Bangladesh is moving towards restoring visa services for Indian nationals months after suspending issuance in December 2025, according to diplomatic sources familiar with the matter. However, authorities in Dhaka have not yet issued a formal notification confirming the resumption.
Visa processing for Indian citizens was halted in late December 2025 amid heightened diplomatic tensions and security concerns following political unrest in Bangladesh. The suspension affected multiple visa categories, including tourist, business and medical visas, disrupting cross-border travel between the two neighbouring countries.
Officials indicate that internal discussions are underway within Bangladesh’s foreign ministry to gradually restart visa services across its missions in India. Preparatory steps are believed to have begun, but an official circular detailing timelines, categories, and procedures is still awaited.
According to diplomatic sources, the outreach has been reciprocal. At the time of the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman, India issued around 3,000 medical visas to Bangladeshi nationals as a goodwill measure, signalling New Delhi’s intent to maintain humanitarian and educational exchanges despite broader strains in bilateral ties.
The freeze had a visible impact on people-to-people exchanges, trade visits and medical travel. India and Bangladesh share extensive economic and cultural ties, with thousands of travellers crossing the border annually for tourism, education, healthcare and family visits. The suspension also coincided with tighter scrutiny of consular operations in certain locations due to security considerations.
Diplomatic observers suggest that the move towards restoring visas reflects efforts by both sides to stabilise bilateral relations after months of strain. India has continued limited visa services for Bangladeshi nationals in select categories, signalling willingness for reciprocal measures.
While no specific date has been announced for the full resumption, officials expect clarity once a formal notification is released by Dhaka. Until then, applicants have been advised to monitor official communication channels of Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions for updates.
The development is seen as a potential step toward normalising cross-border mobility and rebuilding confidence between the two countries following the December 2025 pause in visa issuance.
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