India Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens: Simplifying the Application Process

Bangladeshis planning to visit India must navigate the visa application process to ensure a smooth entry into the neighboring nation. A vital requirement is acquiring the proper visa, which Bangladeshi citizens must obtain before traveling. The Indian government mandates that all foreign nationals, including those from Bangladesh, carry a valid visa alongside their national passport when entering India. Various visa types are offered, catering to travel purposes such as tourism, business visits, medical treatment, or conferences.

Applying for an Indian visa for Bangladeshi citizens has been simplified by introducing online application systems and e-visa options for certain visa categories. It’s important to recognize that the visa application must align with the specifics of the intended trip. For example, e-Tourist visas can have longer validity periods, offering multiple entries throughout one to five years; however, the maximum stay per visit is capped, highlighting the importance of understanding visa stipulations.

In light of ever-evolving diplomatic relations and global events, policies regarding travel between Bangladesh and India can be subject to change. Consequently, travelers are advised to check the latest guidelines from official sources before starting the application process. While the visa application can be made easier through online services, the traditional route of applying through the Indian Visa Application Centers (IVAC) remains available, ensuring that every Bangladeshi traveler can obtain the necessary authorization for their journey to India regardless of technological access.

Eligibility Criteria

When Bangladeshi citizens plan to travel to India, understanding the eligibility criteria for an Indian visa is essential. The requirements vary depending on the visa type and traveler’s passport.

Passport Requirements

Ordinary Passport Holders: Those applying for an Indian visa must hold a Bangladeshi ordinary passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of their intended arrival in India. The passport should have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.

Official Passport Holders: Bangladeshi citizens with official passports are subject to the same validity and blank page requirements. Prior visas and entry stamps may be closely examined.

Nationality and Identity Verification

All visa applicants must provide proof of Bangladeshi citizenship. This typically involves submitting a scan of the passport’s biographical page, which includes the individual’s name, date of birth, and a photograph that clearly identifies the holder. Additional identification such as national ID cards might be required to verify the applicant’s identity.

Visa Types and Specific Requirements

Tourist Visa: Designed for those wishing to visit India for tourism or other non-business related activities. Evidence of previous travel to India, if applicable, can be beneficial.

Business Visa: Applicants must provide details of the Indian company or trade fair to be visited. Additional documents, such as an invitation letter, might be required.

Medical Visa: This visa accommodates those seeking medical treatment in India. Documentation from the medical institution in India, stating the nature of the treatment, is necessary.

Conference Visa: To attend conferences in India, applicants need to present an invitation to the event, along with details about the organizer.

Transit Visa: Valid for short stays while transiting through India. Evidence of onward travel must be provided.

Other Visas: Requirements for other specific visas like employment or student visas will depend on the respective purpose and duration of stay.

Application Process

The visa application process for Bangladeshi citizens seeking entry into India entails a series of systematic steps. This process commences with an online application and culminates at a submission at specified application centers.

Online Application Steps

To initiate the visa journey, the applicant must fill out the online application form. The procedure is as follows:

1. Apply online:
   • Access the official e-visa portal.
   • Complete the visa application form with accurate information.
   • Upload a recent passport-size photograph as per the specifications.
2. Payment:
   • Proceed with the payment of the visa fee through the available online methods, such as credit/debit card or payment wallet.
3. Confirmation:
   • Upon successful payment, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will be sent to the applicant’s email address.
4. Print ETA:
   • Print a physical copy of the ETA, which must be presented at the Immigration Check Post upon arrival in India.

Submission of Physical Documents

Once the online application is complete, the following steps should be adhered to:

1. Supporting Documents:
   • Gather the required documents, including a bank statement and other supporting documents that prove the purpose of travel.
   • Ensure that the travel document has at least six months of remaining validity.
2. Physical Submission:
   • Submit a hard copy of the visa application form along with the supporting documents.

Visa Application Centers

There are designated Indian Visa Application Centers (IVAC) across Bangladesh where applicants can submit their visa applications and supporting documents:

• Locations:
  • Dhaka
  • Jessore
  • Khulna
  • Mymensingh
  • Barisal
  • Sylhet
  • Chittagong
  • Rajshahi
  • Rangpur
• Process:
  • Select the nearest IVAC.
  • Submit the visa application form and the supporting documents.
  • Collect the passport with the stamped visa on the designated date.

It should be noted that the IVACs serve as the primary point of contact for visa applicants barring diplomatic and official passport holders.

Visa Fees and Payment

When planning a trip to India from Bangladesh, travelers must take into account the visa fees that apply. The High Commission of India in Bangladesh oversees visa applications and has facilitated a smoother and more applicant-friendly process. As part of their initiatives, payments for visa applications can now be made cashless through Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) managed by the State Bank of India.

Visa Fee Structure: Payment for the visa processing fee must be made in Bangladeshi Taka, and the amount is determined by the type of visa and the required service. It is paramount for travelers to check the latest fee structure, as revisions may occur. For example, past updates have recorded changes effective from specific dates, such as January 1, 2015.

