Bangladesh Visa for Indians 2026: Fee Waived, Step-by-Step Guide + Pakistan Rules

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Last updated April 2026 · Verified against official sources

Bangladesh Visa for Indians 2026, Complete Guide

Bangladesh and Pakistan occupy opposite ends of the spectrum for Indian travelers in 2026. Bangladesh is accessible and actively welcoming — the government visa fee is waived for Indians under a bilateral agreement, and the visa application process across five cities in India takes 5 to 10 working days. Cox’s Bazar has the world’s longest natural sea beach, the Sundarbans mangroves are shared between the two countries, and Dhaka is one of South Asia’s most energetic cities. Pakistan is a different story entirely. The Pakistani government does not issue tourist visas to Indian ordinary passport holders — this is an official policy, not an informal restriction. Indians can apply for visit visas (to meet family or friends in Pakistan), business visas, transit visas, and religious pilgrimage visas. All applications require Ministry of Interior clearance, which adds to processing time. The Kartarpur Corridor is a separate facility that allows Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in a dedicated day-trip arrangement without a standard visa. The Indian MEA advisory recommends exercising extreme caution for Pakistan travel and avoiding non-essential travel. This guide covers the Bangladesh visa process in full detail, and presents the Pakistan visa rules with complete accuracy for the specific categories Indian nationals can access.

📑 In This Article
  1. All Bangladesh Visa Options for Indians
  2. Documents Required for Bangladesh Visa
  3. Why Bangladesh Visa Gets Rejected for Indians, Every Cause and Fix
  4. How to Apply for Bangladesh Visa from India, Step by Step
  5. Total Cost of Bangladesh Trip from India, Realistic Breakdown
  6. Hidden Costs Most Indians Miss
  7. Money-Saving Tips for Bangladesh from India
  8. Best Time to Visit Bangladesh from India
  9. What Happens When You Land, Bangladesh Immigration
  10. Bangladesh Embassy and Consulate Locations in India
  11. How Bangladesh Compares to Other Southeast Asia Destinations
  12. What Bangladesh Is Actually Like for Indian Travelers
  13. Bangladesh Visa Guide by Departure City
  14. Frequently Asked Questions, Bangladesh Visa for Indians
At a Glance, Bangladesh Visa 2026
Visa Type
Tourist Visa (Bangladesh) — fee waived
For Indian passport holders
Cost
Rs 0
~$0 · Single or multiple
Processing
5 to 10 working days standard
Apply 2 weeks before travel
Stay
30 days
Per entry
Entry
Single or multiple (specify on application)
Same price as single, always choose this
Apply At
Official Portal
https://visa.gov.bd

All Bangladesh Visa Options for Indians

Visa Type Fee Processing Stay Entry
Bangladesh Tourist Visa — Government fee waived for Indians
Indians visiting Bangladesh for tourism, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family		 Rs 0 5 to 10 working days standard 30 days Single or multiple (specify on application)
Bangladesh Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
Indians making multiple trips to Bangladesh within 6 months (for business, family, or frequent travel)		 Rs 0 7 to 14 working days 30 days Multiple within 6-month validity
Pakistan Visit Visa (family/friends) — for Indians
Indians with family or friends in Pakistan who can provide a sponsorship letter with their CNIC (Pakistani national ID).		 Rs 120 4 to 8 weeks (Ministry of Interior clearance required) 30 days Single or multiple as approved
Pakistan Business Visa — for Indians
Indians traveling for confirmed business meetings with Pakistani companies. Invitation from Pakistani company on letterhead required.		 Rs 120 4 to 8 weeks (Ministry of Interior clearance required) 30 days Multiple as approved
Kartarpur Corridor — Indian Sikhs only (no standard visa needed)
Indian Sikh pilgrims wanting to visit Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan. Separate bilateral arrangement, no standard visa needed.		 Rs 0 Apply online at prakashpurb550.mha.gov.in 0 days Day visit only — return same day
Which one should you get?

For tourism: the Bangladesh Tourist Visa — Government fee waived for Indians. It is cheaper, faster, and simpler than every other option. Apply at https://visa.gov.bd. Takes 15 minutes to fill. Arrives by email in 5 to 10 working days standard.

Documents Required for Bangladesh Visa

  • ✓
    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.

  • ✓
    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.

  • ✓
    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.

  • ✓
    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.

  • ✓
    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.

