Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an Indian Tourist Visa Online from Bangladesh

It’s common for Bangladeshis to go to their neighboring country India for work, visits, or even education. There are many types of visas available to travel to India, such as tourist, Business, Medical, Transit, Employment, Student, etc. 

However, complications or difficulties can arise when applying for a visa. Waiting in the queue for long hours since early morning or finding the right and trusted visa consultancy support are some major issues. But, firms like Obokash.com provide consultancy support for tourists, Business, Medical, Transit, and Entry visas that make life easy for tourists and visitors to India. 

Here, we will look at the step-by-step process of applying for an Indian Tourist Visa online from Bangladesh. We will also talk about the types of Visas to India briefly and what factors to consider before traveling to India. 

So, let’s start our discussion. 

Types of Indian Visas

Currently, the Indian High Commission allows 12 types of Visa for Bangladeshi nationals planning to go to India:

(source: Know Your Visa Type - High Commission of India)

Obokash.com offers support for tourist, medical, business, transit, and entry visas currently. You can check out the page on Indian Visa for more details. 

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

Now, we will go through the online application process for an Indian Visa to help you understand the process easily and quickly. 

Step 1: 

The first thing to do is to visit https://www.hcidhaka.gov.in/ and then go to Visa Services > Apply Online. When you click there, the above screen will show up. There, you will enter the information asked and then click Continue. 

Step 2: 

In the next page, you will be given a temporary ID to proceed with the application. Here, you will input your personal details like:

• Name
• Date of Birth
• City and Country of Birth
• NID
• Religion
• Nationality, etc. 

You will also have to input passport details like the number, dates of issue and expiry, etc. once you are done entering, Save and Continue.

Step 3: 

In the next step, you will need to provide your family details like:

• Permanent and present address
• Father and mother’s details
• Marital status and spouse’s details
• And Professional details 

After providing those, you can move on to the next step with Save and Continue.

Step 4: 

Next, your Visa Details will be asked. You will be required to duly fill in information like the place of visit, duration of visit, port of arrival in India, other SAARC country visits, and name of a reference from India and Bangladesh. Once you have inputted this information, continue to the next page. 

Step 5:

The following step will ask you to answer via yes or no about your activities that may be deemed criminal or illegal by the authorities. You will be required to mark them duly. 

Step 6:

In this phase, you will upload a photo of yours, keeping the photo specifications right. 

Step 7:

Here, you will provide about your accommodation via Name of the Hotel, the Address of the hotel, state, district, and contact number. Finally, press continue and move to the confirmation page.

Step 8:

Before submitting your documents, your final stage will be confirming the details provided so far and clicking on Verified and Continue. If you think you have to make any changes, click on Modify and make the changes before applying. 

 

Tourist Visa Application Costs

There is no visa fee for Bangladeshi Nationals. But the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC)’s charge is Tk. 840/-.

Obokash.com charges Tk. 1,500 for visa application processes to help you make your visa application smooth and quick. If you want a notary and translation, then there may be additional charges if needed).

Passport Submission and Tracking

Your passport is required, in original, with a minimum validity of six months as of the date of submission of the application for the visa. The passport should have at least two (2) blank pages. A copy of the passport (Pages no 2 & 3) should be attached. All old passports must be submitted with the application form. If the immediate previous passport is lost then a G.D (English) copy of that passport is required.

Visa Processing Time

When Bangladeshi citizens apply for an Indian visa, the processing time becomes a crucial factor. The Indian Mission or Post generally takes at least three working days to process a visa application once it’s received. It could be through the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly. This duration varies depending on the applicant’s nationality and excludes any special cases which may require additional time.

The processing of a visa application starts only upon the receipt of the physical application form at the IVACs or directly at the Mission or Post. You should also keep in mind that you may need biometric data, including fingerprinting and a photograph at the time of submission.

