Types of Visas and Requirements for Bangladeshi Citizens to Top-Tier Countries

As a Bangladeshi citizen, navigating the world of visas can be challenging, given the varying requirements and types of visas needed for different countries. Here, I will provide a comprehensive guide to the visa types and their requirements for some of the top-tier countries that Bangladeshi travelers often visit. The information is updated and fact-checked for 2024.

Visa Types and Requirements Guide for 15 Countries

1. United States (USA)

• Types of Visas:
  • Tourist Visa (B2): For tourism, vacation, or visiting friends and family.
  • Business Visa (B1): For business purposes such as attending conferences or meetings.
  • Student Visa (F-1, M-1): For academic or vocational studies.
  • Work Visa (H1B, L1): For temporary employment.
• Requirements:
  • A valid passport.
  • DS-160 application form completion.
  • A scheduled appointment for a visa interview.
  • Financial proof to cover expenses.
  • Evidence of return intent (e.g., employment, family ties in Bangladesh).
• Process: Submit the application through the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, attend an interview, and provide biometrics. Expect up to 60 days for processing.

2. United Kingdom (UK)

• Types of Visas:
  • Standard Visitor Visa: For tourism, short business trips, or family visits.
  • Student Visa: For studying in the UK.
  • Work Visa (Skilled Worker Visa): For employment purposes.
• Requirements:
  • Completed online application form.
  • Supporting documents (financial, accommodation, travel itinerary).
  • Biometric information (fingerprints and photo).
• Process: Application submission online or through VFS Global, with an interview or biometrics appointment. Processing can take up to 15 days.

3. Schengen Area (Europe)

• Types of Visas:
  • Short-Stay Visa (Type C): For tourism, family visits, or business (valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period).
  • Long-Stay Visa (Type D): For study, work, or residency (over 90 days).
• Requirements:
  • Completed Schengen visa application form.
  • Passport valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure.
  • Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
  • Proof of accommodation, return ticket, financial means, and purpose of visit.
• Process: Submit the application at the consulate of the country of entry or the country where you will stay the longest. It is recommended to apply at least a month before travel.

4. Canada

• Types of Visas:
  • Visitor Visa: For tourism or short-term visits.
  • Study Permit: For studying at Canadian educational institutions.
  • Work Permit: For temporary employment.
• Requirements:
  • Online or paper application with biometrics.
  • Passport, photographs, proof of funds, travel itinerary, and purpose of visit.
• Process: Applications are made through the IRCC website, and biometrics are collected at VFS Global. Processing times vary by visa type.

5. Australia

• Types of Visas:
  • Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): For tourism or business purposes.
  • Student Visa (Subclass 500): For studying in Australia.
  • Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): For skilled work.
• Requirements:
  • Online application through the Australian immigration website.
  • Health and character certificates, financial evidence, purpose of travel, and accommodation details.
• Process: Apply online, attend an interview if required, and provide biometrics. Processing times can vary significantly

6. Japan

• Types of Visas:
  • Short-Term Stay Visa: For tourism, business, or visiting relatives.
  • Long-Term Stay Visa: For work, study, or residency.
• Requirements:
  • Passport, completed application form, photo, financial proof, itinerary, and any additional documents requested by the embassy.
• Process: Applications are submitted to the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka. An appointment may be required, and processing usually takes around 5-7 working days.

7. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Types of Visas:
  • Tourist Visa: Short-term for tourism.
  • Transit Visa: For short stays during transit (48-96 hours).
  • Work Visa: Requires sponsorship by a UAE employer.
• Requirements:
  • Passport, application form, photo, proof of funds, and return/onward ticket.
• Process: Apply online or through a UAE visa service center. Processing times vary from 2 to 5 days.

8. South Korea

• Types of Visas:
  • Short-Term General Visa (C-3): For tourism, business, or visiting family.
  • Work Visa (E-series): For employment.
• Requirements:
  • Valid passport, visa application form, invitation letter (if applicable), proof of financial status, and accommodation details.
• Process: Apply through the Korean Embassy, with processing typically taking 5 to 15 days​.

9. Singapore

• Types of Visas:
  • Tourist Visa: For short-term visits.
  • Student Visa: For studying in Singapore.
  • Employment Pass: For professionals and skilled workers.
• Requirements:
  • Passport, photographs, application form, proof of travel, and financial documentation.
• Process: Apply through the Singapore High Commission in Dhaka or online via the ICA website. Processing takes around 3 to 5 working days.

10. Germany

• Types of Visas:
  • Schengen Visa (Short Stay): For tourism, family visits, business, or short-term study (up to 90 days within 180 days).
  • National Visa (Long Stay): For work, study, or residency (over 90 days).
• Requirements:
  • Schengen visa application form.
  • Passport valid for at least three months beyond the return date.
  • Two recent passport-size photos.
  • Travel insurance covering a minimum of €30,000.
  • Proof of accommodation, financial means, and return/onward ticket.
• Process: Submit the application at the German Embassy or a VFS Global center. An interview may be required. Processing takes about 10-15 days.

11. France

• Types of Visas:
  • Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Visa): For tourism, business, or visiting family and friends.
  • Long-Stay Visa: For study, work, or family reunification (over 90 days).
• Requirements:
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Passport valid for at least three months after the planned departure from the Schengen Area.
  • Proof of travel insurance, accommodation, financial stability, and purpose of visit.
• Process: Applications are submitted to the French Embassy in Dhaka or a VFS Global center. Processing time is typically 10-15 days.

