India has increased the visa processing fee for Bangladeshi citizens, nearly doubling the cost, which will come into effect from August 10.
The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) on its official website announced that the visa processing fee for applications submitted at Indian visa centres in Bangladesh has been revised to Tk 1,500 (all inclusive), up from the previous Tk 824.
Despite the revised fee, regular Indian visa services for Bangladeshi nationals have remained suspended for over a year. At present, a limited number of appointments are available only for urgent medical cases, students, and individuals transiting through India to third countries. These categories of travellers must also possess a prior appointment with the relevant foreign embassy.
The IVAC clarified that this amount is not a visa fee imposed by the Indian government, but rather a service charge levied to cover the cost of managing the visa application process.
It also said the adjustment was necessary due to a significant rise in operational and material costs in recent years, marking the first revision in processing fees since 2018.
“As per existing policy, the Government of India does not charge any visa fee for Bangladeshi nationals. Indian visas for all Bangladeshi citizens will continue to remain free of cost,” the IVAC notice read.
Currently, Indian visa services for Bangladeshi nationals are operational at centres in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna — but with restricted appointment slots.
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
