Bangladesh, the land of Royal Bengal tiger, the nature has bestowed it with all the beauty and numerous shades of green. This largest delta of the world rises from and bounded in the south by the Bay of Bengal and does up to the near footsteps of the mighty Himalayas to the south and East. This lovely is surrounded by India in West, North and most of its eastern side; a little strip of the south- east is connected with Myanmar. As a tourist destination, Bangladesh has excellent potentials, which includes archaeological sites, historic monuments, pagodas, temples, mosques and churches, tea gardens, beautiful lakes, tribal people& hills, enchanting sea beaches, deep forest and wild life. Bangladesh though a small country, has many diverse attractions for the nature lovers as well as in rich in culture and heritage.

 

Bangladesh is naturally rich and diverse in demography. Within a very small area of 1, 47,570 sq km it has a real variety of culture and trends. It has highly rich soil suitable for the cultivation of food grains. In this deltaic region we have six seasons with the temperature varying from 12.C to 38.C. The Country has seven administrative divisions, 64 administrative districts and so on. However, from the tourism point of view we have divided this beautiful country into four major segments. The Northern part with rich cultural heritage, the south- Western part with largest mangrove forest of the world, The North-Eastern part with the longest unbroken sea beach of the world have provided this land a unique pattern for the prospect of tourism.

 

THE CAPITAL DHAKA

Dhaka (formerly Dacca in English) is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh which is also the largest city by population in the historical region of Bengal and a major city in South Asia emerging as a cosmopolitan city during the Mughal Empire. It is rumoured that the name derived from the famous Shiva Temple @ Dhakeshwari Temple@ the oldest Hindu temple established in the 12th century. A true hub for trade and culture, it has been called the city of Mosques and the Venice of the East, due to its Islamic architecture and a riverfront facing the Buriganga (Old Ganges). Be prepared to get lost in the Rickshaw capital of the world, with over 500,000 cycle rickshaws running on its roads to explore top tourist sights the Lalbagh Fort, the only fort in Dhaka established by Mughal emperors Prince Mahmud Azam and Shaista Khan (1678 to 1682 AD.) and Ahsan Manjil, dating from 1872, the must-see pink palace was built on the site palace on the site of an old French factory by Nawab Abdul Ghani, The city’s wealthiest Zamindar (Landowner). The National assembly Building often featured in books on modern architecture, and is regarded as among Louis Khan’s finest works within its huge assembly of concrete cylinders and rectangular boxes, sliced open with bold, multi- story circular and triangular apertures instead of windows is also available for a four hour guided tour according to advance booking. While the old eastern capital of Bengal Sonargaon, or Golden city, is now little more than a couple of village with a scattering of ruins to explore archaeological architecture is just a day trip from Dhaka , combining countryside ,culture, archaeology and adventure in one easily accessible bundle.

 

NORTHERN PART OF BANGLADESH

The north region of Bangladesh consists of the entire Rajshahi division that is separated by the Padma and Jamuna rivers from the rest of the country holds the ruins of ancient civilizations, old structures including UNESCO world heritage site of Paharpur, the Single largest Buddhist Monastery of the world of late  08th century AD by king Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty furthermore Kankakee’s Temple from 18th century construction is a nine jewelled Radha –Krishna temple said to be the most ornamental temple in Bangladesh. Puthia, Natore has the highest number of historically important Hindu establishments of Bangladesh including Puthia temple Complex. Mahasthangar, the pre Mayuran city existed even in the 04th century BC is a wonderful sight at Bogra.

 

SOUTH WESTERN PART OF BANGLADESH

Most famed for its riverain beauty with Khulna and Barisal division, sixty Dome Mosque at Bagerhat is a UNESCO world heritage site built by Khan Jahan Ali In the 15th century has a wondering history about the count number of domes while the mighty Sundarbans being the largest mangrove forest of the world is the home of nearly extinct Royal Bengal tiger with rich flora and fauna. Khulna, the capital of Bangladesh’s south-western province, serves as a lunch pad for organised trips into the Sundarbans.

 

SOUTH EASTERN PART OF BANGLADESH

Chittagong is the second-largest city and the country’s largest port. It is also the gateway to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, one of the most beautiful and fascinating corners of the country. As well as a place to sort your travel permits for the Hill Tracts, it also makes sense to rest up here for at least one night if you are planning to hit Cox’s Bazar the longest unbroken sandy Sea Beach in the world of 120 kms with Inani having a Coral beach or Saint Martin’s the only coral island of Bangladesh.

The Chittagong hill tracts is rich with Rangamati being it’s  the most popular destination in the Chittagong Hill Tracts for visitors to taste the scenic splendour of Kaptai Lake, the country’s largest artificial lake, which was created in 1960 for hydroelectricity more with Hanging bridge, Tribal folk and cultural museum.

 

There is no better place in which to experience the magic of the Hill Tracts than in the lively small town of Bandarban, which lies on the Sangu River, 92 km from Chittagong. The river is the centre of local life: especially long bamboo rafts, steered by a solitary boatman, drift  leisurely downstream, while country boats make slow trips to neighbouring villages while having Chimbuk hill; highest hill in Bangladesh to be accessible with motor vehicle, Meghala tourist complex with its hanging bridge and Ruma bazar being a gateway to Boga lake.

Khagrachari having the famed local transport of Chander Gari             ( moons cars) is one o the most magnificent places for tourist with hills, forest, waterfalls and aborigine with Alutila Mysterious Cave, Richhang waterfall, Yonged Buddha Bihar and Panichari Brihot Buddha sculpture and Dighinala touduchhori Waterfall.

