Bangladesh entry requirements for Canada 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
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bangladesh. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs $51 USD, paid in cash at the airport. No need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 30-day single-entry visa on arrival at Dhaka, Sylhet, Chittagong, and Cox's Bazar airports. Pay $51 USD in cash (exact change preferred) and have a passport photo ready. The visa counter is before immigration — fill the form, pay, and get stamped in about 10 minutes.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date | Bangladesh immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Your passport must have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker and entry stamp. 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 entry | Immigration officers at all Bangladeshi airports ask for a confirmed onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works. If you plan to leave overland, have a flight booking out of Bangladesh ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A printed hotel confirmation or a letter from a host in Bangladesh showing their address and phone number satisfies this. I have been asked for it twice at Dhaka. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash, credit card, or bank statement | Officers rarely ask, but having $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds avoids any hassle. ATMs at Dhaka airport dispense local currency (Taka) but exchange rates at the airport counters are poor. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards
The visa on arrival counter only accepts cash. No credit cards, no mobile payments. Bring $51 USD (or equivalent) in crisp bills. ATMs are available only after you pass immigration.
Visa on arrival is the standard for Canadians
You don't need to apply for an e-visa or visit an embassy beforehand. Just show up at Dhaka airport with your documents and cash. It's straightforward and takes about 15-20 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka
Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before immigration. There are dedicated counters — don't queue at the regular immigration lines.
2
Fill out the visa application form
Pick up a form at the counter. Fill in your details: name, passport number, flight info, hotel address. Keep it simple and legible.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, return ticket, hotel booking, and $51 USD. The officer will process and stamp your visa.
4
Proceed to immigration
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the regular immigration queue. Show your passport and visa — they'll stamp you in. Welcome to Bangladesh.
Download Bangladesh Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada 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$160 CAD (approx. $120 USD)
Apply at Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$320 CAD (approx. $240 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$160 CAD (approx. $120 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Bangladeshi company.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Bangladeshi employer. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term stay.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in Bangladesh. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
~$150 USD (processing fee)
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)Standard fee for Canadian passport holders upon arrival. | $51 USD (approx. $51 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)For those who prefer to apply before travel. | $160 CAD (approx. $120 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within validity period. | $320 CAD (approx. $240 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | 200 BDT/day (approx. $2.40 USD/day) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | 10,000 BDT (approx. $120 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Bangladeshi airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or entering the country, 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent year-round, especially in urban areas.
MalariaHigh risk
Risk in all areas, including Dhaka; prophylaxis recommended.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne virus with outbreaks reported.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria risk is high throughout Bangladesh, including Dhaka. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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 immigration services.
Chittagong
Chittagong Immigration Office
Agrabad Commercial Area, Chittagong
Sun–Thu 09:00–17:00
Handles visa matters for southern region.
Practical information for CA 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
Yes, but only at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka. Other airports like Chittagong or Sylhet do not offer visa on arrival for Canadians. If you're flying into those, you need a visa in advance.
Typically 30 days from the date of issue. It's a single-entry visa. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Dhaka (costs around $50 USD, takes a few days).
The visa counter accepts USD, GBP, EUR, and CAD. They'll give change in Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) at the airport exchange rate. But exact USD is fastest and avoids confusion.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, no visa is needed. But if you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need a visa on arrival (same process and fee).
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Dhaka (near the airport). Extensions are usually granted for 30 more days, costing about $50 USD. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
Overstays are fined 200 BDT (about $2.50 USD) per day. Pay at the airport before departure. Serious overstays (months) can lead to a ban, so don't push it.
Not officially required for visa on arrival, but immigration may ask how you'll support yourself. Having a credit card or a few hundred USD in cash is enough. No need for bank statements.
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.