Abroad Guide BDIndia FAQ for Bangladeshi Nationals: 40+ Questions on Visa, Medical, Travel
India FAQ for Bangladeshis: 40+ questions on visa categories, IVAC, e-Visa, VOA, medical, …
- 40+ verified Q&As across all India topics
- Linked to detailed guides for deeper reading
- Updated when official rules change
- Sources: MEA, IVAC, AYUSH, NMC, FRRO, BMDC, AGB advisor data
Visa basics
Can Bangladeshis get visa-on-arrival in India?
No. VOA is not available to Bangladeshi passport holders. Apply at IVAC before travel for all categories.
Is the Indian e-Visa available for Bangladeshi nationals?
No. The Indian e-Visa scheme excludes Bangladesh. All visas must be applied at IVAC.
What is the IVAC service charge in 2026?
BDT 1,500 per applicant. Revised from BDT 824 on 10 August 2025. Payable in cash at the counter (online payment not yet operational).
Is the Indian government visa fee free for Bangladeshis?
Yes, the Indian government visa fee is gratis (zero) for Bangladeshi nationals. You only pay the IVAC service charge.
How long does Indian visa processing take?
Typically 2–3 weeks during the current phased restoration. Was 5–7 working days pre-2024. Peak periods can be longer.
Which IVAC centres are operational in Bangladesh?
As of June 2026: Dhaka (JFP), Chittagong, Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Khulna. Other regional centres are inactive.
Tourist visa
What is the typical duration of an Indian tourist visa for Bangladeshis?
30 days to 1 year, single or multiple entry. First-time applicants often get 30 days single entry; subsequent applications may get longer multi-entry validity.
Can I visit family in India on a tourist visa?
Yes. There is no separate family visit visa. Use the Tourist visa with declared purpose and (optionally) an invitation letter from your Indian relative.
Do I need an online arrival form for the land border?
Yes, mandatory since 1 October 2025 for all land border crossings. Complete at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 72 hours before crossing.
Is the Maitree Express running between Dhaka and Kolkata?
No. Suspended since 19 July 2024. No confirmed resumption date. Bandhan Express and Mitali Express are also suspended.
Medical visa
Do I need an AYUSH letter for Medical visa?
Yes, mandatory since April 2025. The AYUSH-compliant invitation letter from your Indian hospital is required at IVAC.
Can attendants accompany a Medical visa patient?
Yes. Up to two attendants can apply for the MED X (Medical Attendant) visa. They must be blood relatives.
Is Indian MBBS recognised in Bangladesh?
Depends on the college's NMC recognition and current BMDC equivalence rules. Verify both directly with BMDC before enrolling.
How much do common procedures cost in India vs Bangladesh?
For complex procedures (cardiac, transplant, oncology), India is often 30–60% cheaper. See cost comparison page.
Student visa and study
What is the ICCR Suborno Jayanti Scholarship?
Fully funded scholarship for Bangladeshi students offered by India's ICCR. Covers tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation. ~200–550 BD students per year.
When must students register with FRRO?
Within 14 days of arrival if your Student visa is valid for more than 180 days. Almost all student visas exceed 180 days.
How much is the financial proof needed for an Indian student visa?
Funds covering tuition plus living expenses for at least one academic year. Typically BDT 5–10 lakh for undergraduate; more for MBBS or premium courses.
Family and long-stay
Is there permanent residence in India for Bangladeshis?
No PR pathway exists for Bangladeshi nationals through marriage, investment, or long-residence. OCI is ancestry-based only.
Who can apply for OCI?
Persons of Indian origin (with documented pre-1950 Indian roots or roots in territory that became part of India), foreign spouses of Indian citizens after 2 years of marriage, and dependents of OCI cardholders.
After marrying an Indian citizen, when am I eligible for OCI?
After 2 years of continuous registered marriage.
Practical questions
What is FRRO and when do I need to register?
Foreigners Regional Registration Office. Register within 14 days of arrival if your visa is valid for more than 180 days. Online portal: indianfrro.gov.in.
How do I track my Indian visa application?
Through passtrack.net using your passport details. This is the only official tracker.
Where do I pay the IVAC fee?
Cash at the IVAC counter. Online payment is not yet operational. Avoid bKash 'payment' offers from agents — these are scams.
What's the IVAC Dhaka helpline?
09612 333 666 or 09614 333 666 (official IVAC helpline).
How can I avoid agent scams?
Use only the official portals: indianvisa-bangladesh.nic.in (form), ivacbd.com (slots), passtrack.net (tracking). Pay only at IVAC counter. Verify agents through registered tour operator lists.
Cost and timing
How much does a Dhaka–Kolkata flight cost?
BDT 8,000–18,000 return depending on airline, season, and advance booking.
How long does a road trip Dhaka–Kolkata take?
Approximately 6–8 hours total including border crossing at Benapole–Petrapole.
What's the best season for Indian Himalayas?
March–June and September–November for most hill stations. December–February for snow at higher elevations.
AGB Content Verification
- ✓ Fact-checked: 2026-06-05
- ✓ Next update: 2026-09-05
- ✓ Sources: Multiple official sources cross-referenced on each Q&A