If you hold a Bangladeshi passport and want to explore the world without the hassle of applying for a visa, this guide is for you. The Bangladeshi passport, issued by the Department of Immigration & Passports under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is available to citizens by birth, descent, or naturalisation.

As of 2025, the Bangladeshi passport ranks 99th globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 39 countries. While the ranking may be on the lower side, it still provides exciting opportunities for hassle-free travel.

Introduction of E-Passports for Bangladeshis

Bangladesh introduced a modern biometric e-passport system on January 22, 2020. It was the first South Asian country and the 119th worldwide to issue e-passports to all eligible citizens.

These e-passports include:

• An electronic chip storing personal data, a colour photograph, fingerprints, iris scans, and a digital signature

• Compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards

• 41 advanced security elements like holograms and watermarks

• Eco-friendly, durable materials that resist tampering, wear, and tear

E-passports make immigration faster, safer, and smoother for Bangladeshi travellers, ensuring better global acceptance.

History of the Bangladeshi Passport

• 1973: Bangladesh issued its first passports under the Bangladesh Passport Order. These were handwritten documents.

• 2010: Transitioned to machine-readable passports (MRPs) to meet ICAO standards.

• 2015: Phased out all handwritten passports.

• 2020: Launched biometric e-passports for enhanced security and travel convenience.

Bangladesh also issued a special maroon India-Bangladesh Special Passport from 1972 to 2013 for travel to select Indian states, which was later discontinued due to updated international regulations.

Travel Opportunities for Bangladeshi Passport Holders

While the Bangladeshi passport may have limited global mobility, it still allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to several countries. This includes destinations across Asia, Africa, and parts of the Caribbean.

Holding a Bangladeshi e-passport makes your travel even smoother, with faster immigration checks and safer international journeys.

Tips for Bangladeshi travellers:

• Always check visa policies for your destination

• Stay updated on travel advisories

• Plan ahead to take advantage of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access
  

Visa-Free Countries for Bangladeshi Passport Holders

Here is the list of countries that provide visa-free access to the citizens of Bangladesh:

1. Bahamas - 4 weeks

2. Barbados - 6 months

3. Dominica - 6 months

4. Fiji - 4 months

5. Grenada - 3 months

6. Gambia - 90 days

7. Haiti - 3 months

8. Jamaica - 6 months

9. Kenya - 90 days ETA

10. Kiribati - 90 days

11. Lethoso - 90 days

12. Micronesia - 30 days

13. Rwanda - 30 days

14. Samoa - 60 days

15. Seychelles - 3 months

16. Sierra Leone - 3 months

17. St. Kitts and Nevis - 3 months

18. St. Vincent and the Grenadines - 3 months

19. Trinidad and Tobago - 30 days

20. Vanuatu - 30 days

The list of countries that offer visa-free travel to Bangladeshi passport holders can change over time due to evolving international agreements, shifts in diplomatic relations, or temporary travel restrictions. These changes can impact which destinations allow entry without a visa or introduce new entry requirements.

Since the visa-free access list for Bangladeshi citizens is not fixed, it’s essential to stay updated and verify entry requirements before making any travel plans. 

VOA Countries for Bangladesh Passport Holders

Here is the list of countries that provide VOA to the citizens of Bangladesh:

1. Bolivia

2. Burundi

3. Cambodia

4. Cape Verde Islands

5. Comoro Islands

6. Djibouti

7. Guinea-Bissau

8. Maldives

9. Mozambique

10. Nepal

11. Samoa

12. Sierra Leone

13. Somalia

14. Timor-Leste

15. Tuvalu

E-Visa Countries for Bangladesh Passport Holders

Here is the list of countries that provide an E-Visa to the citizens of Bangladesh:

1. Albania

2. Antigua and Barbuda

3. Azerbaijan

4. Bahrain

5. Benin

6. Botswana

7. Burkina Faso

8. Cameroon

9. Colombia

10. Equatorial Guinea

11. Ethiopia

12. Gabon

13. Georgia

14. Guinea

15. Indonesia

16. Kazakhstan

17. Kyrgyzstan

18. Malaysia

19. Mauritania

20. Moldova

21. Myanmar

22. Oman

23. Pakistan

24. Qatar

25. São Tomé and Príncipe

26. Singapore

27. Suriname

28. Syria

29. Tajikistan

30. Tanzania

31. Thailand

32. Togo

33. Türkiye

34. Uganda

35. Uzbekistan

36. Vietnam

37. Zambia

38. Zimbabwe

ETA Requirement for Bangladesh Passport Holders

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is a mandatory digital travel document required for Bangladeshi passport holders visiting certain destinations. Although it is not a visa, an ETA serves as a pre-screening process that must be completed online before departure.

For Bangladeshi citizens, countries such as Kenya, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka currently require an eTA for entry. 

The application process is simple, quick, and much easier compared to applying for a traditional visa. Travellers need to provide basic personal details, information about their travel plans, and pay a small processing fee online.

Completing the eTA process before travelling ensures a smoother arrival experience and helps avoid any unexpected delays at immigration checkpoints.

While visa requirements still apply for many destinations, Bangladeshi citizens can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to several countries across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.

With proper planning and up-to-date information on entry requirements, such as passport validity, proof of sufficient funds, onward or return travel documentation, and the maximum duration of stay, you can experience smooth, stress-free journeys. Whether you're exploring Southeast Asia, tropical island nations, or venturing further abroad, staying informed and well-prepared is essential for a successful trip.

For reliable visa assistance and a streamlined application process, Atlys can be your trusted partner, offering expert guidance tailored to the unique needs of Bangladeshi travellers.