India visa for Bangladeshi citizens

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If you are a Bangladeshi citizen planning a trip to India, you need to apply for a regular visa from an Indian mission or visa centre. The e-Visa facility is not available for Bangladeshi passport holders. You must submit your application in person at the designated centre in Bangladesh. Plan ahead, as the process involves several steps and you need to have your visa before you travel. Check the official website for the most current requirements.

What this means for you

As a Bangladeshi citizen, you cannot use the online e-Visa system that many other nationalities can. Instead, you must apply for a regular visa sticker in your passport. This visa is issued by an Indian mission or a designated visa application centre in Bangladesh. You need to complete the process before you leave for India. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Bangladeshi passport holders at Indian airports or land borders.

The regular visa you receive will specify the number of entries allowed and the period of stay. These details vary depending on the visa type and the discretion of the issuing authority. Always check the visa sticker carefully after you receive it. If you have any doubts about the conditions, contact the mission or centre before you travel. The rules are subject to change, so confirm the latest information on the official visa website.

Before you travel and on arrival

Before you travel, ensure your passport has a blank page for the visa sticker. You must carry the printed copy of your visa application receipt and any supporting documents you submitted. On arrival at an Indian airport, present your passport with the valid visa sticker to the immigration officer. You may be asked about the purpose of your visit and your accommodation plans. Keep your return or onward ticket handy.

At the immigration counter, your fingerprints and photograph may be taken. The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry. The visa conditions, such as the permitted duration of stay, begin from this date. Make sure you do not overstay, as this can lead to penalties or future visa problems. If you are arriving by land from Bangladesh, the same rules apply at the border checkpoint.

Arriving in Indian cities and travelling between them

Once you are in India, you can travel between cities and states freely, as long as you stay within the conditions of your visa. Some areas, such as certain border regions or restricted zones, may require special permits. Check with local authorities or your hotel if you plan to visit such places. For most major cities and tourist destinations, no additional permissions are needed.

When moving between cities, keep your passport and visa with you at all times. Hotels and transport providers may ask for identification. If you take a domestic flight, your visa details are checked at the airport. The visa you hold is for the whole of India, so you can move around without needing to report to any government office. Always respect local laws and customs during your stay.

Staying longer, working or studying

If you wish to stay in India for a longer period, or for purposes such as employment or study, you need to apply for a different visa category. The regular tourist visa does not permit you to work or study. For employment, you need an employment visa. For study, you need a student visa. Each type has its own application process and documentation requirements. These visas are also obtained from the Indian mission in Bangladesh.

For any visa extension or change of status while in India, you must apply to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in the city where you are staying. This process is not automatic and requires valid reasons. Overstaying your visa without permission is a serious offence. Always check the official visa website for the specific rules that apply to your situation. The rules for long-term stays are updated periodically.

How to apply

1. Find the Indian visa application centre or mission nearest to you in Bangladesh.
2. Fill in the visa application form on the official website indianvisaonline.gov.in.
3. Book an appointment at the visa centre or mission for document submission.
4. Submit your passport, photographs, supporting documents and biometric data in person.
5. Wait for the visa decision and collect your passport with the visa sticker.
6. Check the visa sticker for correct details before you travel to India.
7. Carry your passport and visa documents when you travel to the airport or border.

Documents to carry

• Valid passport with at least one blank page
• Completed visa application form printout
• Recent passport-size photographs as specified
• Proof of residence or address in Bangladesh
• Supporting documents for your travel purpose

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