Bangladesh entry requirements for Netherlands 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
Dutch passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bangladesh for tourism or business. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs about $50 USD. Pay in cash at the airport counter in Dhaka or Chittagong.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You can get a visa on arrival at major airports in Bangladesh (Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet). Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — immigration officers at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport routinely ask for both. The visa costs $51 USD for a 30-day single entry, payable in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP).Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date | Bangladesh immigration strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. Airlines at Schiphol also check this before letting you board. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before booking your flight. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | You must show a confirmed onward or return ticket when applying for the visa on arrival. Immigration officers at Dhaka airport check this before issuing the visa. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works fine. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Bangladesh. Immigration at Dhaka airport asks for this during the visa on arrival process. A booking confirmation from Booking.com or Agoda is sufficient. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers rarely ask, but the visa on arrival rules technically require proof of means to cover your stay. ATMs are available at the airport but unreliable. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP). Cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is single-entry only
You cannot leave Bangladesh and re-enter on the same visa. If you plan to visit neighboring countries, get a multiple-entry visa before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka or Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP) in Chittagong. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counter before immigration.
2
Fill out the application form
Pick up a visa on arrival application form at the counter. Fill it out with your personal details, passport info, and accommodation address.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, passport photo, and return ticket. Pay the fee in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP). The officer will process and issue the visa sticker.
4
Proceed to immigration
Once you have the visa sticker in your passport, go to the immigration counter. Show your passport and boarding pass. You'll be stamped in.
Download Bangladesh Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands 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 date
Cost$51 USD (approx. 4,500 BDT)
Apply at Bangladesh embassy or online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 8,800 BDT)
Ideal for frequent visitors.
Business visa
Max stay60 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD (approx. 8,800 BDT)
Requires invitation letter from Bangladesh company.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 17,600 BDT) per year
For those with a job offer from a Bangladesh company. Requires employer sponsorship and government approval.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 13,200 BDT) per year
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 44,000 BDT) per year
For investors with significant business interests in Bangladesh. Minimum investment varies.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) entry feeFee for single entry, payable in cash (USD or BDT) at the airport. | $51 USD (approx. 4,500 BDT) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays up to 30 days, extendable at immigration office. | $51 USD (approx. 4,500 BDT) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, max stay 30 days per entry. | $100 USD (approx. 8,800 BDT) |
| Stay extension feeApply at immigration office before current visa expires. | $30 USD (approx. 2,600 BDT) per 30 days |
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration office before departure. | $10 USD (approx. 880 BDT) per day, max $500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Netherlands passport holders transiting through Bangladesh do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Bangladesh may transit without additional visa.
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 disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and nets.
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria risk is high in all areas, especially rural. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all 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, Chittagong Port Area
Sun–Thu 09:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the southeast region.
Practical information for NL 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
The fee is approximately $50 USD (or equivalent in euros, pounds, or US dollars). It must be paid in cash at the counter. Cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave Bangladesh within 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration requires proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to a neighboring country.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need a visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa.
No, the visa on arrival is only available at Dhaka and Chittagong international airports. Land border crossings require a pre-arranged visa.
You will be denied the visa on arrival. Renew your passport before travel. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No, it's not mandatory. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Bangladesh can be high for foreigners.
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.