  • ✓
    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 You Do NOT Need

Unlike Schengen or UK visa applications, Bangladesh’s e-visa does not require:

  • Visa fee for Bangladesh — government fee waived for Indians under bilateral agreement
  • ITR for Bangladesh tourist visa — bank statements sufficient (though ITR helps)
  • Salary slip for Bangladesh tourist visa — not strictly required
  • Travel insurance — recommended but not required for Bangladesh entry
  • NOC for Bangladesh from employer — helpful but not mandatory for tourist visa
  • Tourist visa for Pakistan — Pakistani government does not issue tourist visas to Indian ordinary passport holders

Why Bangladesh Visa Gets Rejected for Indians, Every Cause and Fix

1
Incomplete address in Bangladesh on the application form, Most common reason for Bangladesh visa issues
Why it happens for Indians: The Bangladesh visa form requires a very specific address format — house/flat number, road name, area, police station, district, postal code, city. Indian applicants who only write a hotel name or a general city name have their applications returned for completion.
Fix: Get the complete address of your hotel or host in Bangladesh before filling the form. Hotel website addresses typically have all required details. For visiting friends or relatives: get their complete home address including police station (thana) name and district.

2
Wrong photo size for Bangladesh visa, Common — the 45x35mm specification is non-standard
Why it happens for Indians: Most Indian visa photos are 35x45mm (height x width). Bangladesh specifies 45x35mm — the same dimensions but described width-first. In practice, both 35×45 and 45×35 photos in the 35mm x 45mm range are generally accepted, but have photos specifically sized for Bangladesh if possible. Having photos rejected at the centre wastes a visit.
Fix: When getting photos taken, specify Bangladesh visa photos and show the photographer the 45x35mm specification. Most photo studios can accommodate this. Take 4 to 6 photos rather than the minimum 2 to have spares.

3
Applying for Pakistan tourist visa — which does not exist for Indians, Very common search intent — the category does not exist
Why it happens for Indians: The Pakistan online visa system at visa.nadra.gov.pk lists ‘Tourist Visa’ as a category, but the official Pakistan Directorate General of Immigration and Passports specifically states that Indian passport holders are not granted tourist visas. Indians who apply expecting a tourist visa receive rejections or are directed to apply for a visit (family/friends) visa instead.
Fix: Indians cannot obtain a Pakistan tourist visa. If you have family or friends in Pakistan, apply for a Visit Visa (requires sponsor’s CNIC). For business: Business Visa (requires Pakistani company invitation). For religious travel: Pilgrimage Visa for specific approved shrines. For Kartarpur Sahib: use the Kartarpur Corridor, which does not require a standard visa.

4
Bangladesh bank statement not showing 6 months of history, Affects recently opened accounts
Why it happens for Indians: The Bangladesh visa requires 6 months of bank statements. Applicants who submit statements from an account opened recently, or submit only the most recent 1 to 2 months, have applications questioned.
Fix: Submit statements from your primary salary or savings account showing 6 months of transactions. If you have multiple accounts, submit the most active one. For self-employed applicants, the latest 2 to 3 ITRs serve as an alternative.

5
Expecting Bangladesh Visa on Arrival as an Indian — not available, Common misconception
Why it happens for Indians: Bangladesh offers Visa on Arrival to citizens of many countries (USA, UK, EU, Japan, Australia, and others). Indian citizens with ordinary passports are specifically excluded from the VoA facility and must apply in advance at visa centres in India.
Fix: Apply for Bangladesh visa in advance — minimum 2 weeks before travel to account for processing plus any delays. The five visa application points across India (Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Agartala, Guwahati) make this accessible for most Indian travelers.

Reapplication costs another Rs 0

The fee is non-refundable whether your application is approved or rejected. Every rejection cause above is preventable in under 5 minutes of preparation before you open the form. Do not skip the photo background check.

How to Apply for Bangladesh Visa from India, Step by Step

1
Fill the online application at visa.gov.bd
Go to visa.gov.bd. Create an account with your email. Select the visa category (Tourist for most Indian applicants). Fill in all required fields: personal details, passport information, purpose of visit, travel dates, address in Bangladesh, contact in Bangladesh. Upload your passport bio page scan and recent passport-size photograph (45x35mm, white background). Download and print the completed application form in PDF.

