Bangladesh passport holders can travel to various countries worldwide, each with distinct visa requirements. There are 36 visa-free travel destinations for Bangladeshi passport holders. This comprehensive guide offers detailed information on the destinations that citizens of Bangladesh can visit without a prior visa, including lists of visa-free countries, visa-on-arrival countries, and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) countries. This guide also provides details on travel destinations that require a prior visa for Bangladesh passport holders, including electronic visas (eVisas) and regular visas.

What comes to mind when you imagine overseas travel? It may be the budget, the leaves, or something else. However, for many people, the most terrifying aspect of travelling is the visa process. Many people remain puzzled about the process and ultimately cancel their dream vacations.

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.

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.

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.

Bangladeshi passport holders are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for entry into certain countries. An eTA is a digital travel permit linked to the traveler’s passport, allowing for short-term visits without a traditional visa. It is typically used for tourism, business, or transit purposes and can be applied for entirely online. Countries like Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Seychelles have implemented eTA systems for Bangladeshi citizens as of 2025.

The process generally involves filling out an online form, paying a processing fee, and providing travel-related information such as accommodation details and travel dates. Once approved, the eTA is electronically linked to the passport and is valid for multiple entries within a specified period, often matching the passport’s validity. However, possession of an eTA does not guarantee entry, as the final decision rests with immigration authorities upon arrival.