Bangladesh Missions in India to Resume Tourist Visa. In a significant development for cross-border travel, Bangladesh has announced the resumption of tourist visa services for Indian nationals starting Monday, 24 February 2026. The decision comes after a two-month suspension caused by security concerns outside diplomatic missions.
Officials from the foreign ministry in Dhaka confirmed that tourist visa issuance will fully restart, marking a major step toward restoring normal travel and strengthening bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh.for visa process police clearance is very important.
Background: Two-Month Visa Suspension
Tourist visa services were temporarily halted on 22 December 2025 following protests and security incidents near Bangladeshi diplomatic facilities in India. The suspension left thousands of travelers in limbo during peak winter travel season.
Many tourists had to cancel or postpone trips, while businesses faced operational challenges. Corporates with ongoing projects were forced to explore alternative travel routes, including applying for third-country visas to maintain business continuity.
Despite the suspension of tourist visas, other categories such as medical, business, and work visas gradually resumed earlier this year, paving the way for a complete reopening.
Political Shift Accelerates Visa Restoration
The restoration of tourist visas comes shortly after the new government led by Tarique Rahman assumed office. Analysts believe the move signals the administration’s commitment to rebuilding diplomatic stability and boosting regional cooperation.
Tourism authorities reported that the visa suspension led to an estimated 18% year-on-year drop in tourism revenue, highlighting the economic impact of restricted travel. By restoring tourist visas, Bangladesh aims to revive inbound tourism and encourage people-to-people connections.
Where Indian Applicants Can Apply
With services resuming, Indian citizens can once again apply for tourist visas through Bangladeshi diplomatic missions across the country. Applications will be accepted at the High Commission in New Delhi, as well as assistant missions in Agartala and Siliguri.
To manage the expected surge in applications, authorities have introduced a temporary cap on daily processing. Initially, each mission will issue up to 1,000 tourist visa tokens per day.
Officials have assured that this capacity will increase significantly by mid-March as additional staff members are deployed and operational capacity expands.
Online Application Support and Facilitation Services
For applicants seeking a smoother experience, visa facilitation platforms such as are offering alternative solutions. These services allow applicants to pre-fill forms, receive biometric reminders, and arrange secure passport courier services.
Such digital facilitation tools are expected to reduce long queues and early-morning rush at diplomatic missions, especially during the initial weeks of reopening when demand is likely to peak.
Travel Industry Welcomes the Decision
Travel and trade organizations have widely welcomed the decision to resume tourist visas. The Indo-Bangla Chamber described the move as a positive step toward restoring regional mobility and economic cooperation.
Industry experts predict a quick rebound in medical tourism, with Indian patients expected to travel once again to hospitals in major Bangladeshi cities like Chittagong for affordable healthcare.
Similarly, tourism and trade fairs in border regions such as Sylhet and the Indian state of Tripura are expected to benefit from the resumption of travel.
Revised Application Process and Guidelines
Authorities have introduced updated application guidelines to ensure smooth processing during the reopening phase. Applicants are advised to note the revised token distribution hours, which will run from 08:30 AM to 11:00 AM at most missions.
Additionally, biometric verification will remain mandatory for first-time applicants. Travelers are encouraged to prepare all required documents in advance to avoid delays and ensure a seamless application process.
Travel experts also recommend monitoring official announcements, as policies and quotas may evolve based on demand and operational capacity.
Possible Reciprocal Measures from India
There are growing expectations that India may introduce reciprocal measures to ease travel for Bangladeshi citizens. Reports suggest that Indian authorities are considering the restoration of visa-on-arrival facilities for Bangladeshi business travelers, which were suspended earlier this year amid diplomatic tensions.
However, no formal confirmation has been issued so far, and stakeholders are awaiting official announcements from Indian authorities.
Impact on Tourism and Regional Connectivity
The reopening of tourist visa services is expected to have a positive impact on regional tourism and trade. Cross-border travel between India and Bangladesh has historically supported not only tourism but also healthcare, education, and business collaboration.
Experts believe that restoring visa services will help rebuild traveler confidence and stimulate economic activity in both countries. Improved mobility is also likely to strengthen cultural ties and regional stability in South Asia.
Conclusion
The decision by Bangladesh to resume tourist visa issuance for Indian nationals from 24 February 2026 marks a crucial step toward normalizing travel after months of disruption. With phased capacity increases, improved facilitation services, and strong support from the travel industry, the reopening is expected to significantly boost tourism and cross-border engagement.
