Bangladesh entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bangladesh. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs $50 USD. Have your documents ready before you land in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival at airports in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — immigration officers at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport routinely ask for both. The visa costs $51 USD for a single-entry stay up to 30 days, payable in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP).Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date | Bangladesh immigration enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page as backup. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Printed or digital copy | Immigration officers at Dhaka airport check for a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Budget airlines like Air Arabia and flydubai also verify this at check-in. Have a printed copy or the email confirmation on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers at the visa-on-arrival counter ask for a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host in Bangladesh. A booking.com or Agoda confirmation printed out works fine. If staying with friends, have them send a signed invitation with their NID number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Immigration may ask to see it, though enforcement is inconsistent. ATMs in Dhaka dispense local currency (BDT) but international cards sometimes fail. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile payments. Bring $50 USD in crisp, undamaged notes. ATMs at the airport may not dispense foreign currency.
Visa on arrival only at Dhaka airport
This facility is only available at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka. If you're flying into Chittagong or Sylhet, you'll need a visa in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka
Most international flights arrive here. Follow the 'Visa on Arrival' signs after baggage claim. There's a dedicated counter before immigration.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a small form on arrival. Fill in your details (name, passport number, hotel address, flight info). Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over $50 USD in cash at the payment counter. They'll give you a receipt. Keep it safe.
4
Submit documents and get your visa
Give the form, receipt, passport, and photo (if needed) to the immigration officer. They'll stamp your passport with a 30-day visa. The whole process takes 10–20 minutes.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After getting your visa, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're in Bangladesh.
Download Bangladesh Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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 date
Cost$51 USD (approx. 4,300 BDT)
Apply at Bangladesh embassy or consulate. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. 12,600 BDT)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Business visa
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 8,400 BDT)
Requires invitation letter from Bangladesh company.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 16,800 BDT) per year
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Bangladesh company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Board of Investment.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD (approx. 42,000 BDT) per year
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Bangladesh business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 8,400 BDT) per year
For enrolment in a recognized educational institution in Bangladesh. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or BDT) at airport immigration counters. | $51 USD (approx. 4,300 BDT) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry, up to 60 days)Requires prior approval from Bangladesh Immigration. | $100 USD (approx. 8,400 BDT) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 42,000 BDT). | $10 USD (approx. 840 BDT) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Apply at Bangladesh embassy or consulate before travel. | $51 USD (approx. 4,300 BDT) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)Valid for 1 year from issue date. | $150 USD (approx. 12,600 BDT) |
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
Swiss passport holders transiting through Bangladesh airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 72 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 72 hours.
- If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival 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 except Dhaka city; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne virus with outbreaks reported.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all rural areas, especially in Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sylhet region. Prophylaxis recommended for most 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 (Head Office)
E-7, Agargaon, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207
Sun–Thu 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Chittagong
Chittagong Immigration Office
Agrabad Commercial Area, Chittagong
Sun–Thu 09:00–16:00
For visa extensions in the port city region.
Practical information for CH 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 = 122.86 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 may not offer this facility. If you're flying into a smaller airport, check with your airline or embassy first.
The fee is $50 USD (or equivalent in euros, pounds, or Bangladeshi Taka). You must pay in cash — no cards accepted. Bring crisp, undamaged notes.
It's valid for up to 30 days from the date of issue. You cannot extend it beyond that. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before you travel.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you overstay, you'll face fines (around 200 BDT per day) and possible trouble at immigration when leaving.
Yes, immigration will ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Have a screenshot or printout ready.
You need a confirmed first-night accommodation. A booking on Booking.com or similar is fine. If you're staying with friends, have their address and phone number written down.
Bangladesh does not offer an e-visa for Swiss passport holders. The visa on arrival is the standard option. If you want to avoid the queue, you can apply for a traditional visa at the Bangladesh embassy in Bern before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.