Visa Services Fully Restored
Bangladesh is set to fully reinstate tourist visa services for Indian nationals from Monday, February 24, 2026. This decision marks the end of a temporary suspension that had been in place for security reasons. The resumption applies to all Bangladeshi diplomatic missions across India, including the High Commission in New Delhi and Assistant High Commissions in cities such as Guwahati, Agartala, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
Background to the Suspension
The suspension of tourist visa services was primarily attributed to security considerations and concerns surrounding the February 12 election in Bangladesh. Reports indicate that the government had instructed its missions in India to halt tourist visa issuance between January 15 and February 15, though urgent cases were still processed. The broader suspension of visa and consular services, which began around December 22, 2025, also followed protests outside diplomatic premises and a period of strained bilateral relations. These tensions escalated after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 and subsequent unrest, including protests following the death of activist Sharif Osman bin Hadi in December 2025.
Diplomatic Thaw and Future Outlook
The resumption of visa services is widely seen as a positive indicator of improving diplomatic relations between Dhaka and New Delhi. This development comes shortly after the new administration, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, took office following the February 12 election. Relations had reportedly deteriorated during the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus. While Bangladesh is restoring tourist visas for Indians, Indian tourist visa services for Bangladeshi nationals currently remain suspended, though certain other categories are operational. India is expected to reciprocate by restoring full visa services for Bangladeshis in the near future, potentially after the West Bengal Assembly elections in April.
Operational Details and Impact
Initially, Bangladesh plans to cap daily tourist visa tokens at 1,000 per mission to manage anticipated demand, with officials indicating that capacity will double by mid-March. This move is expected to significantly ease travel for thousands of Indians, particularly those involved in tourism, business, and medical travel, thereby boosting tourism revenue and fostering greater trade and people-to-people exchanges between the two neighboring countries.
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