Bangladesh entry requirements for Laos passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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

Laos passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all major airports and land border crossings in Bangladesh. No need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and cash for the fee. This policy is in effect as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get a visa on arrival at any international airport in Bangladesh. Pay the fee in USD (around $50 for a 30-day single entry) — bring exact cash. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready, as the visa officer may ask to see them before issuing the visa.Check visa detailsRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Bangladesh
Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from the day you leave 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 Dhaka and other airports will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Bangladesh. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you don't have a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Cash, credit card, or bank statement
Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a credit card with sufficient limit. Immigration rarely checks, but the visa officer may ask if you look underprepared.Recommended
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile payments. Bring USD, EUR, or GBP in crisp, undamaged notes. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
No need to apply online or visit an embassy. Just show up with your passport, a photo, cash, and a return ticket. The whole process takes 10-20 minutes at the airport.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka) or any other international airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' before passport control. Same process at major land borders like Benapole.
2
Fill out the application form
Pick up a visa application form at the counter. Fill it in with your details — name, passport number, flight number, hotel address. Keep it simple and legible.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, passport photo, and cash fee. The officer will process it — usually takes 5-15 minutes. No appointment needed.
4
Collect your passport with visa sticker
Once approved, your passport will be returned with a visa sticker. Check the validity dates and your name spelling before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Now go to the immigration counter with your passport and visa. They'll stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass handy — they sometimes ask.
Download Bangladesh Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Download PDF

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$50 USD (approx. 5,900 BDT)

Apply at Bangladesh embassy/consulate before travel.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 11,800 BDT)

For multiple entries within validity period.

Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 5,900 BDT)

Requires invitation letter from Bangladesh company.

work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. 17,700 BDT) per year
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Bangladesh company. Requires employer sponsorship, valid contract, and approval from the Board of Investment.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 11,800 BDT) per year
For enrollment in recognized educational institutions in Bangladesh. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 23,600 BDT) per year
For foreign investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in Bangladesh. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or equivalent at port of entry.$50 USD (approx. 5,900 BDT)
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Apply at Bangladesh embassy/consulate before travel.$50 USD (approx. 5,900 BDT)
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days validity)For multiple entries within validity period.$100 USD (approx. 11,800 BDT)
Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 59,000 BDT).$10 USD (approx. 1,180 BDT) per day

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

Laos passport holders transiting through Bangladesh airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa may be required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
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 common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.

MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in rural and forested areas; prophylaxis recommended.

CholeraModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination may be considered for high-risk travellers.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria risk is high in all areas, especially rural and forested regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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

For visa extension and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.

Chittagong
Regional Passport Office, Chittagong
2, Court Road, Chittagong
Sun–Thu 09:00–17:00

Handles visa extensions for visitors in the Chittagong area.

Practical information for LA 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 = 122.76 BDT
updated May 29
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
Police999
Medical999
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The fee is typically around $50-60 USD, but it can vary. Pay in cash only — USD, EUR, or GBP are accepted. Bring crisp, undamaged bills; torn or marked notes may be refused.
Yes, at all international airports (Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet) and major land ports like Benapole (from India) and Tamabil (from India). Smaller land crossings may not offer it — check ahead.
The standard visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible at the Department of Immigration in Dhaka, but it's not guaranteed. Plan accordingly.
Yes, immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. A confirmed return or onward ticket is required. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
Some visa-on-arrival counters can take your photo for a small fee (around $2-5 USD), but it's faster to bring your own. Save the hassle and bring one.
Extensions are possible but not automatic. You'll need to visit the Department of Immigration in Dhaka (near the airport) and apply. The process takes a few days and costs extra. Best to plan your stay within the initial validity.
No, it's not required for entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs can be high, and insurance covers trip disruptions. Get a policy before you travel.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.