Bangladesh Visa Requirements For British Citizens (2025)

There are important things you need know as a British passport holder travelling to Bangladesh, and we will explore them here. Let’s get started

Bangladesh Visa Requirements For British Citizens

Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months after the visa issue date and have at least 2 blank pages.
Entry Proofs: Immigration may require a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds.

Visa Options

1. Apply Before Traveling

Tourist Visa (single-entry):
- Valid for up to 3 months.
- Apply through the Bangladeshi High Commission in London (or Manchester/Birmingham based on your UK region).
- Standard processing: ~7–10 working days (London) or ~10 days (Manchester)
  - Fees start at ~£105 for single entry. Multiple or long-term visas (up to 5 years) cost more—a 5-year multiple entry visa is ~£695.

Required Documents (London)

Online application printout
Two recent passport photos
Passport + photocopy (≥6‑month validity)
Proof of UK residence (if non‑UK passport held)
For NGO/business/official visas, additional invitation/letters required

2. Visa-On-Arrival (VOA)

Available at Dhaka Airport, and some land borders (e.g., Benapole) for tourism, business, investment, or government travel.
Single entry, up to 30 days (can extend another 30 days locally).
Fee: ~US $51 (or equivalent in GBP/EUR), paid in cash at arrival.
Documentation required:
- Return/onward ticket
- Hotel reservation or invitation letter (if staying with family/friends)
- Proof of funds (sometimes requested)

VOA is generally smooth for British visitors. Recent Reddit experiences:

“I crossed into Bangladesh at Benapole … The visa cost $50 USD … all borders were open”
“It went well … Just make sure you have … invitation letter or hotel bookings and onward flight. And exactly 51 US dollars in very good condition.”

3. No Visa Required (NVR) Stamp

If you’re of Bangladeshi origin (or spouse/child), you can apply for an NVR stamp for unlimited entries/duration using your UK passport.
Apply at the Birmingham or London mission; fees and processing (~10 days) apply.

Extension & Other Permits

Visa extension is possible via Dhaka’s Department of Immigration & Passports.
For work, NGO, business visas, additional documents (e.g., invitation letters, tax certificates, organizational letters) and sometimes an interview are required.

Quick Comparison

Visa Type	Apply Before	VOA at Entry	Duration	Entry Limit
Tourist (single-entry)	✅	❌	Up to 3 months	Single
Tourist/business VOA	❌	✅	30 days (extendable)	Single
Multiple-entry visa	✅	❌	6 mo – 5 years	Multiple
NVR stamp	✅ (if eligible)	❌	Passport validity	Unlimited

Which Option to Choose?

Short trip (≤30 days): VOA is fast and convenient—just bring USD 51, flight return ticket, hotel booking or invitation letter.
Longer stay or multiple trips: Pre-apply for multiple-entry visa (valid 6 months–5 years).
Bangladeshi heritage: Consider applying for NVR to travel freely without repeated visas

Does British Citizens Needs Visa To Travel To Bangladesh?

Yes, British citizens need a visa to travel to Bangladesh unless they hold the special No Visa Required (NVR) stamp.

How Long Does It Takes For A British Citizen To Get Bangladesh Visa?

For a British citizen applying through the UK, here’s how long you can expect it to take to get a Bangladesh visa:

High Commission in London (in‑person or via an agent)

Standard processing: Minimum of 7 working days
By post: If you mail in your application, allow 21 working days

Manchester or Birmingham offices (if you’re not using London)

Manchester – Business visa: Takes at least 10 working days .
Birmingham – NVR (No Visa Required): Standard 10 working days, with possible urgent processing .

Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Dhaka airport or land border

British citizens ARE eligible for VOA for tourism/business (single entry, up to 30 days)
Expect to pay US $51 (or equivalent) on arrival. There’s no guarantee—it’s discretionary—but many travellers report getting it easily.

Summary Timing

Application Method	Processing Time
In-person at London High Commission	≈ 7 working days
Postal application via London	≈ 21 working days
In-person at Manchester (business visa)	≈ 10 working days
Birmingham (NVR)	≈ 10 working days
Visa on Arrival at airport/land border	Immediate—on arrival, ~minutes–hours

Which to Choose?

VOA: Great for last-minute travel (<30 days). No need to apply in advance; bring invitation/hotel booking, onward ticket, and ~$51 in USD/EUR/GBP.
London in-person: Reliable pre-trip solution. Apply at least 10 days before travel to be safe.
By post: Choose only if you’re well ahead—allow 3–4 weeks.
Business visa via Manchester or NVR via Birmingham: Specific to business travellers or those with Bangladeshi heritage; similar processing timelines (~10 days).

