Can Bangladeshi Travel To India? Your Visa Questions Answered

Traveling from Bangladesh to India is a popular choice for many, and understanding the visa requirements is key. At SIXT.VN, we make travel easier by providing essential information and services to ensure a smooth journey. Let’s dive into the specifics for Bangladeshi citizens planning a trip to India, offering solutions and clarity for your travel needs.

Are you ready to explore India? Let SIXT.VN help you with visa guidance, airport transfers, and comfortable accommodations.

1. Who Is Eligible For An Indian E-Visa?

Yes, Bangladeshi citizens are generally eligible to apply for an Indian e-Visa, but there are specific conditions. The e-Visa program aims to simplify the process for tourists, business travelers, and those seeking medical treatment.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a national of a country listed on the e-Visa website.
• Have a primary objective for visiting India such as:
  • Tourism and sightseeing.
  • Visiting friends and relatives.
  • Attending short-term yoga programs or courses on local languages, music, dance, arts, crafts, cooking, or medicine (courses should not exceed 6 months and should not issue formal qualifications).
  • Voluntary work of short duration (maximum one month, without monetary compensation).
  • Medical treatment.
  • Accompanying an e-Medical visa holder.
  • Business purposes.
  • Attending conferences, seminars, or workshops.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application, with at least two blank pages for stamping. You also need to have a return ticket or onward journey ticket and sufficient funds for your stay. It’s worth noting that if you or your parents/grandparents were born or permanently resided in Pakistan, you may not be eligible for an e-Visa and might need to apply for a regular visa through an Indian Mission.

2. What Is The E-Visa Application Procedure?

The e-Visa application process is primarily online, aiming for convenience and efficiency. You can apply through the official government website.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official Indian e-Visa portal.
2. Fill Out the Application: Provide all required details accurately.
3. Upload Documents: Scan and upload a recent passport-size photo and a copy of your passport.
4. Pay the Fee: Pay the e-Visa fee using a credit or debit card. The fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of e-Visa.
5. Submit the Application: Review all information and submit your application.

After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email. The processing time usually takes 72 hours or more, and you’ll be notified of the outcome via email. Note that the e-Visa services are entirely online, eliminating the need for intermediaries.

3. Are There Other Websites To Apply For An E-Visa?

No, the only official website for applying for an Indian e-Visa is the government-run portal. It’s crucial to avoid unofficial websites that may claim to offer expedited services or charge extra fees.

To ensure your personal data remains secure and to avoid scams, only use the official website. If you have any questions or need clarification, contact the official e-Visa support team directly.

SIXT.VN advises caution when dealing with unsolicited offers or websites claiming to facilitate e-Visas, ensuring a secure and straightforward application process.

4. Are There Any Fees Besides The Processing Fee?

No, you only need to pay the processing fee for your e-Visa application. The fee varies by country and e-Visa type and is non-refundable.

The Indian government’s e-Visa portal is transparent about the fees, so you won’t encounter hidden charges. Always verify the applicable fee for your country on the official website.

5. When Should I Apply For An E-Visa?

The application timeline depends on the type of e-Visa you need.

• e-Tourist Visa (1 year / 5 years), e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant Visa, and e-Conference Visa: Apply online at least 4 days before your arrival date. You can apply up to 120 days in advance.
• e-Tourist Visa (30 days): Apply online at least 4 days before your arrival date. You can apply up to 30 days in advance.

Applying within these timelines ensures your application is processed in time for your travel dates.

6. Will I Receive Confirmation Of My E-Visa Application Submission?

Yes, immediately after submitting your e-Visa application and making the payment, you will receive a confirmation email. This email confirms that your application has been successfully submitted.

If you do not receive this confirmation email, check your spam folder or contact the e-Visa support team to ensure your application was properly submitted.

The confirmation email is your initial assurance that the process has begun, keeping you informed every step of the way.

7. When Will My E-Visa Be Issued?

E-Visa processing typically takes 72 hours or more. You will receive an email notification about the status of your visa application, indicating whether it has been granted or rejected.