Example of Revised Fee Structure (as of the last update):

• IVAC, Uttara, Dhaka: 600 Taka
• IVAC, Gulshan, Dhaka: 600 Taka
• IVAC, Motijheel, Dhaka: 600 Taka

The above figures are provided as examples based on past fee revisions; therefore, it is essential for applicants to confirm the current fees directly through the official IVAC or the High Commission website before making any payments.

Additionally, for e-Visas, there may be a waiting period for fee payment status updates, which can take up to 2 hours due to technical reasons or network delays. Applicants are advised to take this into account and refrain from re-applying until the payment status is updated.

Bank Statement Considerations: Upon applying for a visa, travelers may be required to submit a bank statement as part of their application documentation. This financial evidence assures the issuing authority of the applicant’s ability to sustain themselves financially during their visit to India.

Applicants should be aware of all required documents and prepare their applications with great care to ensure a smooth visa application process.

Processing Time and Issuance

When Bangladeshi citizens apply for an Indian visa, the processing time is a crucial aspect to consider. The Indian Mission or Post generally requires at least three working days to process a visa application once it’s received, whether through an Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly. This timeframe can vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and excludes any special cases which may require additional time.

The processing of a visa application commences only upon the receipt of the physical application form at the IVACs or directly at the Mission or Post. Applicants should also be aware of the need for biometric data, which includes fingerprinting and a photograph at the time of submission.

Here’s a brief overview of the submission and collection times for passports at IVACs in Bangladesh:

IVAC Location	Passport Receiving Time	Passport Delivery Time
IVAC Sathkhira	8:00 AM to 12:00 PM	2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
IVAC Chittagong	9:00 AM to 1:00 PM	3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

It is important for travellers to adhere to these timings for a smooth application process.

In recent updates, the IVAC, Bangladesh has implemented new regulations which can be found on their official website or social media platforms. These updates are periodically made and serve to refine the visa application process for Bangladeshi citizens.

Visitors should take note of any special instructions or changes in the application procedure, which might affect the processing time and ultimately the issuance of their Indian visa. Being well-informed about these details before planning a trip to India is imperative for a hassle-free travel experience.

Ports of Entry and Exit

When traveling from Bangladesh to India, Bangladeshi nationals are required to adhere to specific entry and exit regulations. To enter India, individuals may opt for various points of ingress, including land ports, seaports, and airports. The selection of an entry port should align with the information detailed in the traveler’s visa documents, to ensure compliance with Indian immigration rules.

Here are common points of entry and exit for Bangladeshi visitors:

Airports:

• Dhaka to Kolkata (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport)
• Dhaka to Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport)
• Dhaka to Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport)

Land Ports:

• Benapole/Petrapole
• Akhaura/Agartala
• Dawki/Tamabil
• Sutarkandi/Karimganj

River Ports: (for riverine entry)

• Godagari/Rajshahi to Manihari/Katihar

Many travelers inquire about the possibility of using different points for entry and exit. It is feasible for a Bangladeshi citizen to enter through one point and leave through another, but this should be clearly stated and ratified in their visit visa. The visa category that usually accommodates multiple points of entry and exit is the multiple entry visa.

In recent times, Indian Visa Application Centers (IVAC) have streamlined additional services, such as the endorsement of extra routes on active visas. This allows travelers greater flexibility, provided that the changes are coherent with the visa type and the purpose of the visit.

It is pertinent for travelers to frequently review the latest updates provided by Indian consulates or through official channels to ensure there are no discrepancies that could disrupt their travel plans.

Additional Information for Visa Applicants

The process of applying for an Indian visa involves several considerations that are crucial for Bangladeshi applicants to bear in mind. This section provides additional details that will guide applicants through various stages and particular scenarios that may arise during the application process.

Official Communications

For any inquiries related to the visa application process, applicants should direct their correspondences to the official Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) email address. It is imperative to use official channels for accurate information and to prevent misunderstandings. The High Commission of India’s official website and the IVAC Facebook page are reliable sources for notifications and updates.

Indian Missions Abroad

When applying for an Indian visa, Bangladeshi citizens should submit their applications to the Indian mission that has jurisdiction over their region. The High Commission of India, Dhaka, is responsible for all non-diplomatic visa applications. Applicants who have previously been granted an Indian visa are encouraged to disclose this information, as it may expedite the application process.

Visa Extension and Renewal

Should there be a need to extend or renew a visa, applicants are required to contact the appropriate Indian mission. The criteria for extending a visa, such as a medical visa, can include medical emergencies or ongoing treatment. Applicants need to present justifiable reasons and relevant documents for such requests to be considered.

Emergency Situations

In cases of emergency, such as a sudden medical condition requiring immediate travel, the Indian mission offers guidelines for expediting visa applications. Applicants are advised to provide supporting documentation, such as a letter from a doctor or a hospital, to substantiate the emergency. It is essential to follow the specific instructions issued by the Indian mission for emergency visa applications to ensure prompt processing.

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