India has resumed visa processing for all categories, including tourist visas, offering relief to thousands of travelers after nearly two years of suspension due to political unrest in Bangladesh.
India has officially reopened visa services in Bangladesh from 28 June 2026, ending nearly two years of strict restrictions and uncertainty. The reopening covers all categories, including tourist visas, offering significant relief for travelers planning trips for leisure, business, or medical reasons.
The announcement came on 25 June from Dinesh Trivedi, the new High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, reassuring thousands of potential visitors about the resumption of visa processing.
Background of the Suspension (2024–2026)
Visa issuance was abruptly halted on 18 July 2024, amid violent protests and political instability that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. During the 18-month tenure of the caretaker administration, visa centers remained mostly closed, issuing only a limited number of emergency or medical visas after thorough scrutiny.
This situation caused significant hardship:
- Travel Cancellations: Thousands of tourists and business travelers were unable to enter the neighboring country.
- Medical Obstacles: Patients with urgent medical needs faced delays, often seeking last-minute domestic alternatives.
After the general elections in February 2026, diplomatic relations improved, paving the way for full restoration of visa services. Early reports from visa centers (IVAC) indicate that procedures are now running smoothly.
Digital platforms enable easy appointment booking, while applicants with pre-registered biometrics can complete the process in just 30–35 minutes at visa centers.
Travelers have welcomed the return to normalcy. As one visitor noted: “We want the process to remain smooth. People travel for tourism, medical treatments, and their livelihoods. Stability in movement is essential.”