Bangladesh entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bangladesh. This is the standard way to enter for tourism, valid for up to 30 days. No need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with the right documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at any international airport in Bangladesh. Pay the fee in USD (around $51 for a 30-day single-entry visa) — bring exact cash. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready to show at the visa counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Bangladesh. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Dhaka and Chittagong airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Bangladesh. Immigration may ask for it at the visa on arrival counter — a printed booking confirmation works best. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD, EUR, or GBP. Cards are not accepted. Bring crisp, undamaged bills. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need the visa first.
Visa on arrival is for tourism only
This visa is intended for tourism, business visits, and short-term stays. If you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 30 days, you need a different visa obtained before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are before the main immigration booths, usually on the left side of the arrivals hall.
2
Fill out the visa application form
Grab a form from the counter or the desk. Fill in your details — name, passport number, flight info, hotel address. Use block capitals. Attach two passport photos.
3
Submit form and pay the fee
Hand the completed form, your passport, and the fee to the officer. They'll process payment and stamp your passport. Keep the receipt.
4
Proceed to immigration
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the regular immigration queue. Show your passport with the new visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket or hotel booking — have them ready.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Bangladesh.
Download Bangladesh Entry Checklist
PDF · France 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 up to 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$51 USD (approx. 4,200 BDT)
Apply at Bangladesh embassy/consulate before travel; allows one entry.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 8,200 BDT)
Requires prior approval; suitable for frequent travellers.
Business Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$51 USD (approx. 4,200 BDT)
Requires invitation letter from Bangladesh company.
Business Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 8,200 BDT)
For frequent business travellers; requires supporting documents.
work visa
Employment Visa (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 16,500 BDT) per year
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Bangladesh company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Board of Investment. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (typically 1–4 years)
~$100 USD (approx. 8,200 BDT) per year
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bangladesh. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 41,000 BDT) per year
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Bangladesh business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or BDT) at major airports and land ports. | $51 USD (approx. 4,200 BDT) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Same fee as 30-day visa; duration granted at officer's discretion. | $51 USD (approx. 4,200 BDT) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap; may be subject to additional penalties or deportation. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 800 BDT) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
France passport holders transiting through Bangladesh do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land border transit or leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 72 hours at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka).
Transit hubsHazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) · Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP) · Osmani International Airport (ZYL)
Health & vaccines for Bangladesh
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, particularly in Dhaka.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas. 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 (Head Office)
E-7, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka 1207
Sun–Thu 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Chittagong
Regional Passport Office, Chittagong
2 No. Gate, Agrabad, Chittagong 4100
Sun–Thu 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the southeast region.
Practical information for FR 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
USD 51. Pay in crisp US dollars, euros, or pounds. Exact change is appreciated. Cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at all international airports in Bangladesh: Dhaka (DAC), Chittagong (CGP), and Sylhet (ZYL). The process is the same.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the transit area, you'll need the visa on arrival.
You will be denied the visa on arrival and likely refused boarding by your airline. Renew your passport before travel.
Bangladesh does not currently offer an e-visa for French passport holders. The visa on arrival is the standard method for tourism.
Yes, there's a photo booth near the visa on arrival counters at Dhaka airport. It costs a small fee (around 100 BDT).
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.