NEW DELHI: In a significant move aimed at restoring normal people-to-people exchanges between India and Bangladesh, the Government of India has announced the resumption of tourist visa services for Bangladeshi citizens from June 28, 2026. The decision comes nearly two years after tourist visa operations were scaled down due to security concerns and attacks on Indian establishments in Bangladesh.
Tourist Visa Services to Restart
The announcement was made by Dinesh Trivedi, India’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Bangladesh, during a visit to the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka. He confirmed that Bangladeshi nationals will once again be able to apply for tourist visas beginning June 28.
According to the envoy, the move reflects India’s commitment to strengthening cultural, social, and people-centric ties with its neighboring country. The resumption is expected to facilitate travel for tourism, family visits, and other non-business purposes that had been largely restricted in recent years.
Five Visa Centres to Handle Applications
Initially, tourist visa applications will be processed through five Indian Visa Application Centres located in:
- Dhaka
- Chittagong
- Rajshahi
- Sylhet
- Khulna
Indian officials indicated that the network could be expanded further depending on demand and operational requirements.
Background: Why Were Tourist Visas Restricted?
India had significantly reduced visa operations in Bangladesh following a period of unrest in 2024. During that time, several Indian facilities and visa centres reportedly came under attack, while concerns were raised about the safety of Indian diplomatic personnel and staff working on development projects.
As a precautionary measure, tourist visa services were curtailed, although India continued issuing medical and emergency visas for humanitarian reasons. The restrictions affected thousands of prospective travelers who regularly visit India for tourism, family reunions, education-related activities, and cultural exchanges.
Medical and Emergency Visas Continued Throughout
Even during the period of restricted operations, India maintained essential visa services. Medical visas, emergency travel permits, and humanitarian cases continued to receive priority processing.
Officials noted that a substantial number of Bangladeshi citizens travel to India annually for specialized medical treatment. Recognizing this need, Indian authorities ensured that healthcare-related travel remained largely uninterrupted despite the broader restrictions.
Boost to People-to-People Ties
Diplomatic observers view the decision as an important confidence-building measure between the two neighboring nations. Tourism and cross-border travel have traditionally played a vital role in maintaining close cultural and historical connections between India and Bangladesh.
The reopening of tourist visa services is expected to encourage greater interaction between citizens of both countries and contribute positively to bilateral relations. Analysts believe that easier travel access could help revive tourism, educational exchanges, and family visits that were affected during the visa restrictions.
A Positive Signal for Bilateral Relations
The announcement coincided with High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi formally beginning his diplomatic tenure in Dhaka. Earlier in the day, he presented his credentials to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin and expressed optimism about enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
The move is being interpreted as a positive signal from New Delhi as both countries seek to deepen cooperation across trade, connectivity, tourism, and regional development initiatives.
Impact on Tourism and Travel
Travel industry stakeholders expect a surge in visa applications once services reopen. Bangladesh has historically been one of the largest sources of foreign visitors to India, with travelers visiting destinations for leisure, religious tourism, shopping, medical treatment, and educational purposes.
The restoration of tourist visas is likely to benefit airlines, hotels, tour operators, and businesses on both sides of the border. It may also contribute to increased economic activity linked to tourism and hospitality sectors.
Looking Ahead
With tourist visa applications set to resume from June 28, both governments are expected to monitor demand and operational efficiency in the coming months. The decision marks a major step toward normalizing travel between the two countries and reflects a broader effort to strengthen bilateral engagement through greater people-to-people connectivity.
As India reopens its doors to Bangladeshi tourists, the development is expected to foster renewed exchanges, deepen mutual understanding, and reinforce the longstanding relationship shared by the two neighboring nations.
