Questions and answers

Answers to the questions that come up most often about the visa application — each with its official source and the date we checked it. Where an answer could not be confirmed, we say so plainly.

Verified answer

• How much passport validity is needed to apply for a visa?

  At least six months from the day you submit the application.

• How many blank pages must the passport have?

  At least two blank pages.

• What photo size does an Indian visa application need?

  2×2 inches, that is 51×51 mm — square.

• What background colour must the visa photo have?

  A white background, with the full face visible.

• How many photo copies does the visa application need?

  One. Both the High Commission’s document and IVAC’s documents page say one recent colour photograph.

• Do old passports have to be submitted?

  Yes — the document says old passports must be submitted with the application form.

• What can I provide if I do not have a National ID card?

  A copy of the birth certificate — the document lists both as alternatives.

• What counts as proof of residence?

  A copy of the electricity, gas or landline telephone bill. Mobile phone bills are not on the list.

• What is accepted as proof of financial soundness?

  A six-month bank statement, a US$150-equivalent currency endorsement, or a copy of an international credit or travel card.

• What is the US$150 endorsement, and how recent must it be?

  A foreign currency endorsement in the passport — US$150 equivalent per applicant, and it must not be older than three months when you submit.

• What document proves my profession?

  One document matching your profession: a Government Order, an employer's certificate, business registration, a student ID, or retirement papers.

• What proof of profession applies to a homemaker, an unemployed person or a freelancer?

  The official list offers no option for these three situations. You will need to ask at the application centre.

• How old can medical reports be for a medical visa?

  The official document sets no age limit on the reports. We found no official basis for the widely repeated “no more than six months” claim.

• Who can accompany the patient, and what visa do they need?

  The companion needs a separate medical attendant visa (MX), and the hospital's appointment letter must carry their name and passport details.

• What are the rules when applying for a child's medical treatment?

  A minor patient must be accompanied by a parent or guardian as medical attendant — this is compulsory.

• What extra clearance is needed for an organ transplant?

  Clearance from both the Law Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

• What must the Indian hospital's appointment letter contain?

  The names and passport details of both patient and attendant, the appointment date, and the doctor.

• What extra document is needed for admission to a medical college in India?

  An NOC from the Ministry of Health.

• What papers are needed from the guarantor for a student visa?

  The guarantor's bank solvency papers — separate from the applicant's own financial documents.

• Which visa applies if I am married to an Indian national?

  The entry visa — the category covers spouses of Indian nationals and their children.

• When is a transit visa needed?

  When travelling onward to a third country through India. You need that country's valid visa, a confirmed onward ticket and a hotel booking there.

• How long can I stay in India on a transit visa to Nepal or Bhutan?

  Three days in India each way. A double-entry transit visa is issued for these routes.

• What do seamen need to join a ship from an Indian port?

  A transit visa, but under separate Visa Manual provisions — special permission from DG-Shipping and a seaman's book are involved.

• Will a trade licence without a TIN do for a business visa?

  No. The document asks for a “valid Trade License with Tax Identification Number (TIN)” — it must be current and carry the TIN.

• Is Chamber of Commerce membership mandatory for a business visa?

  Either a recommendation letter or current membership is required — and if you rely on membership, it must be up to date.

• For a conference, do I need a conference visa or a business visa?

  A conference visa for attending a conference or seminar. It needs far less paperwork — the organisers' invitation and a letter of introduction from your employer.

• What extra applies to serving or retired defence and police personnel?

  A prescribed defence form must be completed; it is hosted on IVAC's website.

• How many Indian visa categories are there?

  Ten, in the High Commission's official document: tourist, transit, business, medical, student, muktijoddha, entry, defence and police, conference and employment.

• How much is the Indian visa fee?

  There is no visa fee — the Government of India does not charge Bangladeshi nationals. IVAC charges a BDT 1,500 processing fee (all inclusive) since 10 August 2025.

• How is the appointment slot booked — can I choose my own date?

  Yes — you select the centre and an available date from a calendar. Slots for the next two weeks open on Thursday. This is from the portal’s latest FAQ (effective 16 August 2026).

• How many Indian visa application centres are there in Bangladesh?

  Five — Dhaka (Jamuna Future Park), Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet. IVAC’s “Contact Us” page has the addresses and hours.

• What is a Webfile, and where do I get one?

  The PDF generated when you successfully submit the online visa application is the Webfile. You need it to book an appointment.

• How long does a Webfile stay valid?

  30 days. A Webfile older than 30 days is not accepted when you book an appointment.

• What details does portal sign-up need, and why must they match?

  Mobile, email, name, passport number, NID and date of birth — all must match the Primary Webfile, and they are hard to change later.

• Can I reschedule, cancel or transfer an appointment?

  No. Once a booking is confirmed it cannot be rescheduled, cancelled or transferred.

Not yet verified

• How long is the booking session, and how many people can apply per login?

  The booking window is 15 minutes — verified. How many people one account can cover is where the sources disagree (4 or 5), so that part stays unverified.