Govt tightens visa issuance, on-arrival rules during elections

The government has issued a circular directing authorities to tighten the issuance of visas, including visas on arrival, for foreign nationals during the 13th national parliamentary elections and the referendum, with the aim of ensuring security.

The directive was issued on Monday (January 12) through an order signed by Md Shafiqul Islam, deputy secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Security Services Division-5).

Under the guidelines, Bangladesh missions and embassies abroad have been instructed to issue specific visas strictly in accordance with the Visa Policy 2006 and subsequent notifications, following proper verification of all required documents.

Visas on arrival may be granted to foreign nationals arriving without prior visas, subject to compliance with conditions outlined in the circular issued on September 15, 2016. Authorities have been directed to thoroughly scrutinise documents related to the purpose of visit, sponsoring organisation or individual, accommodation arrangements, return tickets, and other relevant papers. Visas must not be issued in cases of irregularity, deviation, or suspicion.

The circular also states that prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs will be mandatory for the entry of foreign military and security personnel into Bangladesh.

Foreign observers and journalists arriving to monitor the 13th national parliamentary elections and the referendum in 2026 will be issued visas on arrival bearing a seal marked “Election Observation” for the period specified by the Election Commission. Such visas will be issued based on recommendations from the Election Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or where applicable, the Ministry of Information. Election observers may also be granted visas on arrival with visa fees waived, subject to recommendations from the Election Commission.

To strengthen oversight, coordination among the Special Branch, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement agencies involved in visa issuance, as well as the entry and exit of foreign nationals at international airports and land and seaports, will be enhanced.

In addition, Bangladesh missions and embassies abroad, the Department of Immigration and Passports, the Special Branch, and authorities at international airports and land and seaports have been instructed to submit daily detailed reports, in Excel format, on visa issuance and the entry and exit of foreign nationals to the email address provided by the Additional Secretary (Security Services Wing) of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The directive has come into effect immediately.