Travel between neighbouring countries often comes with special regional considerations, and the relationship between India and Bangladesh is no exception. If you are a Bangladeshi national planning to visit India for tourism. You are likely asking: When will the Indian tourist visa open for Bangladeshis? Or: “Do Bangladeshi citizens need a visa for India at all?” In this article, we’ll cover when the indian tourist visa will open for Bangladeshi nationals, the most up-to-date information, the current status of tourist visas for Bangladesh nationals, whether they are open now, what the document requirements are, and tips for applying. The goal is to give you a clear, practical guide for your travel planning through TravellerIdea.com.
Do Bangladeshis Need a Visa to Visit India?
Yes – in general, Bangladeshi citizens do need a visa to enter India for tourism or other non-official travel. There are some bilateral agreements and exceptions for official or diplomatic passports. A usual visitor holding a Bangladeshi passport, with a visa. For example, the official visa rules for Bangladesh nationals refer to visas being required under the “Revised Travel Arrangements” signed between India and Bangladesh.
In short: Unless you are travelling under an extremely special status (such as an official/diplomatic passport or in a special category), you must secure the appropriate Indian visa before travelling.
Is the Indian Tourist Visa Currently Open for Bangladesh Nationals?
This is where things become a little more nuanced. Generally, India has a tourist visa regime which is operational, but for Bangladeshi nationals. there are special provisions, and the availability of e-visas or paper visas may differ.
Regular/Paper Tourist Visas
Under the policy for Bangladesh nationals, the Indian government issues tourist visas via Indian missions/posts dealing with Bangladesh nationals. The 2013 arrangement “Long term multiple entry Tourist Visas may be issued to Bangladeshi nationals for a period up to one year, It with the stipulation that continuous stay on each visit shall not exceed 90 days”. ([Ministry of Home Affairs][1]) Thus, the regular tourist visa channel is open in principle.
e-Visa Facility
India’s e-visa programme allows nationals of many countries to apply online. However, as per the official list and rules, the e-Visa may not yet apply universally to Bangladeshi nationals. The document “DETAILS OF VISAS GRANTED BY INDIA- I. e-VISA” lists eligible countries, and currently, Bangladesh is not clearly indicated as a full e-Visa beneficiary under all categories. (Ministry of Home Affairs) A recent online guide for Bangladesh nationals notes the online process. Yet it appears to be a third-party summarisation rather than an official Indian government statement.
Hence, while tourist visas are open for Bangladesh nationals via the regular route, the full-fledged e-tourist visa route may not yet be fully available or may have special restrictions.
When Indian tourist visa will open for Bangladeshi / What is the Latest Update?
Since the tourist visa route is fundamentally open, the realistic question is: Are there any new openings, relaxations or announcements for Bangladesh nationals? As of the latest information:
- The official website of the Indian visa system (indianvisaonline.gov.in) continues to list visa types and eligibility. (indianvisaonline.gov.in)
- For Bangladesh nationals, the “Visa for Bangladesh Nationals” document lists tourist visa as a category and gives the requirements.
- There is no major publicly announced date of “opening” or “suspension” of tourist visas specifically for Bangladesh nationals in recent months that is easily found in open-source.
- Some sources mention that Bangladesh nationals are not yet eligible for certain e-Visa sub-categories (or that eligibility is ambiguous). For example, one site states: “Under normal circumstances. You can expect a decision Bangladeshi citizens are restricted from pursuing journalism, filmmaking on the eVisa”.
- Because of the bilateral special arrangement (2013) between India and Bangladesh. Bangladesh nationals may face additional routing, checks or slower processing. (Ministry of Home Affairs)
Therefore, tourist visas are open for Bangladeshi citizens via the regular visa route. But not yet widely available as a simple “apply online e-tourist visa and travel” for Bangladesh nationals without conditions. There is no fixed date announced for “opening” because they were already open; rather, the limitation is around the online e-Visa scheme.
What Are the Document Requirements for an Indian Tourist Visa (Bangladesh Nationals)?
If you are a Bangladeshi citizen applying for a tourist visa to India, you should prepare the following key documents (based on official embassy/consulate guidance). Make sure you check the website of the appropriate Indian mission in Bangladesh (or the Bangladeshi mission in India) for any updates. Below is a standard list.
Essential Documents
According to the “Documents Required for Visa” list from the High Commission of India, Dhaka:
1. Original passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of application and with at least two blank pages.
2. Previous/old passports: (if any) to be submitted along with the application.
3. One recent colour photograph (passport size, full face view, white background).
4. Proof of identity-e.g., National ID card or Birth Certificate (whichever applicable) in English.
5. Proof of residence- e.g., electricity bill, gas bill, landline telephone bill (not older than 6 months).
6. Proof of financial soundness- For example, endorsement of foreign currency equivalent to US $150 per applicant (endorsement should not be older than three months) or updated bank statement showing sufficient funds.
7. Proof of profession – depends on your situation:
- For government servants: government order copy.
- For private employees: a certificate from the employer.
- For self-employed: registration of business establishment.
Additional Documents (for Bangladesh Nationals)
As per the immigration/visa guidance specific to Bangladesh nationals:
For tourist visas, the monthly income of the applicant or parent/guardian/spouse should be at least 20,000 Bangladeshi Taka (in some guidance).
