If you hold a Bangladeshi passport and are eager to explore the world without the stress of securing a visa, this guide is your perfect starting point. Bangladeshi passports are officially issued by the Department of Immigration & Passports, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, to individuals who have acquired citizenship by birth, descent, or naturalisation according to the laws of Bangladesh.

As of 2025, the Bangladeshi passport ranks 97th globally and offers visa-free access to 39 countries, opening up exciting opportunities for hassle-free international travel.

Introduction of E-passports for Bangladeshi Citizens

Bangladesh has made a significant leap by introducing a new biometric, chip-embedded e-passport system, offering greater security, faster processing, and enhanced global acceptance. Launched officially on January 22, 2020, Bangladesh became the first country in South Asia and the 119th country globally to issue e-passports for all eligible citizens.

The embedded electronic chip securely stores the passport holder’s personal data, colour facial photograph, ten fingerprints, iris scans of both eyes, and digital signature. This modernised e-passport system aligns with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), ensuring smoother immigration and travel experiences for Bangladeshis around the world.

Manufactured and printed with eco-friendly, highly durable materials, Bangladeshi e-passports also feature 41 different security elements, including colour-shifting holograms and watermark designs, making them highly resistant to tampering, wear, and tear, as well as counterfeiting.

History of the Bangladeshi Passport

Following the country's liberation, Bangladesh issued its first passports in 1973 under the Bangladesh Passport Order, 1973. Initially, these were handwritten documents that complied with international standards of the time. Over the years, Bangladesh modernised its passport issuance processes, transitioning to machine-readable passports (MRP) in 2010 to meet updated ICAO requirements.

Before the adoption of e-passports, Bangladesh successfully phased out all handwritten passports by 2015. Later, recognising the global shift towards biometric security, the government partnered with international firms to introduce e-passports, further enhancing travel efficiency and security for its citizens.

Interestingly, from 1972 to 2013, Bangladesh also issued a special maroon-colored India-Bangladesh Special Passport for travel between Bangladesh and select Indian states. However, this was discontinued following updated ICAO regulations.

Travel Opportunities for Bangladeshi Passport Holders

Whether you're dreaming of a beach getaway, a historical city tour, or an extended backpacking trip, understanding your visa requirements is crucial. While the Bangladeshi passport is ranked among the lower tiers for global mobility, it still grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to several countries. Careful planning can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

If you hold a Bangladeshi e-passport, you are better equipped for faster immigration checks and safer international travel. Always check the visa policies of your intended destination and stay informed about any travel advisories.

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

2. Barbados

3. Bhutan

4. Bolivia

5. British Virgin Islands

6. Burundi

7. Cambodia

8. Cape Verde Islands

9. Comoro Islands

10. Cook Islands

11. Djibouti

12. Dominica

13. Fiji

14. Grenada

15. Guinea-Bissau

16. Haiti

17. Jamaica

18. Kenya

19. Kiribati

20. Madagascar

21. Maldives

22. Micronesia

23. Montserrat

24. Mozambique

25. Nepal

26. Niue

27. Rwanda

28. Samoa

29. Seychelles

30. Sierra Leone

31. Somalia

32. Sri Lanka

33. St. Kitts and Nevis

34. St. Vincent and the Grenadines

35. The Gambia

36. Timor-Leste

37. Trinidad and Tobago

38. Tuvalu

39. Vanuatu

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. Sao Tome and Principe

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 you depart.

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 Bangladeshi travellers and their unique travel needs.