Bangladesh entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
South African passport holders need a visa to enter Bangladesh. Apply online through the official e-Visa portal before you travel. This rule applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | South African passport holders need a visa for Bangladesh. Apply online at the official Bangladesh eVisa portal at least 2 weeks before departure. The eVisa costs around $51 USD and is usually processed within 3-5 working days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Bangladesh. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Dhaka airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Bangladesh. Officers may ask for it during immigration questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you have at least $500 USD for your stay. Immigration may ask how you plan to cover expenses. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival not available
South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Bangladesh. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel. No exceptions.
Keep documents accessible
Immigration at Dhaka airport may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Keep printed copies or clear screenshots on your phone to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa Online
Go to the official Bangladesh e-Visa portal (evisa.gov.bd). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-sized photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive the approved visa by email.
2
Prepare Your Documents
Print or save on your phone: the e-Visa approval email, your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, and first-night accommodation confirmation. Keep them together in a folder or a clear section of your phone.
3
Arrive at the Airport
At Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, head to the 'Foreigners' queue. Hand over your passport and e-Visa printout (or show the email on your phone). The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly and directly.
4
Collect Your Luggage and Exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There's a customs declaration if you're carrying more than $5,000 in cash or restricted items. Otherwise, walk through the green channel and you're out.
Download Bangladesh Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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~$50 USD (equivalent in BDT)
Requires application at Bangladesh High Commission in Pretoria or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in BDT)
Ideal for frequent visitors; must show proof of sufficient funds.
Business visa
Max stay60 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$80 USD (equivalent in BDT)
Requires invitation letter from a Bangladeshi company.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Bangladeshi employer. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bangladesh. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Bangladeshi business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard single-entry tourist visa fee for South African passport holders. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in BDT) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple-entry option for frequent travellers. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in BDT) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | ~$10 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFee for applying for a stay extension at immigration office. | ~$30 USD (equivalent in BDT) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
South African passport holders transiting through Bangladesh do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration, for up to 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a visa is required.
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 EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas; use repellent and nets.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
TyphoidHigh risk
Spread through contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. 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
E-7, Agargaon, 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
Customs House Building, Agrabad, Chittagong
Sun–Thu 09:00–17:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the southeastern region.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 122.82 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
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. You'll get the approved visa by email.
No, the standard tourist visa is not extendable. If you need more time, you must leave and reapply from outside the country.
You won't be allowed to board your flight or enter Bangladesh. Renew your passport before applying for the e-Visa.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
No, it's not required for entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies.
No, South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved e-Visa before you travel.
The fee varies by visa type and duration. Check the official e-Visa portal for the current fee. Expect around $50–$70 for a standard tourist visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.