VisaBangladesh arrival-visa portal requires applications at least 72 hours ahead
Current guidance explains the online acknowledgement, separate arrival card, cash-payment instructions and the limits of discretionary visa-on-arrival access.
Official source date: 2026-10-29
Edited and checked by the VisaWand editorial team
Online preparation precedes the arrival desk
Bangladesh visa-on-arrival applicants should prepare before their flight: the Special Branch application portal currently states that applications must be submitted at least 72 hours in advance. This is a current service review checked on 29 October 2026, not a claim that an unverified new rule started today. The portal timing matters even though the final visa is obtained at the border.
The application service links separate instructions for registration, uploads and printing an acknowledgement. It does not establish that any foreign traveller can obtain a visa merely by creating an account. Before booking around this route, verify eligibility for the actual passport and purpose, the entry port and the documents required. A submission or acknowledgement is part of preparation, while immigration officers retain the decision at arrival.
Nationality and purpose still govern access
The Special Branch application instructions list tourism, trade, investment and government-related travel for eligible visitors, including examples such as United States, Canadian, Australian, Japanese, Singaporean and European nationals. They also describe specific cases involving countries without Bangladeshi diplomatic representation, foreign citizens of Bangladeshi origin and their families, and invited investors. These categories should be assessed against the actual circumstances rather than treated as universal admission.
The separate official eligibility information says visas are issued after officers examine the relevant documents, generally for a maximum of 30 days with single entry, and instructs visitors to use the same port for entry and departure. Its wording about travel from countries without a resident mission is narrower in places than the general application instructions. Someone relying on that condition or planning a different departure port should obtain confirmation before travel, identifying the complete itinerary.
Upload the file and retain the acknowledgement
The online instructions require account activation through a registered email address, selection of the visa type and traveller information matching the passport. They describe uploads for a recent full-frontal photograph and passport biographical page, each with a five-megabyte maximum, plus an invitation and other supporting material as required. Review the draft before final submission and retain the tracking identifier.
The same resource directs applicants to monitor the dashboard and registered email, then print the visa-on-arrival acknowledgement from the application details or approval-email attachment. Use that guide to locate the correct download rather than arrive carrying only an account-registration email. An illustrative business traveller should also establish that the inviting organization has completed any required advance notification; uploading an invitation is not proof that the host fulfilled its separate responsibility.
Budget for cash fees and show the visit evidence
The Special Branch public visa information says to bring foreign-currency cash for payment, a return ticket and at least USD500 in cash or a credit card, with an exception to the funds requirement for government duty. Its general immigration FAQ lists a USD50 visa-on-arrival fee. The application instructions describe that amount as excluding processing charges or subject to the authority rate, so do not assume USD50 is every traveller final total.
UK government entry guidance tells British citizen applicants that arrival visas are discretionary, single entry and generally 15 to 30 days. It requires return travel and proof of funds and says an advance visa should be considered. Check the duration actually granted; the maximum period advertised for the category does not guarantee that every traveller receives the full 30 days. Plan any longer visit through the appropriate advance route or timely extension application.
The electronic arrival card is another form
The Special Branch electronic arrival-card service separately asks for passport and personal details, arrival flight and date, accommodation address, contact information and visa details. Use that actual form for border registration rather than assume that the visa application automatically replaces it. UK guidance also identifies an electronic departure card before leaving. Keep the travel and accommodation details consistent across the forms.
After admission, check the entry stamp and authorized departure date. The UK resource warns that the stamp is checked on exit and overstaying can result in a fine. This review does not recommend relying on a penalty as an alternative to lawful permission. If the journey or category remains uncertain, resolve it before the 72-hour application deadline; if plans change after arrival, address the permission while the existing stay remains valid.
