The government’s consideration of e-visas is a positive step to address these issues and boost tourism
The government is contemplating the introduction of e-visas as a means to boost tourist numbers. Initially, the plan is to replace on-arrival visas with online visas. According to information from the Bangladesh Tourism Board, travelers from various countries worldwide are keen on visiting Bangladesh to experience the unique blend of sea and mountains.
However, they encounter multiple obstacles, such as the unavailability of a Bangladesh embassy in their hometown or the uncertainty surrounding on-arrival visas. Consequently, the government is considering the implementation of e-visas to address these challenges.
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The Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) initially presented three proposals related to tourist visas, including the concept of e-visas. Subsequently, this proposal was forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. Following discussions in several inter-ministerial meetings, the Ministry of Home Affairs expressed a favorable response.
However, the specific procedure for foreign tourists to apply for e-visas to enter Bangladesh has yet to be finalized. The visa-issuance process in Bangladesh falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
What is an E-Visa or Online Visa?
The E-Visa is a system that has been developed with the goal of sparing travelers from lengthy and exhausting bureaucratic processes and providing an alternative to visas that are typically issued at border checkpoints. Individuals can submit their visa applications online for the countries they intend to travel to. Those contemplating visa applications can acquire their travel documents through the e-visa system if they meet the necessary criteria. Online visas are primarily issued for tourism-related purposes.
List Of Countries Offering E-Visa
The roster of countries adopting E-Visa systems has been growing over the years. In 2018, a total of 25 nations worldwide had implemented this system, which includes the following:
- The USA
- New Zealand
- Armenia
- Bahrain
- Cambodia
- Cape Verde
- Gabon
- Georgia
- India
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Malaysia
- Moldova
- Myanmar
- Rwanda
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Singapore
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Sri Lanka
- Turkey
- The United Arab Emirates
- Uganda
- Uzbekistan
- Zambia and
- Zimbabwe
Who is eligible for the e-visa in Bangladesh?
As per the proposal presented to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the e-visa facility will be granted to citizens of countries that currently receive on-arrival visas when entering Bangladesh. These individuals can obtain their visas by applying for e-visas from their own countries.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is closely evaluating the matter of on-arrival visas, considering its implications for the country’s security. A circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on May 17, 2022, provides a list of countries offering on-arrival visas and outlines the prerequisites for visa issuance.
According to this circular, the countries whose citizens are eligible for on-arrival visas in Bangladesh include the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Russian Federation, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and passport holders from 27 countries such as Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Brunei, and Schengen member states. Additionally, citizens of countries where Bangladesh does not maintain an embassy can also obtain on-arrival visas. In such cases, if approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs, tourists from these countries may be granted e-visas.
Third-party and gateway visas are on the horizon
Two more tourist-friendly visa issues have been mentioned. One of them is the third-party visa. Bangladesh e-visa can be obtained easily by applying for third-party visas if there are visas from certain countries.
According to sources, when this visa program starts, if a tourist has taken a visa for a specific country among the 32 countries, he will get a visa only if he applies for a Bangladesh visa. Among those 32 countries are Australia, Canada, the USA, the UK, Japan, and 27 Schengen countries.
The Cost of a Tourist Visa in South Asia
SAARC and non-SAARC South Asian countries are far ahead of Bangladesh in terms of tourism, but their tourist visa fees are much lower than Bangladesh. Such as:
How Reasonable is The $51 Visa Fee in Bangladesh?
Those who are currently coming to Bangladesh will have to pay 51 USD or 5700 Bangladeshi Taka as a visa fee. Also, if one wants to go to another country via Bangladesh on a connecting flight, they can get a transit visa for a maximum duration of 72 hours (maximum 3 days). It will also cost 20 dollars to get that transit visa, which is about 2200 Bangladeshi taka.
One of the conditions for granting a visa is that visa fees must be paid in dollars, pounds, or euros, and they must have return plane tickets and hotel bookings.
Experts Opinion
In this regard, Kazi Wahidul Alam, Editor of The Bangladesh Monitor, a monthly magazine related to aviation and tourism in Bangladesh, said that if we really want Bangladeshi tourists to come, the visa process must be simplified. Besides, visa fees for tourists should be waived. If we can attract tourists from the beginning of their entry into Bangladesh by making it visa-free, then we will benefit in the long term, the tourism sector will also be active to a large extent.
On the other hand, Dr. Santosh Kumar Dev, the Chairperson of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Dhaka University, has emphasized the need to focus on ensuring the quality of service to increase the number of tourists, much like the visa issuance process.
Statistics of Bangladesh Tourism Board
According to the Bangladesh Tourism Board, tourists entered in Bangladesh ;
Conclusion
The government’s consideration of e-visas is a positive step to address these issues and boost tourism. However, the specific procedures are yet to be finalized. While the introduction of e-visas is a promising development, simplifying the visa process and reducing fees would go a long way in attracting more tourists. Ensuring the quality of services is equally crucial to enhance the overall tourist experience.
