Bangladesh entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bangladesh. It's valid for stays up to 30 days and costs $51 USD (cash only). You'll fill in a form at the airport and show your passport, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. This policy started in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 30-day visa on arrival at Dhaka, Chittagong, or Sylhet airports. Have $50 USD in cash and a printed hotel booking ready. The visa is single-entry and not extendable.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration officers at Dhaka airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Budget airlines like Air Asia and flydubai check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a printed hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host. Officers at the visa-on-arrival counter may ask for an address in Bangladesh. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. The visa-on-arrival fee is $50 USD, and you'll need cash for that. | Recommended |
Cash only at the visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars, euros, or pounds. Cards are not accepted. Bring exact change if possible.
Visa on arrival is not guaranteed
While British passport holders generally get it, immigration officers have the final say. Always have a backup plan (e.g., apply for an e-visa in advance if you're nervous).
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
At Dhaka (DAC) or Chittagong (CGP) airports, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after passport control. There's a counter where you fill in a form.
2
Fill in the application form
You'll get a small form to complete. It asks for your name, passport number, flight details, and address in Bangladesh. Have your hotel address ready.
3
Pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and $51 USD in cash. The officer will process it and give you a receipt.
4
Get your visa sticker
The officer will stick the visa into your passport and stamp it. You're now cleared to enter. The whole process takes about 10–15 minutes.
Download Bangladesh Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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 (approx. £40)
Apply at Bangladesh High Commission or online; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. £80)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$51 USD (approx. £40)
Requires invitation letter from Bangladeshi company.
Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$100 USD (approx. £80)
Requires invitation letter and prior approval.
work visa
Employment Visa (Category E)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. £160) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Bangladeshi employer. Requires employer sponsorship, valid contract, and approval from the Board of Investment or relevant authority.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. £400) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in Bangladesh. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
student visa
Student Visa (Category S)
Duration of course, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. £80) plus university fees
For those enrolled in a recognised educational institution in Bangladesh. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) or by credit card at major airports. | $51 USD (approx. £40) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Apply at Bangladesh High Commission in London or online. | $51 USD (approx. £40) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 6 months)Requires pre-approval; valid for multiple entries. | $100 USD (approx. £80) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future bans. | $10 USD per day (approx. £8) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
UK passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Bangladeshi airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Bangladesh may exit the airport during transit.
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
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; vaccination may be considered for high-risk travellers.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is present in all areas, including Dhaka and Chittagong. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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
Handles 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
For visa extensions in the port city area.
Practical information for GB 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 = 122.86 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
Yes, but only at Dhaka (DAC) and Chittagong (CGP) airports. If you arrive by land border, you need a visa in advance.
It's valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You cannot extend it beyond that.
You'll likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration officers routinely ask to see your onward ticket. Book a refundable one if you're unsure of your plans.
No. The fee is $51 USD, and they only accept US dollars, euros, or pounds sterling. Bring exact change if possible.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., for a long layover), you'll need the visa on arrival.
You will be refused entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
Bangladesh does not automatically bar entry for minor offences, but serious convictions (especially drug-related) may lead to refusal. There's no official list — it's at the officer's discretion.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.