Bangladesh Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport with appropriate visa. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s) authorizing travel, including contact information. This may be checked at immigration. If traveling with only one parent, bring the child's birth certificate showing both parents' names. In cases of sole custody, carry relevant court documents. Divorced parents should have documentation showing custody arrangements. These documents should be in English or translated into English with notarization.

Bangladesh has strict pet import regulations. Required documents include: (1) Import permit from the Department of Livestock Services, obtained before travel; (2) Health certificate from a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin, issued within 7 days of travel; (3) Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before arrival; (4) Microchip implantation documentation; (5) Additional vaccinations as recommended. Pets will be quarantined upon arrival for inspection and may face extended quarantine if documentation is incomplete. Contact the Bangladesh High Commission or Embassy in your country well in advance (at least 2-3 months) to obtain current requirements and permits. Only cats and dogs are typically allowed; other animals require special permission. Consider the hot climate and limited veterinary services when deciding whether to bring pets.

Tourist visas typically allow 30-90 days. For longer stays, you must apply for a visa extension through the Department of Immigration & Passports in Dhaka before your current visa expires. Extension applications require: valid passport, current visa, passport photos, completed application form, proof of financial means, and reason for extension. Processing can take several days to weeks. Apply at least 2 weeks before visa expiry. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, and future entry bans. For stays longer than 6 months or for work/business purposes, you'll need to obtain appropriate long-term visas (work visa, business visa, student visa) before arrival or convert your tourist visa. Long-term residents must register with local police within 30 days and may need to obtain a Residential Permit. Work visas require sponsorship from a Bangladesh company and approval from the Board of Investment or relevant ministry.

Business visitors should obtain a business visa rather than a tourist visa if conducting business activities. Required documents include: invitation letter from Bangladesh company or organization on company letterhead detailing purpose and duration of visit; letter from your employer explaining your role and purpose; company registration documents; and detailed itinerary. Business visas can be single or multiple entry and typically valid for 3-6 months. For repeated business travel, consider applying for a multiple-entry visa. Business visitors cannot engage in employment or receive payment from Bangladesh sources without proper work authorization. Keep all business documentation with you during travel and be prepared to explain your activities at immigration.

Journalists, photographers, and media professionals require special permission to work in Bangladesh. Apply for a journalist visa through a Bangladesh embassy/high commission, providing: letter from media organization, detailed description of assignment, proposed itinerary, and professional credentials. Upon arrival, register with the Press Information Department (PID) and obtain necessary accreditation. Filming or photographing certain government installations, military sites, or sensitive areas is prohibited. Violations can result in detention, equipment confiscation, and deportation. Tourist visa holders cannot engage in journalistic activities. Allow substantial time for approval as the process can take several weeks.

Students must obtain a student visa before arrival. Required documents include: admission letter from recognized Bangladesh educational institution, proof of financial support (scholarship letter or bank statements), academic transcripts, passport photos, and completed visa application. Student visas are typically issued for the duration of the academic program. Students must register with the institution and local police within 30 days of arrival. Part-time work is generally not permitted on student visas without special permission. Contact the educational institution's international student office for guidance on visa process and registration requirements.

Bangladesh recognizes dual citizenship for persons of Bangladesh origin with certain countries. If you hold both Bangladesh and another citizenship, you should enter and exit Bangladesh using your Bangladesh passport. Foreign passport holders of Bangladesh origin may need to show proof of renunciation of Bangladesh citizenship or explain their status. If you were born in Bangladesh or to Bangladesh parents but hold only foreign citizenship, be prepared to explain your status and show relevant documentation. Consult with a Bangladesh embassy regarding your specific situation before travel.

Travelers with criminal records, especially for serious offenses, may be denied entry to Bangladesh. Visa applications may ask about criminal history. Be honest in your application as false declarations can result in immediate deportation and future entry bans. Minor offenses or very old convictions may not automatically disqualify you, but serious crimes (drug offenses, violence, fraud) will likely result in visa denial. If you have a criminal record, consult with a Bangladesh embassy before applying for a visa. Immigration officers have discretion to refuse entry even with a valid visa if they have concerns about a traveler's background.