In a major step toward restoring normal diplomatic and people-to-people ties, India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Bangladeshi citizens after suspension of service following the political upheaval in Bangladesh in 2024.
The announcement came from Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi during a visit to the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka. The move is one of the most significant confidence-building measures between the two neighbouring countries since relations deteriorated after the collapse of the Awami League government.
Tourist Visa Applications Reopen
Bangladeshi citizens can start applying for tourist visas from June 28, Trivedi said in a statement to journalists.
"I am very happy to announce the launch of general travel visas again. Applications can be submitted starting June 28. Urgent medical visas will continue to be provided for humanitarian reasons," he said.
Initially, tourist visa services will be available through five Indian Visa Application Centres in:
Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Khulna.
The Indian High Commission said more centres could be included as operations expanded.
Why Were Tourist Visas Suspended?
India suspended tourist visa services after the political unrest that swept Bangladesh in August 2024 when months of nationwide protests saw the collapse of the Awami League government.
The Indian High Commission added that the security situation in New Delhi forced New Delhi to drastically reduce visa operations.
During the unrest:
The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka was vandalised and set on fire. Five Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) were attacked. Indian officials and personnel in development projects were also hit with security threats.
As difficult as it was, India issued urgent medical and humanitarian visas throughout the period. Over 1,500 Visas Issued Daily.
The Indian High Commission stated that visa services never completely stopped. India has continued issuing more than 1,500 visas every day across various categories (medical, business and other essential travel), while tourist visas remained suspended.
The latest decision restores one of the most sought-after visa categories for Bangladeshi citizens travelling to India for tourism, family visits and leisure.
A Sign of Improving India-Bangladesh Relations
The resumption of tourist visas shows the steady improvement of diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Dhaka after nearly two years of political uncertainty.
After the change of government in Bangladesh, relations between the two countries were strained, with trade and visa services in both countries being affected by restrictions. But relations have been slowly improving over the past months.
Several key developments have helped in the thaw:
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Dhaka in December. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the new Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Bangladesh began issuing all categories of visas to Indian citizens. Both governments have intensified diplomatic efforts to restore normal bilateral cooperation.
Dinesh Trivedi's First Major Announcement
The visa announcement came on the same day that newly appointed Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi formally presented his credentials to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban. His decision to resume tourist visa services is being seen as one of his first major diplomatic initiatives in Dhaka.
Why This Decision Matters
India is still one of the most popular international destinations for Bangladeshi travellers. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshis visit India for tourism, shopping, education, business, pilgrimage and medical treatment.
The restoration of tourist visas is expected to:
Increase cross-border tourism. Boost trade and business travel. Strengthen cultural exchanges. Enhance people-to-people linkages. Promote economic activities in border states and major Indian cities.
Diplomatic observers say it also signals a desire of both governments to move on from the uncertainty of Bangladesh’s political transition in 2024.
A Positive Step for Regional Cooperation
The reopening of tourist visa services is more than just easier travel; it reflects a broader effort to restore trust between two neighbours with deep historical, cultural and economic ties.
While challenges remain, the decision suggests that India and Bangladesh are entering a new phase of cooperation, connectivity, and regional stability.
For many Bangladeshi citizens eager to visit India again, the long wait for tourist visas has finally come to an end.