Copy of hotel booking confirmation.
Copy of Birth Certificate or Bangladesh National ID card in English.
If applying from abroad (non-residents), additional constraints may apply: in some cases, non-residents cannot apply.
Application Process (Key Steps)
- Fill in the online visa application form via the official portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in) for the regular visa. (indianvisaonline.gov.in [4])
- Submit the printed application form along with the required documents and the passport at the designated Indian mission/visa centre.
- Pay the visa fee (as applicable) at the time of submission.
- Await visa processing. Processing times vary; many sources suggest 3-4 days if documentation is correct (for e-visa type), but for Bangladesh nationals with a paper visa process it may take longer.
Once approved, collect the visa and then you may travel to India.
Visa Validity, Stay Duration & Entry Conditions
For Bangladesh nationals, some special rules apply due to bilateral agreements:
Under the 2013 “Revised Travel Arrangements” between India and Bangladesh. Long-term multiple-entry tourist visas may be issued for a period up to one year, with the condition that continuous stay on each visit shall not exceed 90 days. ([Ministry of Home Affairs[1])
For Bangladesh nationals over the age of 65 years. A multiple‐entry long‐term tourist visa up to five years may be granted, again with continuous stay on each visit not exceeding 90 days. (Ministry of Home Affairs[1])
For e-visas (if eligible), the validity period may differ, but note that Bangladesh nationals may not yet fully qualify for all e-visa tourist categories.
Important entry condition: If the stay in India exceeds six months continuously, Bangladesh nationals may be required to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days. (Ministry of Home Affairs[1])
Common Questions and Misconceptions
1. “When exactly will India open the tourist visa for Bangladeshis?”
There is no single “opening date” because the tourist visa route for Bangladesh nationals is already functional. What may confuse is the e-tourist visa route (online), which may not yet cover Bangladesh fully, or may have additional restrictions. When you write for your site, you can clarify, While the regular tourist visa is open, the simplified e-tourist route is either not yet fully extended or may be subject to additional checks”.
2. “Can Bangladeshi nationals apply entirely online and fly to India immediately?”
Not necessarily. For many nationalities, India offers e-tourist visas (online application, approval via email, travel). But for Bangladesh nationals, this facility is either restricted or not yet extended fully. Some third-party guides suggest Bangladesh nationals can apply online for an “e-visa India” and get approval in 3-4 days. However, that may not be confirmed via official Indian government sources for Bangladesh nationals across the board. So, for practical purposes, it’s safer to assume you’ll have to use the regular visa submission (paper/passport) at the mission.
3. “Is there any temporary suspension of tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals?”
At present, no widely published reports indicate a blanket suspension of tourist visas for Bangladesh nationals. The visa policy document allows tourist visas for Bangladesh nationals. However, always verify with the nearest Indian mission or visa centre for the most current status, since visa policies can change.
Practical Tips for Bangladeshi Visitors to India
Start early: Since Bangladesh nationals may face additional processing/time compared to fully e-visa-eligible nationalities, apply well ahead of your travel date.
- Ensure documentation is complete: Missing proofs (income, residence, previous passports) often lead to delays or rejections.
- Be clear on stay-duration: Even if your visa is valid for up to a year and allows multiple entries, each continuous stay should not exceed 90 days. Overstays can cause problems.
- Choose the correct visa category: If you’re going for sightseeing/tutorial/business/visiting friends, use a tourist visa. Avoid using a tourist visa if your purpose is employment, study, or other restricted activities.
- Check for the latest updates: The visa rules can change, particularly the e-visa eligibility list. Always check the official Indian visa portal or the Indian High Commission in Dhaka for updates.
- Maintain travel itinerary and return ticket: Immigration authorities may ask to see proof of onward/return travel and stay plan.
- Keep a copy of your visa and important documents: In case of emergencies or changes.
- Respect immigration rules in India: If your visa says you must register with FRRO for stays beyond six months, make sure you comply.
- Contact the Visa Centre if unclear: If in doubt whether you qualify for an e-visa or need to submit paper application, contact the mission or authorised visa facilitation centre.
Why the Special Situation for Bangladesh Nationals?
The reason Bangladesh nationals have slightly different rules stems from historical bilateral arrangements between India and Bangladesh. For example, the Revised Travel Arrangements signed on 28 January 2013 set out specific categories of visa issuance for Bangladesh nationals. (Ministry of Home Affairs[1])
Furthermore, visa policy changes often involve security, migration, regional diplomacy, and administrative logistics. Hence, while the broad tourist visa regime is open, extensions such as e-visa or online simplification for Bangladesh may lag behind those for other nationalities.
Summary and What to Do Next
To summarise:
- Yes- Bangladeshi citizens need a visa to travel to India for tourism (unless you hold a special category passport).
- The tourist visa route from Bangladesh to India is open, via a regular (paper/passport) visa through the Indian mission.
- The simplified e-tourist visa route may not yet be fully available for Bangladesh nationals without conditions; therefore, you should check carefully.
- Document requirements are clear and include a passport, a photo, proof of identity, residence, and financial proof etc.