2
Gather all supporting documents
Completed and printed application form. Two recent passport-size photographs (45x35mm, white background, not older than 6 months). Original Indian passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages). Photocopy of passport bio page. Last 6 months bank statements showing adequate funds. Return or onward flight tickets from Bangladesh. Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from host in Bangladesh. Address in Bangladesh — complete with house/flat, road, area, district. Cover letter stating purpose and travel itinerary. Employer NOC if applicable (for salaried employees).

3
Choose your nearest submission point
Bangladesh High Commission, New Delhi: 56 Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar III, New Delhi 110024. Phone: +91-11-2463-1208. Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for submissions. Bangladesh visa application centres: Kolkata (2/1 Moira Street), Mumbai (Malad West), Agartala (Tripura), Guwahati (Assam). Kolkata and Guwahati are the most convenient for travelers in East and Northeast India. All visa centres except the High Commission operate through VFS or similar service providers — check current contact details before visiting.

4
Submit documents and pay service charge
Visit the chosen submission point with all documents. The government visa fee is waived for Indian citizens under the bilateral agreement — confirmed on the official Bangladesh Visa Application Centre website. You pay only the service charge: Rs 825 for a tourist visa (charges may vary by location and type — verify before visiting). Collect your application receipt with tracking ID.

5
Track status and collect passport
Track your application status online at visa.gov.bd using your application ID and password. Standard processing: 5 to 10 working days. Express processing (2 to 3 days) available at additional cost — enquire at the visa centre. Collect your passport with the Bangladesh visa sticker from the same submission point. Have your original receipt ready for collection.

Total Cost of Bangladesh Trip from India, Realistic Breakdown

Bangladesh Trip from India — 7-Day Cost Breakdown 2026
RangeTypical
Bangladesh visa fee (government)Waived for IndiansRs 0
Bangladesh visa service chargeRs 825 (tourist)Rs 825
Return flights — Kolkata/Delhi to DhakaRs 5,000 to Rs 15,000Rs 9,000
Hotel Dhaka — budget to mid-range, 7 nightsRs 1,200 to Rs 4,000/nightRs 17,500
Food — local Bangladeshi restaurantsRs 300 to Rs 800/dayRs 3,850
Transport Dhaka — rickshaw, CNG auto, UberRs 400 to Rs 800/dayRs 4,200
Cox’s Bazar day trip or stay (if included)Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000Rs 3,500
Sundarbans boat trip (Khulna departure)Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000Rs 6,000
Travel insurance, 7 daysRs 600 to Rs 1,200Rs 900
Total for 7 days
Rs 17,775 to Rs 60,000
Rs 45,775

Hidden Costs Most Indians Miss

Dhaka traffic — budget 3x the time you think
Dhaka has some of the worst traffic congestion in Asia. A 5km journey can take 30 to 90 minutes during peak hours (8 to 10 AM and 5 to 8 PM). Budget significant extra time for all city movement. Rideshare apps (Pathao, Shohoz, Uber) are available and cheap but not faster than traffic. Plan your Dhaka itinerary around traffic — do nearby sites in the morning, far sites midday when traffic briefly eases.
Cox’s Bazar accommodation and season pricing
Cox’s Bazar (121 km unbroken beach, the world’s longest natural beach) is hugely popular for Bangladeshis. During Eid holidays and Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh, April 14), hotel prices multiply 3 to 5 times and availability is near zero — book months ahead or avoid these periods. Off-season (June-September, monsoon) is significantly cheaper but the sea is rough. Best for international tourists: November to March. Hotel range: budget BDT 1,000 to BDT 3,000 (Rs 700 to Rs 2,100) per night for decent rooms.
Sundarbans requires organized tour from Khulna or Mongla
The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, requires boat-based organized tours from Khulna or Mongla (southern Bangladesh). Day trips exist but 2 to 3 night boat tours give genuine wildlife viewing. Cost: BDT 15,000 to BDT 40,000 (Rs 10,500 to Rs 28,000) per person for 2 to 3 nights depending on boat quality and group size. Budget separately for the Dhaka to Khulna travel (train BDT 400 to BDT 1,200 or bus).
Bangladesh BDT forex — no ATM guarantee
Bangladesh Taka (BDT) is not readily available in India — exchange at Dhaka airport on arrival. ATMs in Dhaka city accept international cards (Dutch Bangla Bank, BRAC Bank work well) but rural areas and Cox’s Bazar have fewer reliable ATMs for foreign cards. Carry USD 200 to USD 300 cash in addition to cards. Exchange desks in Dhaka’s New Market and Gulshan area offer better rates than airport.

