Bangladesh has moved to restore full visa services for Indian citizens, marking a significant thaw in relations between the two neighbouring countries after months of diplomatic strain. The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and its assistant missions have begun processing all categories of visas including tourist, medical, business, and work visas that were previously suspended. This decision came into effect on 20 February, about two months after visa services were halted amid tensions in December 2025.
The suspension last year followed heightened diplomatic tensions triggered by political unrest in Bangladesh and protests that pressured both sides. Indian and Bangladeshi missions had restricted consular operations as mutual concerns escalated, disrupting routine travel and documentation processes for citizens of both countries.
The restoration of visa services is widely seen as one of Bangladesh’s first concrete foreign policy steps under the country’s new leadership. With the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government taking office recently, the resumption signals an early effort to mend bilateral ties with New Delhi. Experts and officials believe this move will boost people‑to‑people contacts, support cross‑border tourism, and facilitate smoother business travel between the two nations.
In response, India has also begun preparations to fully restore its own visa services for Bangladeshi nationals in Bangladesh. Indian consular officials have confirmed that certain categories like medical and double‑entry visas are already being issued, and that steps are underway to resume other visa categories soon.
The renewed visa cooperation comes as both governments look to rebuild trust and strengthen diplomatic engagement, reversing a period of restricted movement and reduced cooperation that had disrupted travel for thousands of Indians and Bangladeshis alike.