What Do You Need As A British Citizen To Move To Bangladesh

Moving to Bangladesh as a British citizen is a journey that combines cultural richness, diverse landscapes, and a dynamic way of life. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, business, or adventure, understanding the country’s unique environment and what to expect can ease your transition and make your new life rewarding and enjoyable.

Bangladesh is a country full of contrasts. Bustling cities like Dhaka and Chittagong offer a high-energy atmosphere with a mix of modern infrastructure and traditional lifestyles, while rural areas showcase the country’s lush greenery, rivers, and agrarian culture. Life here moves at its own pace—fast in urban zones, slower and more community-driven in the countryside.

As a British citizen, you’ll notice immediate differences in social customs, communication styles, and public etiquette. Family and social networks are the backbone of society. Community is everything. Whether you’re greeted with hospitality in someone’s home or assisted by a stranger on the street, Bangladeshis generally display warmth and friendliness that can feel both welcoming and overwhelming at first.

While English is widely spoken in business, education, and urban circles, Bengali (Bangla) is the official and dominant language. Learning basic Bangla phrases can significantly enhance your experience and help you connect with locals more meaningfully. It’s also a sign of respect that’s often appreciated by those around you.

The communication style tends to be indirect and polite. As a foreigner, especially a Westerner, your words may carry extra weight, so it’s wise to be mindful of tone and expression. Patience and humility go a long way in building relationships here.

Your experience will vary greatly depending on where you choose to live. In Dhaka, expat-friendly neighborhoods like Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara offer international-standard housing, often in gated communities with added security and amenities. These areas have a concentration of embassies, international schools, and businesses, making them attractive to foreigners.

Rent can range from modest to expensive depending on location and size. It’s advisable to work with a local agent or relocation service to find housing that matches your expectations and lifestyle.

Utilities like electricity, gas, and internet are generally available but can be inconsistent in some areas. Back-up generators, water tanks, and inverters are common in better-equipped residences.

Education and Schools

If you’re relocating with children, international schools are available in major cities. Institutions such as the American International School Dhaka (AISD) or International Turkish Hope School offer internationally recognized curriculums. Education standards in these schools are usually high, but fees can be quite expensive compared to UK standards.

For older students or adults, there are also opportunities in local universities and language schools. Some expats take the chance to immerse themselves in local culture through learning Bangla or studying South Asian history, development, or business.

Health and Safety

Healthcare in Bangladesh varies greatly in quality. Private hospitals in Dhaka and Chittagong, such as Apollo Hospital or United Hospital, offer better facilities and English-speaking staff. However, healthcare standards may not always meet those in the UK, and medical evacuation insurance is recommended.

Safety-wise, Bangladesh is generally welcoming to foreigners, but like in any developing country, petty crime, traffic congestion, and environmental pollution can pose challenges. It’s important to remain aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and take common-sense precautions.

Transportation and Getting Around

Traffic in cities like Dhaka is notoriously chaotic, with long delays and dense congestion being part of daily life. While public transport systems like buses and rickshaws are inexpensive, they may be confusing or uncomfortable for newcomers. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Pathao are widely used and more convenient for expats.

For intercity travel, domestic flights, trains, and long-distance buses connect major parts of the country. Traveling by riverboat is another unique and picturesque way to see rural Bangladesh.

Culture and Lifestyle

Bangladesh has a vibrant culture deeply rooted in literature, music, art, and cuisine. From celebrating Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) to enjoying traditional dishes like biryani, hilsa fish, and mishti (sweets), there’s a wealth of experiences to discover. Religious festivals like Eid and Durga Puja are widely celebrated and may affect working hours and public services.

Western expats may find fewer entertainment options compared to London or Manchester, but there are social clubs, cafes, art galleries, and cultural events to explore. Expats often form tight-knit communities through clubs or organisations such as the International Club Dhaka.

Adapting and Thriving

Moving to Bangladesh requires a willingness to adapt. Daily life can be unpredictable—from sudden rainstorms to power cuts—but the rewards are many. The people, the food, and the stories you collect will be unlike anywhere else.

Cultural sensitivity, flexibility, and a good sense of humor will help you thrive. Whether you’re in Bangladesh for a few years or planning to stay long-term, embracing the local rhythm and staying open-minded will go a long way toward making your transition smooth and fulfilling.

Conclusion

Relocating to Bangladesh as a British citizen involves immersing yourself in a deeply layered culture, navigating logistical challenges, and embracing a new lifestyle. With the right mindset, the country can offer a life filled with warmth, discovery, and rich cultural experiences.