India resumes tourist visa services for Bangladeshis after nearly two years

India has resumed tourist visa services for Bangladeshi nationals, ending a suspension that had been in place since August 5, 2024, when the facility was halted on security grounds following the political changeover in Bangladesh.

Applications are now being accepted from Sunday (June 28) at Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna, bringing relief to thousands of prospective travellers who had been unable to visit India for leisure purposes during the intervening period.

India's newly appointed High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi recently indicated that steps are also being taken to expedite medical visa applications, and that visa operations will be normalised at remaining IVAC centres across the country in a phased manner.

Applications must be submitted online through India's official visa portal. Applicants should select 'Regular Visa Application', choose Bangladesh as the country, and select tourist visa as the category. Personal details, travel plans, and passport information must be filled in accurately.

Upon completion, an application ID — also known as a web file number — will be generated and must be retained. A recent photograph in the specified format must be uploaded, after which the completed form should be printed and signed.

Applicants will need a passport valid for at least six months with a minimum of two blank pages, previous passport if applicable, a recent colour photograph, national identity card or birth certificate, proof of current address, and profession-specific documents — a no-objection certificate or office attestation for employees, an updated trade licence for businesspersons, and a bonafide certificate from an educational institution for students.

Financial solvency must be demonstrated through a bank statement covering the past six months, foreign currency endorsement of at least USD 150, or a copy of an international credit card.

Following completion of the online application, the visa fee must be paid through the IVAC portal, after which a separate appointment must be booked. Under the current system, daily appointment slots are opened at 6:00pm the previous evening, but registration must be completed by 5:30pm that day to secure a slot.

Applicants must present themselves at the IVAC on the designated date with their passport, printed application form, and supporting documents. After verification, biometric data — fingerprints, photograph, and iris scan — will be collected. A receipt issued at the centre will be required when collecting the passport.

Tourist visas are ordinarily processed within a minimum of three working days, though the timeline may extend depending on document verification or other requirements.

Authorities have advised applicants to review all information carefully before submission, as no corrections can be made once an application has been filed. Retaining the application ID throughout the process is essential.