
Assalamu Alaikum!
Many Bangladeshis travel to India every year for medical treatment, business, family visits, shopping, or tourism. However, visa services faced restrictions in late 2025 due to capacity issues, documentation concerns, and diplomatic matters. Good news: As of early March 2026, India is resuming visa issuance in phases, with priority on medical, business, and short-stay categories. Tourist visas are expected to reopen very soon!
Here’s the latest guide for Bangladeshi passport holders applying for an Indian visa.
1. Current India Visa Status for Bangladeshis (March 2026)
- Indian visa services in Bangladesh were partially suspended/restricted since late 2025, leading to backlogs (especially for medical and tourist categories).
- Recent updates: India is phasing in full resumption. Currently issuing medical visas and double-entry business visas more actively.
- Tourist and other short-term visas are set to restart “very soon” (per Bangladesh Foreign Ministry and Indian High Commission statements in late February/early March 2026).
- e-Visa is generally NOT available for Bangladeshi passport holders (unlike many other nationalities). Applications go through regular channels (IVAC centers or Indian High Commission/Consulates).
- No visa required for diplomatic/official passport holders (up to 45 days) or direct transit in some cases.
2. Common Visa Types for Bangladeshis
- Medical Visa (MED): For treatment in recognized Indian hospitals (e.g., Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi). Validity up to 1 year or treatment duration; multiple entries possible.
- Medical Attendant Visa (MED X): For one or two companions of the patient.
- Business Visa: Multiple-entry (up to 5 years in some cases) for bona fide business/investors; each stay usually ≤3 months.
- Tourist/Visit Visa: Long-term multiple-entry (up to 1 year); each stay ≤90 days. For family visits, pilgrimage, tourism, etc. (Resuming soon).
- Transit Visa: Double-entry for onward travel to third countries.
- Student/Employment/Other: Available based on purpose.
3. Required Documents (General for Most Categories)
- Passport: Original + photocopy; valid for at least 6 months from arrival date; at least 2 blank pages.
- Photos: 2 recent passport-size (51mm x 51mm), white background, no uniform/dark dress.
- Online Application Form: Filled and printed from indianvisaonline.gov.in (with signature).
- Supporting Documents (vary by type):
- Medical: Hospital appointment letter from recognized Indian hospital, diagnosis from Bangladeshi doctor.
- Business: Invitation letter from Indian company (attested if needed), trade license, bank statements.
- Tourist: Proof of funds, hotel bookings, itinerary (once resumed).
- Others: Birth certificate/NID copy, bank statements, salary certificate/NOC (if employed), etc.
- Biometrics: Usually required at IVAC centers.
Note: Always check the latest from official sources, as requirements can change.
4. Application Process (Step by Step)
- Fill Online Form: Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in → Complete the application securely.
- Book Appointment: Use IVAC (Indian Visa Application Center) in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, etc. (appointment/token required via their website or app).
- Submit Documents: Visit IVAC in person with originals + copies; pay fees; provide biometrics.
- Processing Time: Typically 4–7 working days (may vary due to current backlog/phase-in).
- Collect Passport: Track via IVAC portal/SMS/email.
Important: No walk-ins in most cases—appointment mandatory. Use only official IVAC or Indian Mission channels to avoid scams.
5. Key Tips & Warnings
- Apply early—backlogs can delay processing.
- Overstay or misuse can lead to bans/fines.
- Medical tourists: Bring all medical reports and hospital confirmations.
- Monitor updates from High Commission of India in Dhaka or IVAC website.
- For emergencies (e.g., urgent medical), contact the Indian High Commission directly.
Planning a trip to India soon? Share your visa type or questions in the comments—we’ll try to assist! May your travel be safe and smooth. 🤲
Ameen!
You can enhance this post with:
- Screenshots of the indianvisaonline.gov.in portal
- Maps of IVAC centers in Bangladesh
- Images of Kolkata hospitals or popular spots (for visual appeal)
If you’d like adjustments (e.g., focus more on medical visas, add fee estimates, or make it shorter), or need a Bangla version, just let me know!