Ensure you check your email regularly, including the spam folder, for updates. If there are any delays, you can contact the e-Visa support team for assistance.

8. How Can I Check My E-Visa Application Status?

You can easily check your e-Visa application status through the official website. Simply click on the ‘Check your Visa Status’ tab and enter your application ID and passport details.

This feature allows you to stay updated on the progress of your application, providing peace of mind as you prepare for your trip.

9. What Is The Validity Of The E-Visa?

The validity of your e-Visa depends on the type of visa you applied for:

• e-Tourist Visa (1 year / 5 years): Valid for 365 days or 5 years from the date of grant, allowing multiple entries. The maximum stay per calendar year should not exceed 180 days.
• e-Tourist Visa (30 days): Valid for 30 days from the date of first arrival in India, allowing double entries.
• e-Business Visa: Valid for 365 days from the date of grant, allowing multiple entries. Each visit should not exceed 180 days.
• e-Conference Visa: Valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in India, allowing a single entry.
• e-Medical Visa: Valid for 60 days from the date of first arrival in India, allowing triple entries.
• e-Medical Attendant Visa: Valid for 60 days from the date of first arrival in India, allowing triple entries.

Ensure your travel dates align with the validity period of your e-Visa to avoid any issues upon arrival.

10. Can I Convert My E-Visa To Another Type Of Visa?

No, once an e-Visa is issued, it cannot be extended or converted to another type of visa. If you need a different type of visa, you must apply for it separately through the appropriate channels.

Understanding this restriction is crucial to planning your trip accurately and ensuring you have the correct documentation for your intended activities in India.

11. Can I Change My Port Of Arrival/Departure?

You can arrive at 31 designated airports and 5 designated seaports. You can depart from any of the Indian Immigration Check Posts (ICPs).

This flexibility allows you to plan your travel itinerary with ease, knowing you have multiple entry and exit points to choose from.

12. What Should I Do If I Haven’t Received Intimation After 72 Hours?

If you haven’t received any updates after 72 hours, contact the e-Visa support team for assistance. Provide them with your application details so they can investigate the delay.

Delays can occur for various reasons, so contacting support is the best way to get accurate information and resolve any issues.

13. Do I Need A Separate E-Visa For My Minor Child?

Yes, each individual, including minors, needs a separate e-Visa. Ensure your child’s passport is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India.

This requirement ensures that all travelers, regardless of age, meet the necessary entry requirements for India.

14. Will I Get A Refund If I Cancel My Visit After Paying The E-Visa Fee?

No, the e-Visa processing fee is non-refundable. The fee covers the cost of processing the application, regardless of whether the visa is granted or if you cancel your trip.

Keep this in mind when planning your trip and applying for the e-Visa.

15. Do I Have To Pay Anything Extra At The Airport For The E-Visa?

No, you don’t need to pay any additional fees at the airport if you’ve already paid the processing fee online. Be cautious of anyone asking for extra payments.

The e-Visa system is designed to be straightforward, so you should only pay the fee during the online application process.

16. How Can I Submit My Liquor Permit Application With My E-Visa Application?

Liquor permits are handled by the customs department, not the e-Visa application process. You’ll need to address this separately with the relevant customs authorities.

Contact the Indian customs department for guidance on applying for a liquor permit.

17. What If The E-Visa Website Doesn’t Accept My Payment?

If your payment is not accepted, try deleting your browser history and cookies, or switch to a different browser. If the problem persists after multiple attempts, you may need to re-submit the entire application form.

Payment Support helplines are available for technical assistance. Contact details are provided on the e-Visa website for Axis Bank and SBI ePay.

18. How Do I Get An Invoice/Receipt For My E-Visa Payment?

You can get an invoice/receipt by visiting the official website and clicking on ‘Verify Payment/ Pay e-Visa fee’.

This feature allows you to easily retrieve proof of payment for your records.

19. What Documents Are Required For An E-Business Visa?

Besides your passport, you need to upload a business card and details of the Indian firm/company you’ll be associated with. If your business involves sports, refer to the instructions page for additional required documents.

