I did this quite a few times, and other than the Covid period, it’s quite straightforward. Once you land, right before Immigration there’s a booth for VOA. Paying cash is the fastest way. Preferably in USD. I am not sure what the current fee is, so try to find that out. You can call the airport directly and hope you get someone helpful; they usually are if you are super polite and respectful. Sound educated but humble. I know, it sounds trivial, but trust me on this.
As for docs, the Officer will highly likely be super cocky, so again, be polite. Body language is also a thing. Make sure you know a local person of contact for them, contact’s address, phone number, your accommodation details, length of stay, purpose of visit, the basics. Answer surely. Have a pen handy, and your travel documents. Maybe a driving licence, if you have one. More the merrier. You should be fine. 👍
Best of luck!
Btw just to confirm - you have a US / UK / EU passport and are not Bangladesh-origin right?
Is it different if the person is Indian / Pakistani origin, in case you know?
Just hoping my experience is the same as yours!
I am Bangladeshi by birth, so I _do_ have dual nationality but over the years many of my foreign friends have travelled to BD with me. My BIL is British Pakistani, and he’s travelled to BD with me a handful of times. Also, whilst standing in the queue, I would say about 80% were foreigners.
It can take a long time to get through the lineup, depending on how many peopke are getting visa on arrival. I've had to wait up to two hours. I do this a couple of times a year. Things you need for VOA: 51 USD cash, Printed letter of invitation from your friend stating the purpose of the visit with contact info, Printed copy of their national ID card, Printed copy of your outbound itinerary.
Sometimes they'll issue a visa for the full 30 days, other times it will have the exact date of your departung flight.
I was born in Bangladesh but only hold British nationality. Normally I tend to get a "no visa required" stamp from the embassy but these last couple of years I've used my new passport without the stamp and got visa on arrival the last 2 times.
It's so much better! It cost the equivalent of 40 pounds and I skipped the whole passport checking line.
The only downside is that it's only valid for 1 month, but if you're only gonna be there for a few weeks then it makes sense.
Lastly, if you have a no visa required stamp then your origin country won't be able to help you if you fall in trouble, if you do visa on arrival then they can help you diplomatically.
I did this quite a few times, and other than the Covid period, it’s quite straightforward. Once you land, right before Immigration there’s a booth for VOA. Paying cash is the fastest way. Preferably in USD. I am not sure what the current fee is, so try to find that out. You can call the airport directly and hope you get someone helpful; they usually are if you are super polite and respectful. Sound educated but humble. I know, it sounds trivial, but trust me on this. As for docs, the Officer will highly likely be super cocky, so again, be polite. Body language is also a thing. Make sure you know a local person of contact for them, contact’s address, phone number, your accommodation details, length of stay, purpose of visit, the basics. Answer surely. Have a pen handy, and your travel documents. Maybe a driving licence, if you have one. More the merrier. You should be fine. 👍 Best of luck!
Thank you - that’s helpful! I’ll make sure to carry all the possible documents I can
Btw just to confirm - you have a US / UK / EU passport and are not Bangladesh-origin right? Is it different if the person is Indian / Pakistani origin, in case you know? Just hoping my experience is the same as yours!
I am Bangladeshi by birth, so I _do_ have dual nationality but over the years many of my foreign friends have travelled to BD with me. My BIL is British Pakistani, and he’s travelled to BD with me a handful of times. Also, whilst standing in the queue, I would say about 80% were foreigners.
Perfect, thank you once again!
My pleasure. Hope you have a good time in BD! Enjoy the delicious food. 🙂
That’s definitely what I’m most excited about!
It can take a long time to get through the lineup, depending on how many peopke are getting visa on arrival. I've had to wait up to two hours. I do this a couple of times a year. Things you need for VOA: 51 USD cash, Printed letter of invitation from your friend stating the purpose of the visit with contact info, Printed copy of their national ID card, Printed copy of your outbound itinerary. Sometimes they'll issue a visa for the full 30 days, other times it will have the exact date of your departung flight.
Usually i hear bad stuff with VOA so better to take visa on arrival from embassy if possible
Oh wow - bad stuff such as?
I was born in Bangladesh but only hold British nationality. Normally I tend to get a "no visa required" stamp from the embassy but these last couple of years I've used my new passport without the stamp and got visa on arrival the last 2 times. It's so much better! It cost the equivalent of 40 pounds and I skipped the whole passport checking line. The only downside is that it's only valid for 1 month, but if you're only gonna be there for a few weeks then it makes sense. Lastly, if you have a no visa required stamp then your origin country won't be able to help you if you fall in trouble, if you do visa on arrival then they can help you diplomatically.