Visa on arrival suspended for all countries till 15 February

The Bangladesh interim government has suspended the 'Visa on Arrival' facility for all eligible countries, including Bhutan, with effect from 15 January 15 to 15 February 2026. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade informed the general public that the Embassy of the People's Republic of Bangladesh in Thimpu has officially conveyed that, said the Bhutanese Ministry in a formal notification.

In view of this, all Bhutanese nationals intending to travel to Bangladesh during the above period are advised to apply for a visa in advance through the Embassy of Bangladesh in Thimpu prior to their travel, the notification reads.

The Bhutanese Ministry advised all travellers to take note of this change and make necessary arrangements well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

It may be recalled that Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retired) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on 14 February 2025 inaugurated the online app for visa on arrival or Transit Visa application for foreign nationals to simplify the issuance of visas.

'We have launched the App so that foreign nationals can get visas on arrival easily,' Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said.

The Home Adviser added that they were thinking about issuing passports to Bangladeshi nationals without police verification.