Sri Lanka has announced an extension of its visa-free entry initiative for visitors from 7 countries until April 30, 2024. Citizens of India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand were first approved for visa-free entry by the Cabinet of Ministers in October 2023. The program was initially due to last until March 31. However,
Visa Requirements for Bangladeshi Citizens
The visa requirements for citizens of Bangladesh to enter a foreign country are the rules that dictate if travelers need to hold a visa or travel authorization.
The Bangladesh passport is currently ranked 100th in the world in terms of travel freedom by the Henley Passport Index. It allows holders to visit over 40 destinations without having to apply for a visa at a diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in advance.
Some of these countries have an online visa for Bangladeshi nationals. These electronic systems are generally quick and easy to use. They allow applicants from Bangladesh to obtain a visa from the comfort of their own home, avoiding the need to go to an embassy.
Other destinations have a visa on arrival system available to Bangladeshis. Travelers can apply for a visa at border control instead of in advance. The downside to this is the need to queue twice (once for the visa and again to clear immigration), which means spending a lot of time unnecessarily.
Holders of passports issued by Bangladesh can travel to a select few destinations without a visa.
Visa-free entry, visas on arrival, and online visas for Bangladeshis generally apply to short-term visits for tourism and, in some cases, business. For longer stays, or to engage in other activities, it may be necessary to apply for the relevant visa at an embassy or consulate.
The majority of countries’ visa requirements for Bangladeshis state that any type of visa must be applied for at a diplomatic mission.
Many states around the world have different types of visas and authorizations for different purposes. Examples include tourist visas, business visas, work visas, and transit visas for nationals of Bangladesh. Travelers must obtain the correct type to suit their needs.
Learn more about the visa requirements for travelers from Bangladesh in the guide below.