India has officially resumed issuing tourist visas to Bangladeshi citizens, ending a two-year suspension that had remained in place since 2024. The decision is expected to revive cross-border tourism, medical travel, and business activities between the two neighbouring countries.
The announcement was made by India's newly appointed High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, during a visit to an Indian visa application centre in Dhaka on June 25. Tourist visa applications officially reopened on June 28 at five visa application centres located in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna.
The restoration of tourist visa services marks an important step in improving people-to-people ties after a prolonged interruption. Thousands of Bangladeshi citizens travel to India each year for tourism, medical treatment, shopping, education, and family visits. The suspension had significantly reduced cross-border movement and affected businesses that rely on visitors from Bangladesh.
India had halted tourist visa services in 2024 following political unrest in Bangladesh that led to the fall of the government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. During the period of instability, attacks on Indian diplomatic missions and security concerns prompted Indian authorities to temporarily suspend tourist visa processing while continuing to provide limited emergency and essential visa services.
The reopening has been welcomed by businesses, particularly in eastern India. Traders in Kolkata celebrated the decision, expressing optimism that Bangladeshi visitors would once again boost retail markets, hotels, restaurants, and healthcare services. Medical tourism is also expected to recover, as many Bangladeshi patients travel to Indian cities for specialized treatment.
Travel industry representatives believe the move will strengthen economic activity on both sides of the border and encourage greater regional connectivity. Airlines, hotels, travel agencies, and hospitals are expected to benefit from the gradual return of visitors over the coming months.
At the same time, the decision has sparked debate within India. Some political leaders and residents have raised concerns over illegal immigration and border security, calling for strict verification procedures during the visa process. Authorities have emphasized that all applications will continue to undergo standard security screening in accordance with India's immigration regulations.
Officials have not announced any major changes to the tourist visa application process, and eligible applicants can submit their documents through the designated visa application centres. Applicants are advised to check the latest guidelines before scheduling appointments and preparing the required documentation.
The resumption of tourist visas is widely viewed as a positive development for bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh. Analysts say restoring regular travel can help rebuild confidence, support economic cooperation, and strengthen cultural exchanges between the two countries after a period of diplomatic challenges.
As visa services resume, both governments are expected to monitor the process closely while balancing the benefits of increased travel with the need to maintain border security. For thousands of families, patients, students, and tourists, the decision offers renewed opportunities to reconnect across one of South Asia's busiest international borders.