The IVAC may take up to 10 calendar days to process your visa. But, if you want to process your file with Obokash, it will take you only 1 or 2 days to get the work done.  Please note that the file processing for the visa will start only after receiving all necessary documents.

Documents

Besides your Passport, the documents needed for a tourist visa are:

• Duly filled Application form and signed by the applicant (if the applicant is a minor, the form must be signed by both parents or their legal guardian).
• Two recent (not less than 3 months old) 2x2 (350x350 pixels) color photographs depicting a full face with a white background. 
• Birth certificate / National ID card copy.
• Utility Bill such as electricity, telephone, gas, or water bill (not more than 6 months old)
• For Non-Bangladeshi applicants: Bangladeshi Residence Permit valid at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from the territory of the Member States

If you are a Professional, you would need an NOC letter showing a period of contract, designation & monthly salary of the applicant, office ID COPY, a Company cover letter (explaining the purpose of the visit and nature of business dealings), Tin, Tax certificate, IRC, ERC, LC, Dual party Agreement, Association certificate, etc.

If you are a Business Person, you would need to show a Trade License (Trade license (renewal) required for proprietorship, Business agreement/deed copy if partnership business and memorandum of the article, certificate of incorporation if limited company), Company cover letter (explaining the purpose of visit and nature of business dealings), Tin, Tax certificate, IRC, ERC, LC, Dual party Agreement, Association certificate, etc.

Passport Collection

For delivery of passports may be collected on or after the delivery date which is mentioned in the receipt during the delivery time. In case of loss of receipt, the applicant needs to do General Dairy at the Local Police station. A passport will be delivered after submitting an original copy of General Dairy (GD), 1 photo with an application at the counter.

Things to consider before starting your journey

When to Travel

Most of India has similar weather to Bangladesh. So, if you want to travel to the beaches of Goa or tour monumental places like the Taj Mahal or Agra, you should opt for summer or autumn time. Like Bangladesh, it is quite rainy from May to July so it’s best to avoid those times. Northern India also has extremely cold weather during the winter season. So, it would not an ideal time to visit or, you should prepare accordingly. 

Where to Contact

In Bangladesh, the High Commission of India, Dhaka has appointed an outsourcing agency The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) to accept Indian visa applications from Indian visa seekers (except for Diplomatic and Official passports) and to return the processed passports to the applicants IVAC’S has 15 branches all over in Bangladesh. 

Other foreign nationals can apply for the visa at the Indian Visa Application Centre- Dhaka (Jamuna Future Park) and the Indian Visa Application Centre, Chittagong. Applications are submitted on a walk-in basis. The applicant has to be present in person during visa application submission. 

So, you should know where the locations are and how to contact them. 

Knowing Places to Travel

Once you know where you will be staying and touring in India, you should find out about the culture, language, rituals, food, and spots of the place. With 28 states and 8 union territories, India is a land of diversity and various cultures. Whether it's Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, or Chennai, many people in the metros can speak substantial English but knowing a bit of their mother tongue helps to create a connection. 

Where to find Accommodation

Reach out to agencies like Obokash to help you get good accommodation in India. If you have a documented accommodation place, you can easily travel with a tourist visa. 

How much money should be in your account?

There is no minimum or maximum limit for your bank balance. However, there should be consistency in your transactions. Your bank account must reflect that you can bear your travel costs and you have enough financial ties to return to your country.

Packing

Make sure to have sufficient clothing and documents before your travel. If you are working, make sure to have your NOC from your employer. Also, keep accessories like sunscreen lotion or masks, depending on your weather. And of course, be medically cleared before your travel. 

To Sum Up

The Indian visa application process can be completed online in a few simple steps. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, applicants can easily apply for their visas without any hassle. It is important to note that the information and requirements mentioned in this article may change over time, so it is always advisable to check the official Indian High Commission website for the most up-to-date information and instructions.

For proper help and guidance, you can reach out to tour agencies like Obokash. They can help you with accommodation, visa processing, and the documents you need to complete the formalities and make your travel worthwhile.