Dharma Roads
Visas for Buddhist pilgrimage on a Bangladeshi passport
The general visa picture and what to prepare for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other pilgrimage countries on a Bangladeshi passport.
This is general guidance. Visa rules for Bangladeshi passports change often. Check each country's embassy or official visa website before applying, and avoid unlicensed agents.
At a glance
| Country | Usual situation (Bangladeshi passport) |
|---|---|
| Nepal | Visa on arrival. As SAARC citizens, usually free for up to 30 days on the first visit in a year. |
| Bhutan | Bangladeshis have traditionally been able to enter without a visa in advance, but the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and guide rules apply. Confirm the SDF that applies to Bangladeshi nationals on the official site. |
| India | Visa needed in advance, applied for through IVAC centres (not the e-Visa). Tourist visas have been limited since 2024. |
| Sri Lanka | Online ETA before travel. |
| Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Myanmar | Usually a visa or e-visa in advance. Check whether the e-visa portal accepts Bangladeshi passports; if not, apply at the embassy in Dhaka. |
| China (including Tibet), Japan, South Korea, Mongolia | Visa needed in advance. Tibet also requires a Tibet Travel Permit and a guided tour. |
Official links for every country are on the visa page.
What to prepare
- A passport valid for at least 6 months after your return, with blank pages.
- Recent bank statements and a solvency certificate.
- For employees, a no-objection certificate (NOC) and leave letter; for business owners, a trade licence; for students, a letter from the institution.
- Hotel bookings and return travel bookings (many embassies ask for them).
- Photos in the size the embassy specifies.
- If you will stay at a monastery, its invitation letter can help.
Leave time
For countries such as India, a visa can take several weeks. Secure the visa before buying tickets, or buy refundable fares.
If you cannot get a visa
Nepal and Bhutan are easier to enter. Lumbini, Kathmandu and Bhutan's Tiger's Nest make a full pilgrimage on their own — and at home there is Bangladesh's rich Buddhist heritage.
Last updated: 2026-10-17