In a bid to enhance travel convenience and flexibility between Bangladesh and India, Bangladesh is set to propose substantial amendments to its existing travel agreement with India. The proposed changes, which aim to streamline the travel process, include issuing visas allowing travel through any checkpost and providing flexibility for long-term medical treatments, such as permitting multiple travels.
The current travel agreement, initiated on September 1, 1972, and last revised in January 2013, is set to expire on Sunday. In anticipation of its expiration, Bangladesh is presenting a comprehensive proposal for its renewal.
A senior official from the Ministry of Home Affairs anticipates the signing of the new travel agreement within the next month. To facilitate this process, Bangladesh’s Security Service Division has meticulously prepared a proposal.
An inter-ministerial meeting, scheduled for Sunday, will gather opinions and recommendations from relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Secondary and Higher Education, and the Ministry of Shipping.
Following the meeting, the finalized proposal will be sent to the Indian side through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, initiating a mutual exchange of opinions before the agreement is renewed.
Key proposals in the amendment include replacing the term “Designated check post” with “Through any check post” in visa documentation to provide travelers with entry and exit flexibility. This change aims to alleviate congestion at specific checkposts and streamline the travel process.
The proposal also includes provisions for multiple travels and the option to change hospitals during long-term medical treatments, addressing the diverse needs of individuals seeking extended medical care in either country.
Bangladesh will propose increasing the visa-free stay period for diplomatic and official passports from 45 to 90 days, and other proposals include extending the validity of short-term double-entry visas and recognizing river routes as a legitimate travel option.
For stays exceeding six months, the current requirement for approval from the Foreigner Registration Office may be replaced with online registration for a Residential Permit 14 days before arrival.
Notably, there will be no changes to long-term multiple entry visas and long-term employment visas.
With these amendments, Bangladesh aims to foster a more seamless and convenient travel relationship, catering to the diverse needs of citizens from both countries. The proposed changes are expected to contribute to the substantial influx of Bangladeshi tourists visiting India each year for various purposes, including education, medical care, employment, business, and tourism. According to data from the Bureau of Immigration of India, Bangladesh was the second-highest contributor to India’s tourism sector in 2022, with 20% of tourists originating from Bangladesh.