 

NORTH EASTERN PART

The North –Eastern part is lushed with green tea estates, smaller hills, reserved forests and a lot of waterfalls. Sylhet has Lawachara Reserved Forest, Madhadkunda Waterfall being the highest waterfall in Bangladesh, almost 200ft and Jaflong, the border town to India popular for stone extraction. The popular hiking tracks, like way towards the Human Waterfall is popular all season but recommended to avoid during the monsoon. Sylhet always offers a quick gateway from Dhaka to be closer to the nature, whether in a luxury 5 star resorts or a home stay experience to sit in an old fashioned balcony t sip your fresh cup of tea. It’s also known for its Sufi shrines, like the ornate tomb and mosque of 14th- century saint Hazrat Shah Jalal, now a major pilgrimage site near Dargah Gate.

 

RIVERAIN TOUR RECOMMENDS

Bangladesh is south Asia’s greenest jewel- a country braided with rivers with a rich culture waiting to be explored by pioneering travellers Bangladesh is known for having primarily a subtropical climate, making it an ideal summer gateway. For those looking to plan a vacation to Bangladesh, there is plenty to do and see but also isn’t  the usual a tick the sights off- the list type of country. It’s a place to relax, meet people and discover new ideas and ways of life. Taking your time will allow the country to reveal the best of itself at its own pace, as sure and steady as the rivers that flow through its veins.

Come join with us, Riverain Tours where we promise to make your “Bangla experience” one of the best to remember among all your travels.

 

How can Riverain Tours support the Visa on Arrival

Before you fly to Dhaka, we kindly request you to send us a copy of your passport and confirm your return ticket by email ([email protected] or [email protected]).

For your kind information, we are a government-registered tour operator in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) has an office at the arrival lounge of Dhaka International Airport. We are privileged to assist our guests with Visa on Arrival (VoA) through the BTB airport office, located just before the immigration area.

As a registered member of the Bangladesh Tourism Board (Membership No: TO302603700003), we request that upon your arrival at Dhaka Airport, you proceed directly to the BTB airport office. The BTB officials will assist you with the VoA process. After completing immigration formalities, they will guide you to the baggage claim area.

Once you have collected your baggage, you will be escorted to meet our guide in the parking area.

Please note that all necessary documents for your Visa on Arrival will be prepared in advance at the BTB office before your arrival. You will need to sign the arrival card and pay the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR) to the concerned official. The visa fee will be deposited in the bank by the authority.

Bangladesh offers a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for eligible travelers for a maximum stay of 30 days, subject to immigration approval.

 

Eligibility

Visa on Arrival (VoA) is available to citizens of selected countries, including European countries, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, and Brunei.

It is also available to travelers arriving from countries where Bangladesh does not have an embassy or consulate, foreign nationals of Bangladeshi origin and their immediate family members, diplomatic or UN officials, and investors or business travelers with proper documentation.

 

Purpose and Duration

The Visa on Arrival (VoA) is issued for tourism, business, investment, or government-related purposes. It is valid for a single entry with a maximum stay of up to 30 days.

Extensions may be possible; however, they require an application to the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) in Dhaka.

 

Required Documents

       Travelers must present the following:

  • A valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
  • A return or onward ticket.
  • Proof of sufficient funds (minimum US$500 or equivalent).
  • Confirmed hotel reservation.
  • Tour itinerary.

 

For business or investment travelers:

  • An invitation letter from a Bangladeshi company.
  • Approval from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) or Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA).

 

For travelers of Bangladeshi origin:

  • Proof of origin, such as a previous Bangladeshi passport, birth certificate, or No Visa Required (NVR) seal.

 

For family members:

  • Marriage or birth certificates linking them to the Bangladeshi-origin individual.

 

 

Fees and Payment

The visa fee is US$50, payable in cash in foreign currency at the port of entry.

 

Important Considerations

  • Approval is discretionary: Immigration officers at the port of entry have the final authority to grant or deny the Visa on Arrival (VoA), even if all requirements are met.
  • Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover medical expenses, repatriation, and other contingencies.
  • For longer stays, multiple entries, or greater certainty, obtaining a visa from a Bangladeshi embassy before travel is advised.

Travelers should ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays or possible denial at the port of entry.

 

Bangladesh Entry Points for Visa on Arrival

Arriving by Air

Bangladesh has three international airports where eligible travelers can obtain a Visa on Arrival:

  • Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka)
  • Shah Amanat International Airport (Chattogram)
  • Osmani International Airport (Sylhet) 

 

Arriving by Land

Bangladesh shares its borders with India and Myanmar; however, the Myanmar–Bangladesh border is currently closed to foreign nationals.

Foreign travelers can obtain a Visa on Arrival at the following land border crossings between India and Bangladesh:

  • Benapole / Petrapole (Jessore – West Bangladesh / West Bengal, near Kolkata)
  • Darshana / Gede (Chuadanga – West Bangladesh / West Bengal)
  • Sonamasjid / Mahadipur (Chapai Nawabganj – Northwest Bangladesh / West Bengal)
  • Banglabandha / Fulbari (Panchagarh – North Bangladesh / West Bengal, near Nepal border)
  • Burimari / Changrabandha (Lalmonirhat – North Bangladesh / West Bengal)
  • Tamabil / Dawki (Sylhet – Northeast Bangladesh / Meghalaya)
  • Akhaura / Agartala (Brahmanbaria – East Bangladesh / Tripura)