Bangladesh entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders can get a visa on arrival at any international airport in Bangladesh. Just show up with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this visa covers tourism, business, and short-term visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | US passport holders can get a 30-day single-entry visa on arrival at Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet airports. Have $51 USD in cash for the visa fee — the counter does not accept cards. You'll need a passport photo and a completed arrival form handed out on the plane.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Bangladesh. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Confirmed outbound ticket | Immigration officers at Dhaka airport routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight within the visa validity period. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they may deny entry if you can't show one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Bangladesh. Immigration may ask where you're staying, and having a booking speeds up the process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card — the visa counter only takes cash for the visa fee itself. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars or Bangladeshi Taka. No credit cards, no ATM nearby. Have the exact amount ready to speed things up.
Visa on arrival not available at land borders
If you're planning to enter Bangladesh overland from India or Myanmar, you must get a visa from a Bangladeshi embassy beforehand. The visa on arrival is only for air arrivals.
What happens at the border
1
Land at an international 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. Do not arrive by land border — visa on arrival is not available there.
2
Fill out the arrival form
On the plane or at the airport, fill out the standard Bangladesh arrival card. Keep it with your passport.
3
Go to the visa on arrival counter
After passport control but before baggage claim, look for the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. It's usually well-signed. Join the queue.
4
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, arrival card, return ticket, and photos (if asked). The officer will tell you the fee — pay in USD or BDT cash. You'll get a receipt and a visa sticker in your passport.
5
Proceed to immigration
With the visa sticker, go to the immigration counter. The officer will stamp you in. Then collect your bags and exit.
Download Bangladesh Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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
Cost$51 USD
Apply at Bangladesh embassy/consulate before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
For frequent visitors; requires proof of multiple trips.
Business Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$51 USD
Requires invitation letter from Bangladesh company.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Bangladesh company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Board of Investment.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$100 USD (institution-assisted)
For enrolled students at recognized Bangladesh institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (minimum investment $50,000 USD)
For individuals investing in Bangladesh businesses or startups. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 30 days, extendable once for 30 days. | $51 USD (paid in USD or equivalent) |
| Stay extension (first 30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Passports in Dhaka. | 3,000 BDT (~$35 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | 200 BDT (~$2.50 USD) per day, max 10,000 BDT (~$120 USD) |
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
US passport holders transiting through Bangladesh airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or entering Bangladesh, a visa on arrival or regular 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; common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended for most travellers.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice strict hygiene and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high in all areas except Dhaka city. 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
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
Chittagong Immigration Office
Agrabad, Chittagong 4100
Sun–Thu 09:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the southeast region.
Practical information for US 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 $50–$100 USD depending on the length of stay. For a 30-day single-entry visa, expect around $50 USD. Pay in US dollars or Bangladeshi Taka — cards are not accepted. Have exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Visa on arrival is not available at land borders. You must fly into one of the three international airports listed above. If you arrive by land, you need a visa from a Bangladeshi embassy or consulate beforehand.
The standard visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. The immigration officer will decide the exact duration based on your purpose of visit and documents. Make sure your return ticket is within that period.
No online pre-registration is required. Just fill out the standard arrival card on the plane or at the airport. No arrival declaration form is needed.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration officers routinely ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available for business visitors. You may need a letter of invitation from your Bangladeshi business contact, though it's not always required. Have it ready just in case.
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.