India Resumes Tourist Visas for Bangladeshis from June 28

Dhaka, June 25, 2026:  India will resume tourist visa services for Bangladeshi nationals from June 28, ending a nearly two-year suspension imposed following security concerns in Bangladesh and signalling a further normalization of bilateral engagement between the two neighbours.

The move comes amid efforts by both countries to strengthen bilateral engagement and people-to-people connectivity.

The announcement was made by India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi during a visit to the Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka on Thursday, shortly after presenting his credentials to the President of Bangladesh.

The move is expected to ease travel for thousands of Bangladeshis visiting India for tourism, business, education and medical treatment.

" It is heartening to see such a large number of applicants here today," the High Commissioner told reporters. He added that the resumption of tourist visa services reflects India’s broader commitment to deepening its bilateral partnership with Bangladesh.

"We are moving back to our regular visa operations. Applications for tourist visas can be submitted from Sunday, June 28. We will continue to facilitate urgent medical visas on humanitarian grounds," the High Commissioner said.

Tourist visa services had remained suspended since August 2024 after India scaled down its visa operations in Bangladesh due to security concerns.

The High Commissioner said visa services would continue through centres in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Sylhet and Khulna, with plans to gradually expand operations to other cities.

Before the suspension, India was among the most popular destinations for Bangladeshi travellers seeking tourism, healthcare, education and business opportunities.

The High Commissioner said he hoped the move would further deepen engagement between the two countries.

“We hope that this will further strengthen the people-to-people ties between our two sovereign nations,” he added.

Visa Restrictions Came After Security Fears

Following unrest on August 5, 2024, during which several Indian-linked establishments came under attack, India significantly scaled down its visa operations in Bangladesh.

According to Indian officials, the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka was ransacked and torched while five Indian Visa Application Centres located at different places in Bangladesh faced attacks. There were concerns about safety of Indian nationals engaged in various development projects.

Following the unrest, the Indian High Commission restricted visa services, including tourist visas.

Notwithstanding the restrictions, India issued visas for specific categories, such as medical, business, student and emergency travel.

Visa centres in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Sylhet and Rajshahi remained operational throughout the period, issuing more than 1,500 visas daily across various categories, excluding tourist visas. The medical and emergency cases received preference.

Positive Signal for Bilateral Engagement

The resumption of tourist visas is being viewed by diplomatic observers as an important confidence-building measure in Bangladesh-India relations.

The move comes as both countries seek to enhance cooperation in trade, connectivity, cultural exchanges and regional development. Analysts say that it will revive the cross-border movement, contribute to the development of tourism and healthcare-related economic activity, and also strengthen the cultural and social ties between the two countries.

The move is expected to ease travel planning for thousands of Bangladeshis who have been awaiting the reopening of tourist visa services since 2024.

As tourist visa applications start to be processed from June 28, both countries are expected to continue expanding cooperation in the coming months.

Fast Facts: Resumption of Indian Tourist Visas