Bangladesh entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival at certain Bangladeshi airports in 2026. No need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and pay the fee. Have everything ready before you queue.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Bangladesh. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Available for New Zealand passport holders | You can get a visa on arrival at Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet airports. Bring USD cash for the fee (typically $51 USD for a 30-day single entry) and a passport photo. The visa is not extendable.Check visa on arrival rules | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Dhaka airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — they won't let you through without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | While not always checked, having a hotel booking or invitation letter from a host can speed up the visa-on-arrival process. Officers may ask where you're staying — have the address handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a credit card statement ready — ATMs are available but not always reliable. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. ATMs are located after immigration, so you won't be able to withdraw money before paying. Bring USD in small bills.
Visa on arrival not available at land borders
If you're entering Bangladesh overland from India or Myanmar, you must have a visa issued in advance. Visa on arrival is only for air arrivals at the three international airports.
What happens at the border
1
Land at a designated airport
Visa on arrival is only available at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka, Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP) in Chittagong, and Osmani International Airport (ZYL) in Sylhet. Not available at land borders or seaports.
2
Go to the visa on arrival counter
After disembarking, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Visa Counter'. Don't join the regular immigration queue yet. Fill out the application form (usually available at the counter).
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the fee in cash (USD recommended). The officer will process and stamp your passport.
4
Proceed to immigration
Once you have the visa sticker, join the regular immigration queue. Present your passport with the visa. You'll be stamped in and can collect your luggage.
Download Bangladesh Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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$60 USD (approx. 7,000 BDT)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking. Extend at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. 17,500 BDT)
Ideal for frequent visitors. Must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$80 USD (approx. 9,500 BDT)
Requires business invitation letter from a Bangladeshi company.
work visa
Employment Visa (Category E)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 23,500 BDT) per year
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Bangladeshi company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Board of Investment.
student visa
Student Visa (Category S)
Duration of course, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 17,500 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 annually
~$500 USD (approx. 58,500 BDT) per year
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Bangladeshi business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD, EUR, or GBP at the airport. Exact amount may vary slightly. | $51 USD (approx. 6,000 BDT) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Apply at Bangladesh High Commission in Wellington or online. | $60 USD (approx. 7,000 BDT) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 1 year)Valid for multiple entries within 1 year from issue date. | $150 USD (approx. 17,500 BDT) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap reported; avoid overstaying to prevent complications. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 1,200 BDT) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, 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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season (May–October).
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread in rural areas, especially in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sylhet region.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food and water; practice strict hygiene and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in rural areas, especially in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sylhet. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers visiting these regions.
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, Nasirabad, Chittagong 4000
Sun–Thu 09:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the southeast region.
Practical information for NZ 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 typically around $50–$70 USD for a 30-day single-entry visa. Exact amounts can change, so bring a bit extra in cash. Payment is in USD or Bangladeshi Taka — USD is easier.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You'd need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel if you plan to stay longer.
Visa on arrival is only available at the three international airports listed above. If you arrive by land from India or Myanmar, you must have a visa issued in advance from a Bangladeshi embassy or consulate.
No, there's no online pre-application for visa on arrival. Just fill out the paper form at the airport counter. However, you can apply for an e-Visa online if you prefer — that's a separate process.
Typically 30 days for a single entry. The exact duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer, so have your return ticket within that window.
You'll likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration officers almost always ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Not mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Bangladesh can be high for foreigners, and insurance covers evacuation, theft, and trip disruption.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.