cancel.

Using a travel agent for the e-visa. Agents in India charge Rs 3,000 to Rs 8,000 to fill a 15-minute form available at the official portal for Rs 0. The visa you receive is identical. Apply at https://visa.gov.bd directly.

Printing only one copy of the approval letter. You need it at two points: the check-in counter at the Indian airport, and Bangladesh immigration on arrival. Print two copies and carry both.

Arriving at the airport with only a phone screen. Some immigration counters in Bangladesh do not accept phone screens. Physical printed copies are always accepted. Print before you leave home.

Choosing the wrong entry type. Single entry (Rs 0) is right for a Vietnam-only trip. Multiple entry (check visa types table for Bangladesh fee) is needed if you plan to exit to Cambodia or Laos and return. Confirm which you need before paying.

Bangladesh Visa Guide by Departure City