Having these documents ready will streamline the e-Visa application process.

20. What Is Considered A Business Card For E-Visa Purposes?

A business card is a card provided by your company. Alternatively, you can upload an invitation letter from the Indian company, including their information, address, and phone number in India.

This flexibility ensures that you can provide the necessary documentation even if you don’t have a traditional business card.

21. What Documents Are Required For An E-Medical Visa?

You’ll need a letter from the concerned hospital in India on its letterhead, including the tentative admission/treatment date, and the patient’s name, nationality, and passport number.

This ensures that your medical treatment is properly documented for your visa application.

22. What Documents Are Required For An E-Conference Visa?

For an e-Conference Visa, you need an invitation from the organizer, political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs, and event clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Having these documents ready will facilitate a smooth e-Visa application process.

23. What If My ETA Is On My Old Passport, But I Have A New One?

You can enter India with your new passport, provided you also carry the old passport with the valid ETA.

This allows you to travel without issues while transitioning to your new passport.

24. Can I Enter India Through A Land Border With An E-Visa?

No, you can only enter India through the designated airports and seaports listed on the e-Visa website. Land borders are not permitted with an e-Visa.

Ensure you plan your travel accordingly, using the specified entry points.

25. How Do I Fill In Previous Visa Details In The E-Visa Application Form?

You must provide previous visa details in the application form. If you don’t remember the details, write NA, Not Available, or Not Applicable.

This allows you to complete the form even if you lack complete information about past visas.

26. Can I Get A Visa On Arrival?

Visa on Arrival (VoA) is only available for nationals of Japan, South Korea, and UAE (only for UAE nationals who have previously obtained an e-Visa or regular visa for India). Other eligible nationals must apply for an e-Visa online and wait for confirmation before traveling.

This ensures that you follow the correct procedure based on your nationality.

27. Can I Get A Refund For A Rejected E-Visa Application?

No, the e-Visa processing fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is granted or rejected.

This policy is consistent across all e-Visa applications.

28. Can I Use An E-Visa To Enter India By Cruise Ship?

Yes, entry by cruise ship is allowed with an ETA through five designated seaports: Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Goa, and Mangalore.

This expands your travel options and allows you to explore India by sea.

29. What Is A Visible Identification Mark?

A visible identification mark refers to moles, birthmarks, permanent scars, etc., that are visible and can be shown to the Indian Immigration Authority if asked.

This helps in verifying your identity during the immigration process.

30. Who Needs To Carry A Yellow Fever Vaccination Card?

Foreigners arriving in India within six days of departure from a yellow fever endemic country must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Ensure you check the list of yellow fever endemic countries to comply with this requirement.

31. What If There Is A Discrepancy In My ETA?

Check all details, including name, nationality, passport number, and date of birth, before submitting your e-Visa application. You’re responsible for any discrepancies. If you find an error on your ETA, contact the e-Visa Support Centre for assistance at least 24 hours before your journey.

Promptly addressing any discrepancies can prevent issues during your travel.

32. Can I Use The E-Visa For Employment?

No, the e-Visa is not allowed for employment. You must apply for a regular visa for employment purposes.

Ensure you apply for the correct type of visa based on your intended activities in India.

33. Can I Use The E-Visa For NGO Activities Or Journalism?

The e-Visa is not permitted for NGO activities or journalism. However, short-term voluntary work (up to one month, without monetary compensation) is allowed.

Verify that your activities align with the permitted uses of the e-Visa.

34. How Many Attendants Can Come With A Medical Patient?

Only two e-Medical Attendant Visas will be granted per e-Medical Visa (patient).

This ensures that patients can have necessary support during their medical treatment in India.

Planning a trip from Bangladesh to India involves understanding the e-Visa application process. SIXT.VN is here to assist you with more than just visa information. We offer convenient airport transfer services, comfortable hotel booking options, and tours around Hanoi to make your travel experience seamless.

Ready to start your adventure? Contact us at +84 986 244 358 or visit our website at SIXT.VN for personalized travel assistance. Our address is 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam.