Asia and Oceania

Visas 

Visas are required to enter Bangladesh. Dual Bangladeshi/British Nationals are able to obtain a 'No Visa Required' stamp, but this will limit the assistance HMG can offer you. Please see the Consular Assistance section below.

 

The Immigration Authorities of Bangladesh have introduced an on-line embarkation/disembarkation system that aims to help passengers to pass through Immigration control more quickly. The Immigration Service Code (IS code) and covers both arriving and departing passengers.  If you wish to use IS code system you should complete the on line form at the Bangladesh Immigration website. Once the on-line form has been completed, an IS code will be generated. You must retain this code as your travel agent or airline may ask you to produce it and you are required to produce it, when reporting to Immigration Control. This will enable you to be processed more quickly, and without having to complete a landing card. For the time being as a transitional measure both the manual and IS code systems will run in parallel.

New visa rules introduced in October 2006 require foreign nationals who come to Bangladesh to work, or for long term visits to have the appropriate work permits and clearances on arrival. There are increased financial penalties for overstaying on your visa as well as the possibility of a case being charged (under the Foreigners Act 1946) against those who overstay for more than 90 days. For further information on these rules you should visit the Immigration website, which provides further details on rules relating to Foreigner Registrations.

If you intend to use Dhaka as a hub from which to visit other countries in the region, ensure you obtain a multiple entry visa. If you are intending to work in Bangladesh for an NGO make sure that your sponsor has provided you with appropriate advice on the kind of visa you must obtain before arrival.

If you have had your passport renewed in Bangladesh, you will require a new visa. The Bangladesh Immigration & Passport Department are able to issue ‘exit visas’ or a ‘no visa required’ stamp. They can be contacted at their Dhaka office on: 880 2 8159878 / 8123788 / 8123323. Please note that officers there are unlikely to speak English, so you may need to have an interpreter.

Working in Bangladesh

Since April 2002, foreign nationals working in Bangladesh have been required to obtain an Income Tax Clearance Certificate or an Income Tax Exemption Certificate prior to each departure from Bangladesh.  Full details of the requirements and those exempted can be obtained from the Bangladesh Board of Revenue website.