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Bangladesh Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival for tourism or business at Dhaka and Chattogram airports, with a VOA fee of US$50 for a 30-day stay and extensions up to 90 days.

Guide last updated September 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry and have at least 2 blank visa pages.
  • Specific forms: There is no pre-application for VOA; you will complete a visa on arrival form at the airport VOA counter.
  • Financial proof: No published minimum required for VOA; carry funds sufficient for your stay and have access to funds (credit cards acceptable) in case you are asked to show proof.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter; onward or return air ticket.
  • Photo spec: Two recent passport-size photos (approximately 2 x 2 inches / 51 x 51 mm) with a white background.
  • Biometrics: Yes. You will be photographed and may have fingerprints taken at the VOA counter.
  • Travel health insurance: Not required by regulation but strongly recommended to have travel medical insurance.

Visa types

  • Tourist Visa: Tourist Visa; typical validity 1–3 months (most commonly 30 days per entry); max stay per visit 30 days; entry options depend on approval; approximate fee USD 50.
  • Business Visa: Business Visa; typical validity 3–12 months; max stay per entry 60 days; multiple entries common; approximate fee USD 60.
  • Student Visa: Student Visa; validity tied to study program (up to 4 years); multiple entries possible; approximate fee USD 100.
  • Employment/Work Visa: Employment Visa; validity up to 1–2 years with extension possible; multiple entries; approximate fee USD 150.
  • Medical Visa: Medical Visa; validity up to 90 days; single entry; approximate fee USD 50.
  • Journalist Visa: Journalist Visa; validity varies by assignment; multiple entries possible; approximate fee USD 60.

Application process

  • How to apply online: Visa on Arrival is not pre-processed online; you apply at the VOA counters upon arrival at Dhaka or Chattogram airports.
  • Steps: Upon arrival go to the Visa on Arrival counter, present your passport, fill the VOA form, pay the VOA fee (USD 50 or equivalent in BDT), have photo and biometrics captured, receive the visa stamp in your passport, and proceed to immigration.
  • Fee and currency: VOA fee is USD 50; paid in cash at the counter in USD or Bangladeshi taka depending on counter; exact rates posted at the counter.
  • Processing time: Typically 60–90 minutes depending on queue and immigration workload; in peak times it may take longer.
  • How approval arrives: Visa is granted on arrival; you will receive a stamp in your passport.

Fees & processing time

  • VOA fee: USD 50 (approx BDt 4500 depending on exchange rate).
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for VOA on arrival; this applies to consular visa processing via embassies and third-party services if you apply in advance.
  • Total cost estimate: VOA 50 USD plus any minor charges if using an agency for other visa options; consular visa fees vary by category.
  • Standard processing time: 60–120 minutes at the VOA counter on arrival.
  • Express/priority option: Not available for VOA on arrival; embassy based processing may offer expedite options depending on consulate policies.

Tips for United States travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: There is no pre clearance for VOA; US travelers can plan to arrive with enough time to obtain VOA at the airport; if you want a longer or different visa category or eVisa, apply through a Bangladesh embassy or consulate before travel.
  • Common rejection reasons for US applicants: Passport validity under 6 months; insufficient funds or inability to demonstrate travel purpose; incomplete forms or inconsistent travel plans; lack of hotel or return ticket documentation; prior immigration records that require review.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: VOA is obtained at the airport; consular visas are applied for through the Bangladesh Embassy/Consulates; VFS Global services may facilitate submission for non VOA visas; check MOFA and embassy sites for current procedures.
  • Travel advisories and bilateral notes: Check the US Department of State travel advisory for Bangladesh and ensure you comply with any entry restrictions or public health requirements; keep updated with MOFA Bangladesh guidance.
  • Extension options inside Bangladesh: VOA can be extended at the local immigration office (Dhaka or other) typically up to a total stay of 90 days; extensions are not guaranteed and depend on immigration authorities.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.