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What To Know
- In 2025, visa services for Bangladeshi nationals have been resumed after a brief period of restrictions earlier in the year.
- Tourist visas can be applied for through UAE-based travel agencies, airlines like Emirates or Fly Dubai, or through a local sponsor.
- If you plan to work in Dubai or any other emirate, you must first secure a job offer from a licensed UAE company.
Planning a trip to the UAE? Here’s everything Bangladeshi passport holders need to know — from visa types and requirements to recent changes and how to apply.
1. Overview & Recent Developments
In 2025, visa services for Bangladeshi nationals have been resumed after a brief period of restrictions earlier in the year. High-level sources have confirmed that there is no official ban on Bangladeshi visitors, though some categories like family sponsorship and work permits are undergoing enhanced checks.
As of mid-2025, tourist, visit, and employment visas are again being issued. However, applicants are advised to expect longer processing times and stricter documentation requirements. The UAE and Bangladesh governments continue to strengthen cooperation to streamline visa processing and enhance bilateral travel.
Summary: Visa issuance is open again, but subject to tighter screening and documentation standards.
2. Types of Visas for Bangladeshi Citizens
| Visa Type | Purpose | Key Information |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist / Visit Visa | For leisure, family visit, or business tourism. | Must apply in advance through a travel agency, sponsor, or airline partner. No visa-on-arrival for Bangladeshi citizens. |
| Employment / Work Visa | For those with confirmed job offers in the UAE. | Employer must serve as sponsor. Includes medical fitness test and labor approval. |
| Residence Visa | For those living or working in the UAE long-term. | Usually issued after receiving a work visa or family sponsorship approval. |
| Golden Visa (Long-term Residency) | For investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals with exceptional talent. | Specific eligibility criteria apply; requires proof of investment, qualifications, or achievements. |
| Transit Visa | For passengers connecting through UAE airports. | Valid for 48 or 96 hours. Must apply through airlines before travel. |
3. Requirements and Eligibility
To apply for a UAE visa, Bangladeshi applicants must generally provide:
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A valid passport (minimum six months validity)
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Recent passport-sized photographs with white background
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Completed visa application form
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Confirmed return air ticket
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Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter from sponsor)
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Bank statement or financial proof for trip expenses
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Travel insurance (for tourist visas)
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No previous visa overstay or ban record
For employment visas, additional documents include:
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Signed job offer or contract
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Educational certificates (attested by Bangladesh and UAE authorities)
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Medical fitness test results
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Emirates ID registration after arrival
4. Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Choose your visa type: Determine whether you’re applying for a tourist, work, or long-term visa.
2. Prepare required documents: Ensure all documents are valid, clear, and attested if necessary.
3. Submit application:
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Tourist visas can be applied for through UAE-based travel agencies, airlines like Emirates or Fly Dubai, or through a local sponsor.
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Work visas are applied for by your employer directly through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
4. Pay visa fees: Fees vary by type (tourist visas usually cost between AED 300–600).
5. Wait for processing: Typical processing time ranges from 3 to 10 working days depending on visa category.
6. Receive visa: Once approved, you’ll receive an e-visa or a physical copy via your sponsor.
7. Enter UAE: Upon arrival, immigration officials will verify your visa and entry documents.
5. Important Travel Tips
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Always double-check the accuracy of your documents before applying.
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Avoid using unverified agents or unofficial channels to prevent scams.
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Apply well in advance, especially before holidays or peak travel seasons.
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Ensure your sponsor meets all income and residency requirements (for family or work visas).
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Keep a printed copy of your e-visa while travelling.
6. Work and Residency Visas
If you plan to work in Dubai or any other emirate, you must first secure a job offer from a licensed UAE company. After approval:
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The company applies for your entry permit.
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You travel to the UAE and undergo medical testing.
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You receive a residency visa stamped in your passport, valid for up to two years.
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An Emirates ID card is issued for your stay.
Residency visas can be renewed upon expiration, provided your employment remains valid. Dependents (spouse and children) may also apply for family sponsorship if the income threshold is met.
7. Golden Visa Opportunities
The UAE’s Golden Visa system offers 5- or 10-year residency permits for qualified individuals — including investors, doctors, scientists, and exceptional students.
For Bangladeshi citizens, eligibility depends on:
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Minimum AED 2 million investment in UAE property or business
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Outstanding academic or scientific achievements
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Specialized skills in medicine, engineering, or technology
This visa provides long-term stability without the need for a local sponsor.
8. Visa Validity and Overstay Rules
Tourist visas are generally valid for 30 to 90 days depending on the type. Extensions may be granted twice for 30 days each, but overstaying your visa will result in fines and potential bans from re-entry.
Overstay fines are approximately AED 50 per day beyond the visa expiry date. It’s always best to renew or exit the country before your visa ends.
9. Final Advice for Bangladeshi Travellers
The UAE remains one of the top destinations for Bangladeshi workers, students, and tourists. With visa processing gradually returning to normal in 2025, applicants can once again benefit from the vast opportunities the Emirates offers — from business expansion to tourism and education.
Always rely on official information from the UAE Embassy in Dhaka or UAE government websites for the latest visa updates and entry rules.