Money-Saving Tips for Bangladesh from India

1
Fly Kolkata to Dhaka — cheapest India-Bangladesh route
Kolkata (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International) to Dhaka (Hazrat Shahjalal International) is the closest India-Bangladesh air corridor — approximately 45 minutes flying time. Biman Bangladesh Airlines, IndiGo, and SpiceJet operate this route. Return fares start at Rs 4,500 to Rs 8,000 booked ahead. The Maitree Express train also connects Kolkata Chitpur to Dhaka Cantonment (8.5 hours, Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,200 for AC chair) — the most scenic and affordable option if time permits.

2
Take the Maitree Express train — cheapest and most memorable
The Maitree Express runs Kolkata-Dhaka every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (check current schedule). AC chair class: approximately Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,200. The train crosses the Padma bridge area, passes through Jessore, and arrives at Dhaka Cantonment station. Requires Bangladesh visa in advance. Book well ahead — popular with both Indian and Bangladeshi travelers. Total journey: approximately 8 to 9 hours. Get your Bangladesh visa stamped before boarding at the Gede/Benapole land border crossing (the train stops for immigration).

3
Bangladesh visa fee is waived — only pay service charge
Government visa fee for Indians: waived under the bilateral agreement (confirmed on Bangladesh Visa Application Centre official website). Only the service charge (Rs 825 tourist) is payable at the centre. Any agent charging more than this is adding their own margin. Apply directly at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi or authorized visa centres.

4
Eat at local Bangladesh restaurants — extraordinary value
Hilsa fish curry, beef bhuna, biriyani, and dal at local restaurants: BDT 80 to BDT 200 per dish (Rs 55 to Rs 140). A full meal at a local Bangladeshi dhaba or restaurant: BDT 150 to BDT 300 (Rs 105 to Rs 210). Restaurant meals for international-standard food in Dhaka’s Gulshan and Banani areas: BDT 600 to BDT 1,500 (Rs 420 to Rs 1,050). Bangladesh is dramatically cheaper than India for food — eating local is excellent and inexpensive.

5
Visit Bagerhat’s 60 Dome Mosque by day trip from Khulna
Bagerhat’s Shait Gumbad Mosque (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is 50 km from Khulna city. The 15th-century mosque with 77 domes is one of the finest pieces of medieval Muslim architecture in South Asia and is massively undervisited by tourists. Bus from Khulna: BDT 80 (Rs 55), 1.5 hours. Entry: free. Combine with the Sundarbans trip in Khulna — saves a separate trip to Bagerhat.

Best Time to Visit Bangladesh from India

JanExcellent Bangladesh
FebExcellent
MarVery good
AprGood with caution
MayHot, pre-monsoon
JunMonsoon starts
JulMonsoon peak
AugMonsoon continues
SepMonsoon ending
OctGood
NovVery good
DecExcellent

November to February is the best period — cool, dry, clear skies, and calm seas at Cox’s Bazar. February has the extraordinary Ekushey Book Fair and perfect weather. October is excellent for Durga Puja celebrations across Bangladesh’s Hindu communities, which are spectacular. Avoid June to September monsoon for first visits.

Indian summer school holidays (May-June) fall in the pre-monsoon and monsoon onset. May is manageable — hot but not yet monsoon. June starts monsoon. For school holidays, Dhaka cultural visits, Cox’s Bazar (though sea gets rough in June), and Sylhet tea gardens are the better choices. Avoid the Sundarbans in June as weather makes boat trips uncomfortable.

What Happens When You Land, Bangladesh Immigration

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka: immigration queue for visa holders is straightforward. Hand over passport with Bangladesh visa sticker. Fill arrival card on the plane before landing. Immigration officer checks visa validity, ask standard questions: purpose, duration, where staying. Entry stamp issued. Baggage collection and customs. Standard processing for prepared travelers: 10 to 20 minutes. At the Maitree Express train border (Benapole/Gede): train stops at the border, Indian immigration officers board first to do exit stamping, then Bangladeshi officers board for entry. Can take 1 to 2 hours total but is organized and manageable.

