Passport and photo.
Validity, blank pages, old passports, and the photo's size, background and copies.
Answers with sources and dates
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.
- 36questions across 4 topics
- 35answers checked against an official source
- 1marked “Verification pending”, with the reason
6 questions
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.
6 questions
Common documents.
What to give without a National ID, and proof of residence, finances and profession.
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.
16 questions
By visa type.
What medical, student, transit, business and the other types add.
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.
Medical visa
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.
Medical visa
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.
Medical visa
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.
Medical visa
What extra clearance is needed for an organ transplant?
Clearance from both the Law Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Medical visa
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.
Student visa
What extra document is needed for admission to a medical college in India?
An NOC from the Ministry of Health.
Student visa
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.
Entry visa
Which visa applies if I am married to an Indian national?
The entry visa. The category covers spouses of Indian nationals and their children.
Transit visa
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.
Transit visa
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.
Transit visa
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.
Business visa
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.
Business visa
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.
Conference visa
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.
Defence and police personnel visa
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.
8 questions
Applying online, booking and fees.
The fee, the Webfile, slots, session time, centres and changes to a booking.
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, and 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).
Verification pending
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.
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.