India Restores Tourist Visas for Bangladesh
India has announced the resumption of tourist visa services for Bangladeshi nationals, effective June 28, 2026. This decision marks the end of a nearly two-year suspension of these services.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, made the announcement during a visit to the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka. Trivedi expressed satisfaction at the normalization of visa application processes, highlighting the importance of restoring regular travel between the two nations.
Initial Application Process
Initially, tourist visa applications will be accepted at five Indian Visa Application Centres located across Bangladesh: Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chittagong, Sylhet, and Khulna. India plans to expand these services further in the coming period to accommodate demand.
High Commissioner Trivedi also confirmed that medical visas and other urgent applications on humanitarian grounds would continue to be processed on priority. He emphasized that the resumption of tourist visas is intended to strengthen the vital people-to-people ties between India and Bangladesh.
Suspension Followed 2024 Unrest
The suspension of tourist visa operations in Bangladesh was first implemented in August 2024, following widespread unrest and significant security concerns across the country.
During that tumultuous period, the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka's Dhanmondi area was ransacked and set ablaze. Additionally, five Indian Visa Application Centres were attacked, and Indian personnel working on various development projects reportedly received threats, prompting India to scale back its visa operations.
While tourist visa services were halted, India continued to issue over 1,500 visas daily under non-tourist categories, with medical visas and emergency travel documents receiving priority processing throughout the suspension period.
New Envoy's Diplomatic Start
High Commissioner Trivedi recently took charge of his diplomatic post in Dhaka. Earlier on the day of the visa announcement, he presented his credentials to Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban, the presidential palace in Dhaka, where he received a ceremonial welcome.
The resumption of tourist visas represents a significant diplomatic step, signaling a move towards restoring regular travel and fostering stronger bilateral relations and connections between the neighboring countries.