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Have These Ready at the Counter
  • Indian passport with Bangladesh visa sticker
  • Return or onward flight ticket
  • Hotel booking or host address in Bangladesh
  • Bank card or USD cash
  • Bangladesh customs declaration form (given on flight)

Common Questions Immigration Officers Ask

Question What to Say
Purpose of visit Tourism — name 2-3 specific places: Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar, Sundarbans
How long are you staying Number of days — must match visa validity
Where are you staying Hotel name and area or host’s address
Do you have return ticket Yes — show on phone

Bangladesh Embassy and Consulate Locations in India

New Delhi
Bangladesh High Commission
56 Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar III, New Delhi 110024
Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (visa submission)
Bangladesh visas for all categories, bilateral matters
Government visa fee waived for Indians. Pay Rs 825 service charge only. Bring all documents in one visit — they do not accept incomplete applications.
Kolkata
Bangladesh Deputy High Commission
9 Circus Avenue, Kolkata 700017
Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Bangladesh visas for West Bengal, Sikkim, Andaman residents
Closest and most convenient centre for East Indian travelers. Also dedicated Bangladesh Visa Application Centre at 2/1 Moira Street, Kolkata.
New Delhi
Pakistan High Commission
2/50-G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM (visa submission)
Pakistan Visit Visa, Business Visa, Transit Visa for Indians. NOT tourist visa.
Visit visa (family/friends), business visa, and transit visa applications submitted here. Tourist visa category not available for Indian ordinary passport holders. Ministry of Interior clearance required for all Indian applications — adds 4 to 8 weeks processing time.

How Bangladesh Compares to Other Southeast Asia Destinations

Country Visa for Indians Fee Processing Stay Daily Budget Best For
Bangladesh Visa required — govt fee waived, service charge Rs 825 Rs 825 10 days 30 days Rs 1,200 to Rs 4,000 Cox’s Bazar, Sundarbans, Dhaka, historical sites
Nepal Completely free, no visa Rs 0 0 days 0 days Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,500 Himalayas, Kathmandu, completely open
Bhutan Entry Permit + SDF Rs 1,200/night Rs 0 + SDF 0 days 15 days Rs 3,500 to Rs 8,000 Himalayan kingdom, Tiger’s Nest
Sri Lanka Free ETA Rs 0 0 days 30 days Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,500 Beaches, temples, hill country
Myanmar e-Visa USD 50 Rs 4,200 3 days 28 days Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,500 Bagan, Inle Lake — security advisory
Laos e-Visa USD 50 or VoA USD 30 Rs 4,200 / Rs 2,520 5 days 30 days Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000 Mekong, Luang Prabang, budget
Cambodia e-Visa USD 36 or VoA USD 35 Rs 3,025 3 days 30 days Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,500 Angkor Wat, budget travel
Vietnam e-Visa required Rs 2,100 3 days 90 days Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,000 90-day stay, diverse destinations

What Bangladesh Is Actually Like for Indian Travelers

Bangladesh is an intensely underestimated country. Cox’s Bazar is longer than the entire Goa coastline and has a fraction of the tourists. The Sundarbans, shared between India and Bangladesh, has more of its tiger population on the Bangladesh side — a boat at dawn in the mangroves, watching a crocodile slide off a bank into brown water, is a genuine wildlife experience. Old Dhaka is one of the most extraordinary urban environments in South Asia — a city of 20 million where the rickshaw remains the primary vehicle, where the mosques number in the thousands, and where the street food (hilsa fry, beef kacchi biriyani, mishti doi) is among the best in the subcontinent at prices that feel like a generation ago. The visa is Rs 825. The experience is genuinely remarkable.

Bangladesh Visa Guide by Departure City

Flight costs, local embassy information, and city-specific tips for every major Indian departure city.

MumbaiFlights, embassy, local tips
DelhiFlights, embassy, local tips
BangaloreFlights, embassy, local tips
KolkataFlights, embassy, local tips
ChennaiFlights, embassy, local tips
HyderabadFlights, embassy, local tips
PuneFlights, embassy, local tips
AhmedabadFlights, embassy, local tips
JaipurFlights, embassy, local tips
LucknowFlights, embassy, local tips

