After nearly two years of restrictions, India has officially announced the resumption of tourist visas for Bangladeshi citizens, reopening one of South Asia's busiest travel corridors. Beginning Sunday, June 28, Bangladeshi nationals will once again be able to submit applications for Indian tourist visas, a move expected to significantly boost cross-border tourism, family visits, business travel, and people-to-people connectivity between the two neighboring countries.
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| India has resumed tourist visas for Bangladeshi citizens after nearly two years, reopening cross-border travel from June 28. |
The announcement has been welcomed by thousands of Bangladeshis who regularly travel to India for tourism, shopping, cultural exchanges, and family reunions. The decision is also expected to benefit airlines, travel agencies, hotels, and businesses that rely on the steady flow of visitors between Bangladesh and India.
According to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, tourist visa applications will initially be accepted through selected Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) across Bangladesh. Officials said the reopening reflects improving bilateral cooperation and aims to restore normal travel services that had remained suspended for an extended period.
The suspension of regular tourist visas had affected thousands of Bangladeshi travelers, many of whom traditionally visit India for holidays, medical consultations, education-related activities, shopping, and to meet relatives. During the suspension period, India continued issuing only limited categories of visas, including medical and emergency visas, while regular tourist travel remained unavailable.
The restoration of tourist visas is widely viewed as an important milestone in strengthening Bangladesh–India relations. Experts believe the decision will encourage greater cultural exchange, increase tourism revenue, and further deepen people-to-people ties between the two neighboring countries. The reopening is also expected to support businesses connected to the tourism and hospitality sectors, which have been waiting for the return of regular travel.
Indian officials have advised Bangladeshi applicants to submit their visa requests only through authorized Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) and to avoid unauthorized agents or third-party services. Applicants should ensure that their passports remain valid and that all required documents are complete before applying to avoid unnecessary delays.
Travel industry representatives in Bangladesh have also welcomed the decision, saying that demand for India-bound travel is expected to increase rapidly in the coming weeks. Airlines and tour operators anticipate a noticeable rise in bookings as families and tourists resume travel plans that had been postponed for nearly two years.
Although tourist visas are being restored, travelers are encouraged to check the latest visa requirements and travel advisories before making arrangements. Visa processing times may vary depending on application volume, and authorities recommend applying well in advance of planned travel dates.
For Bangladeshis, India remains one of the most popular international destinations due to its close geographic proximity, shared cultural heritage, and extensive transport links. Every year, millions of travelers cross the border for tourism, healthcare, education, religious visits, and business activities. The reopening of tourist visas is therefore expected to bring significant benefits to both countries by facilitating smoother travel and strengthening regional cooperation.
As visa services return to normal, both governments are expected to continue working toward expanding bilateral collaboration in trade, tourism, and connectivity. The latest announcement sends a positive signal for travelers on both sides of the border and marks another step toward restoring normal cross-border movement after an extended period of restrictions.
The resumption of Indian tourist visas for Bangladeshi citizens represents a major development for regional travel and bilateral relations. With applications reopening from Sunday, June 28, thousands of Bangladeshis are expected to begin planning trips to India once again. The decision is likely to boost tourism, strengthen economic cooperation, and reinforce the long-standing relationship between the two neighboring nations.
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