India Resumes Regular Tourist Visas for Bangladesh

India announced on 25 June 2026 that it will resume regular tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals. Tourist visa applications will open on 28 June 2026 at five visa centres in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Sylhet and Khulna.

Visa Policy and Consular Access

Tourist visas are a short-term travel document issued by a sovereign state for leisure, family visits and non-business travel. India had suspended tourist visas for Bangladesh in August 2024 after political unrest in Bangladesh and the removal of the government led by Sheikh Hasina. During the suspension, India continued to issue medical visas on humanitarian grounds. Medical visas are a separate category used for treatment in recognised hospitals and medical institutions.

Diplomatic Context

The announcement was made in Dhaka by India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, after he presented his credentials to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin. Diplomatic credentials are formal documents that confirm the appointment of an ambassador or high commissioner. The resumption of tourist visas follows discussions between India and Bangladesh on restoring normal bilateral exchanges. Bangladesh’s BNP-led government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assumed office in February 2026.

India-Bangladesh Relations

India and Bangladesh share a land boundary of about 4,096 kilometres, which is one of the longest international borders in South Asia. The two countries are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.

Important Facts for Exams

• Bangladesh became independent in 1971 after the Bangladesh Liberation War.
• India and Bangladesh signed the Land Boundary Agreement in 2015.
• Medical visas and tourist visas are different categories under standard visa systems.
• Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and the largest city in the country.

Visa Centres in Bangladesh

India will initially accept tourist visa applications at five centres in Bangladesh. These centres are located in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Sylhet and Khulna.