Frequently Asked Questions, Bangladesh Visa for Indians

Do Indians need a visa for Bangladesh?
Yes. Indian ordinary passport holders require a visa to enter Bangladesh. The government visa fee is waived under the India-Bangladesh bilateral agreement — Indians pay only the service charge (Rs 825 for tourist visa) at the application centre. Apply at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, or authorized visa application centres in Mumbai, Agartala, and Guwahati. Processing takes 5 to 10 working days. No Visa on Arrival is available for Indians — apply in advance.
Is Bangladesh Visa on Arrival available for Indians?
No. Bangladesh offers Visa on Arrival to citizens of many countries (USA, UK, EU members, Japan, Australia, and others) but Indian ordinary passport holders are specifically excluded from this facility and must apply for a Bangladesh visa in advance at authorized visa centres in India.
How much does Bangladesh visa cost for Indians?
The Bangladesh government visa fee is waived for Indian citizens under the bilateral agreement — confirmed on the official Bangladesh Visa Application Centre website. You pay only the service charge at the visa centre: approximately Rs 825 for a tourist visa (fees may vary slightly by centre and visa type). Express processing is available at additional cost.
Can Indians visit Pakistan as tourists?
Not on a tourist visa. The Government of Pakistan does not issue tourist visas to Indian ordinary passport holders — this is an official policy of the Pakistan Directorate General of Immigration and Passports. Indians can apply for: a Visit Visa (to meet family or friends in Pakistan, requires sponsor’s CNIC), a Business Visa (requires invitation from a Pakistani company), a Transit Visa (72 hours, up to 2 entries), or a Religious Pilgrimage Visa for specific approved shrines. All Indian applications require Ministry of Interior clearance which significantly extends processing time.
What is the Kartarpur Corridor for Indian Sikhs?
The Kartarpur Corridor is a dedicated bilateral facility allowing Indian citizens (of any religion) to visit Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan’s Narowal district — where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent his final 18 years. No standard Pakistan visa is required. Register online at the Indian government Kartarpur Corridor portal. Service fee: USD 20 (approximately Rs 1,680) per person per visit. Day visit only — must return to India same day. Departure from Integrated Check Post at Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur, Punjab. Open daily.
What are the best places to visit in Bangladesh?
Cox’s Bazar is the headline — 121 km of unbroken natural beach, the world’s longest. Dhaka: Old Dhaka’s Chowk Bazar mosque district (one of Asia’s most densely populated and historically rich areas), Ahsan Manzil (the Pink Palace), Lalbagh Fort, and the vibrant street food scene. Sundarbans: the world’s largest mangrove delta and last stronghold of the Royal Bengal Tiger, accessed via boat tours from Khulna or Mongla. Bagerhat: the 15th-century Sixty Dome Mosque (UNESCO World Heritage Site) — one of South Asia’s finest medieval structures. Sylhet: tea gardens, Jaflong riverine landscape, and Ratargul swamp forest (the only freshwater swamp forest in Bangladesh).
Is Bangladesh safe for Indian tourists?
Bangladesh is generally safe for Indian tourists in major cities and tourist destinations. Political protests occasionally cause disruption — check current news before traveling. Dhaka traffic is chaotic but safe. Cox’s Bazar is well-established for domestic and some international tourism. The Sundarbans has Royal Bengal Tigers — boat tours always include ranger escorts. Standard urban precautions apply in Dhaka. The Indian MEA does not have a major travel advisory for Bangladesh under normal conditions (check mea.gov.in before travel for any updates). Bangladesh-India relations have experienced fluctuations — verify current status before booking.
What is the visa process for Bangladesh from Kolkata?
Kolkata travelers have the best options. Submit at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission (9 Circus Avenue, Kolkata) or the Bangladesh Visa Application Centre (2/1 Moira Street, Kolkata). Fill online form at visa.gov.bd. Bring passport (6+ months), 2 photos (45x35mm), bank statements (6 months), return flight ticket or train ticket, hotel booking, and cover letter. Pay Rs 825 service charge. Processing 5 to 10 working days. For even cheaper Bangladesh travel from Kolkata: the Maitree Express train connects directly (8.5 hours) — book 4 to 6 weeks ahead.
Can I take the train from India to Bangladesh?
Yes. The Maitree Express runs between Kolkata Chitpur station and Dhaka Cantonment station on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Journey time: approximately 8.5 to 10 hours. AC chair class: approximately Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,200. Book at IRCTC or Bangladeshi railway booking systems. You must have a Bangladesh visa in advance. The train stops at the Gede/Darshana border for Indian and Bangladeshi immigration processing — bring all documents and the Bangladesh visa sticker in your passport.

Apply for Bangladesh Visa

Single entry: Rs 0. Processing: 5 to 10 working days standard. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel. Get a white-background photo. Print your approval letter before you fly.

Official portal: https://visa.gov.bd

Updated April 2026. This guide is for information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Verify all requirements at official sources before booking travel.

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📅 Last updated: June 3, 2026