India to Resume Tourist Visa Services in Bangladesh After Nearly Two Years

India is set to restore regular tourist visa services for Bangladeshi nationals, marking an important step toward normalizing travel and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two neighboring countries. Tourist visa applications will resume from June 28, 2026, nearly two years after visa operations were significantly reduced following political unrest in Bangladesh.

The announcement has been welcomed by travelers, tourism businesses, and families with cross-border connections, as it is expected to make travel between India and Bangladesh much easier.

Why Were Visa Services Reduced?

India scaled down its visa operations in Bangladesh in 2024 after widespread political unrest and attacks on diplomatic facilities during the protests that led to the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from office. Security concerns forced Indian missions to limit visa processing for an extended period. Although some emergency and limited visa categories continued during this period, tourist visa services remained largely unavailable.

Tourist Visa Applications to Resume from June 28

India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, announced that normal tourist visa applications would begin again on June 28 through designated Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) across Bangladesh. The announcement came shortly after he presented his credentials in Dhaka.

The decision is expected to significantly increase travel for:

• Tourism
• Family visits
• Religious travel
• Medical consultations
• Business meetings

What This Means for Bangladeshi Travelers

The reopening of tourist visa services offers greater convenience for thousands of Bangladeshi citizens who regularly travel to India.

Popular reasons for visiting India include:

• Medical treatment
• Religious pilgrimages
• Tourism
• Shopping
• Visiting relatives
• Educational purposes

The resumption of regular visa processing is expected to reduce waiting times and improve travel planning for eligible applicants.

Strengthening India-Bangladesh Relations

The move is also viewed as a positive step in rebuilding bilateral relations.

India and Bangladesh share one of South Asia's closest cross-border relationships, with millions of people traveling between the two countries every year for tourism, healthcare, trade, education, and family visits.

Restoring normal visa services is expected to encourage:

• Increased tourism
• Business cooperation
• Cultural exchanges
• Cross-border economic activity

Tips for Travelers Planning a Trip

If you are planning international travel, consider these recommendations:

• Check passport validity well in advance
• Review current visa requirements
• Submit visa applications early
• Monitor official government travel updates
• Keep copies of important travel documents

Preparing early can help prevent unexpected delays during your journey.

Looking Ahead

The restoration of tourist visa services reflects improving cooperation between India and Bangladesh and is expected to benefit travelers, tourism operators, and businesses on both sides of the border. As international travel continues to recover, governments are increasingly combining traditional visa services with digital application systems to make border procedures more efficient and secure.

Final Thoughts

India's decision to resume regular tourist visa operations in Bangladesh is a significant development for regional travel. Beginning June 28, 2026, Bangladeshi nationals will once again be able to submit tourist visa applications through designated visa centres, making travel to India more accessible after nearly two years of restrictions. Whether you're planning to visit India for tourism, family, business, or medical purposes, it's always advisable to complete your travel documentation well in advance. Travelers can apply India visa online where eligible, while those visiting other destinations can also apply Malaysia visa online or apply NZeTA online to simplify their international travel preparations.