12. Italy

• Types of Visas:
  • Tourist Visa (Schengen Visa): For tourism, family visits, or business (up to 90 days).
  • National Visa (Long Stay): For work, study, or family reunification (over 90 days).
• Requirements:
  • Completed application form.
  • Passport, photographs, travel insurance, and proof of financial means.
  • Additional documents such as employment or study-related papers.
• Process: Application submission through the Italian Embassy in Dhaka or a designated visa center. Processing time is generally 7-15 days.

13. China

• Types of Visas:
  • Tourist Visa (L Visa): For tourism.
  • Business Visa (M Visa): For business and trade activities.
  • Student Visa (X Visa): For long-term studies.
  • Work Visa (Z Visa): For employment.
• Requirements:
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Passport with at least six months’ validity.
  • Passport-sized photographs, invitation letters (for business or visiting relatives), travel itinerary, proof of financial capacity.
• Process: Apply through the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. Processing typically takes 4-5 working days.

14. South Africa

• Types of Visas:
  • Visitor Visa: For tourism, business, or visiting friends and family.
  • Work Visa: For temporary employment.
  • Study Visa: For academic studies.
• Requirements:
  • Visa application form, passport, photos, proof of accommodation, financial evidence, and health insurance.
  • Depending on the purpose, additional documents such as an invitation letter or proof of enrollment in a study program.
• Process: Submit the application through the South African Embassy. Processing time is typically 7-15 working days.

15. Russia

• Types of Visas:
  • Tourist Visa: For short-term stays up to 30 days.
  • Business Visa: For business purposes.
  • Student Visa: For academic studies.
• Requirements:
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Passport with at least two blank pages and valid for at least six months beyond the visa expiration date.
  • Recent passport-size photos, invitation letter (from a host or inviting organization), proof of travel insurance.
• Process: Application should be submitted to the Russian Embassy in Dhaka or a visa center. The process may take up to 20 business days ​(VisaMeter).

FAQs: Visa Types and Requirements for Bangladeshi Citizens

1. What are the most common types of visas for Bangladeshi citizens?
The most common types of visas for Bangladeshi citizens include tourist visas, business visas, student visas, work visas, and transit visas. These visas are available for various countries depending on the purpose of the visit, duration of stay, and specific requirements set by the destination country.

2. How can I apply for a Schengen visa as a Bangladeshi citizen?
To apply for a Schengen visa, Bangladeshi citizens need to submit an application at the embassy or consulate of the country they plan to enter first or the one where they will spend the most time. The process requires filling out the visa application form, providing a valid passport, photographs, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, financial proof, and a travel itinerary. An interview and biometric data submission may also be required.

3. How long does it take to get a visa approved for the USA from Bangladesh?
The processing time for a U.S. visa can vary depending on the type of visa and the time of year. Generally, it takes about 7 to 10 business days after the visa interview. However, it’s advisable to apply at least 60 days in advance to accommodate any delays due to administrative processing​.

4. What documents are typically required for a student visa application?
For a student visa, the required documents usually include a valid passport, completed visa application form, recent photographs, proof of admission from an educational institution, financial statements, proof of payment for tuition and accommodation, a statement of purpose, and sometimes medical records or police clearance certificates.

5. Can I travel to multiple Schengen countries with a single-entry Schengen visa?
No, a single-entry Schengen visa allows you to enter the Schengen Area only once. Once you leave, the visa is considered used, even if it is still valid. For travel to multiple countries within the Schengen Area, you would need a double-entry or multiple-entry Schengen visa​.

6. Are there any visa-free countries for Bangladeshi passport holders?
Yes, several countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Bangladeshi passport holders. Some of these countries include Maldives, Nepal, Indonesia, and Bhutan. However, the duration of stay and specific entry requirements can vary, so it’s important to check the entry regulations of each country before traveling.

7. How much does a Schengen visa cost for Bangladeshi citizens?
The cost of a Schengen visa for Bangladeshi citizens is generally €60 for adults and €35 for children between 6 to 12 years. Some applicants, such as students, researchers, and children under 6 years, may be exempt from the fee or eligible for reduced rates.

8. What is the difference between a Tourist Visa and a Business Visa?
A Tourist Visa is typically issued for leisure travel, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family, while a Business Visa is intended for conducting business activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or signing contracts. Business visas often require an invitation letter from a host company, whereas tourist visas require proof of travel and accommodation plans.

9. What should I do if my visa application is rejected?
If your visa application is rejected, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. You can address the issues mentioned in the letter and reapply, or in some cases, you may be able to appeal the decision. It is important to understand the reasons for rejection and ensure that all required documents and information are correctly provided in your new application.

10. How far in advance should I apply for a visa?
It is generally recommended to apply for a visa at least one to two months before your planned travel date. This allows enough time for processing and any unexpected delays. For Schengen visas, it is advisable to apply at least 15 days to one month in advance, while for other countries like the USA, a minimum of 60 days is recommended​.

This FAQ section covers common questions and concerns for Bangladeshi travelers regarding different visa types and their requirements, providing a clearer understanding of the application process and necessary preparations.

Final Thoughts

This guide covers some of the most common visa types and requirements for top-tier countries that Bangladeshi citizens may want to visit. Ensure you have the most up-to-date information by checking with the relevant embassies or official visa centers before applying, as requirements and processing times can frequently change.