Bangladesh entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Australian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at any international airport in Bangladesh. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs about USD 50. No prior application needed — just show up with the right documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Available at major airports | You can get a visa on arrival at Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chittagong airports. Have a printed hotel booking and return ticket ready — immigration officers regularly ask for both. The visa costs $50–$100 USD depending on your nationality and length of stay, payable in cash (USD or EUR).Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond arrival | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Bangladesh. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Hazrat Shahjalal Airport strictly enforces the return ticket rule. Have a printed copy of your onward ticket — showing a booking on your phone is not always accepted. If you are overlanding out, show a bus or train booking to India or Myanmar. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration officers often ask for a confirmed hotel booking covering your entire stay. If staying with friends or family, carry an invitation letter from your host with their address and phone number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Officers may ask how you plan to fund your trip. Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient balance. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside Dhaka. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. No credit cards, no ATMs at the counter. Bring USD 50 in crisp notes. If you only have larger bills, ask for change before you queue.
Visa on arrival is for tourism and business only
This visa is intended for short-term tourism, business meetings, or transit. If you plan to work, study, or volunteer, you must apply for the appropriate visa at a Bangladeshi embassy before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport and head to the visa on arrival counter
After landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka, follow the signs for 'Visa on Arrival' before you go through immigration. Similar counters exist at Chattogram and Sylhet airports.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a small form to complete. It asks for basic details: name, passport number, flight number, hotel address, and duration of stay. Fill it in while you queue.
3
Submit your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and two photos. The officer checks your documents and tells you the fee. Pay in cash (USD is easiest). They'll issue a receipt.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to immigration
The officer stamps the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before you walk away. Then head to the immigration counter for entry clearance.
Download Bangladesh Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$51 USD (approx. AUD 80)
Apply at Bangladesh High Commission or online; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. AUD 155)
Good for multiple visits within validity; must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$51 USD (approx. AUD 80)
Requires invitation letter from Bangladeshi company.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. AUD 310) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Bangladeshi company. Requires employer to obtain work permit approval from the Board of Investment or relevant authority.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. AUD 775) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Bangladeshi business. Requires documentation of investment and business registration.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. AUD 155) plus university admission
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bangladesh. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) at airport immigration counter. | $51 USD (approx. AUD 80) – exact fee may vary |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Apply at Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra or online. | $51 USD (approx. AUD 80) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 3 months)Requires pre-arranged application; not available on arrival. | $100 USD (approx. AUD 155) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure; may affect future visits. | ~$10 USD per day, max $500 USD |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Must apply at Department of Immigration in Dhaka before current visa expires. | ~$50 USD (approx. AUD 80) for 30-day extension |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Bangladesh
No transit visa needed
Australian passport holders transiting through Bangladesh airports do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 72 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival or pre-arranged visa is required.
Transit hubsHazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC), Dhaka · Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP), Chittagong · Osmani International Airport (ZYL), Sylhet
Health & vaccines for Bangladesh
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent year-round, especially in urban areas; use repellent and nets.
MalariaHigh risk
Risk in all areas except Dhaka city; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas except Dhaka city. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) recommended for rural travel. Use mosquito nets and repellent.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dhaka
Department of Immigration and Passports
E-7, Agargaon, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka 1207
Sun–Thu 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay clearance. Bring passport, visa, photos, and fee in cash.
Chittagong
Regional Passport Office, Chittagong
7 Shaheed Captain Monsur Ali Sarani, Chittagong 4000
Sun–Thu 09:00–17:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the southeast region.
Practical information for AU travellers
Country basics
CapitalDhaka
LanguageBengali
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 30 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBangladeshi Taka (BDT)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 122.92 BDT
Time zone
Local timeUTC+6
vs New York+11h
vs Los Angeles+14h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,C,D,G,KTypes A, C, D, G, and K are used; Type C is most common.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee is approximately USD 50 (or equivalent in EUR, GBP, or AUD). You must pay in cash at the counter. Credit cards are not accepted. The exact amount may vary slightly, so bring a little extra in small notes.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. It is a single-entry visa. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Passports in Dhaka before your visa expires.
Yes, extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You need to visit the Department of Immigration and Passports in Dhaka (located at Agargaon) and apply for an extension. The fee is around BDT 3,000–5,000 (approx. USD 35–60) depending on the duration. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
Visa on arrival is only available at international airports (Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet). If you enter Bangladesh by land from India or Myanmar, you must obtain a visa in advance from a Bangladeshi embassy or consulate. There is no visa on arrival at land border crossings.
Yes, you still need proof that you will leave Bangladesh. If you're continuing overland to another country, a bus or train ticket showing your exit route is acceptable. Immigration wants to see that you have a plan to depart.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel. There are no exceptions at the airport.
It's risky. Immigration officers often ask for a return or onward ticket. Without one, you may be refused entry. It's best to have a refundable onward ticket booked just in case.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.