Bangladesh Imposes Two-Week Filing Window for Visa Extensions With Immediate Effect

DHAKA, September 29, 2026 — Bangladesh's Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) has introduced a new filing window for visa extension applications, effective immediately and without prior public notice.

Under the change, the Visa Application Receiving Section will generally only accept applications submitted within two weeks before the applicant's existing visa expires. Previously, the DIP did not strictly enforce this window, allowing applicants considerably more flexibility.

Bangladesh imposes two-week filing window for visa extension applications with immediate effect.

What Changed

The new restriction follows verbal instructions from the newly appointed Assistant Director (Visa). It applies to the receiving section's intake practice rather than to any published regulation.

Aspect	Previous Practice	New Practice
Filing Window	Not strictly enforced	Generally two weeks before visa expiry
Early Filing	Commonly accepted	Not accepted unless urgent
Urgent Exception	N/A	Possible with confirmed flight itinerary, at DIP discretion
Processing Time	1–4 weeks	1–4 weeks (unchanged)

The Urgent Case Exception

Applicants with genuine urgency may attempt to file earlier than the two-week window by presenting a copy of their confirmed flight itinerary. However, acceptance remains entirely at the DIP's discretion — there is no guaranteed right to early filing.

This creates uncertainty for travellers whose plans require submission before the window opens, particularly those coordinating onward travel or awaiting documentation from abroad.

Processing Times and Lawful Stay

Processing typically takes between one and four weeks from the date of submission, depending on application volumes and whether the DIP requests additional information or documentation.

Crucially, applicants who file before their existing visa expires will not have their lawful stay affected while the application is pending. This protection does not extend to applications filed after expiry.

Practical Guidance for Applicants

Plan around the two-week window. Filing earlier than 14 days before expiry will generally result in refusal at the receiving counter.

Build in processing time. With processing running up to four weeks, applicants whose visas expire shortly after filing should note that lawful stay is protected only if filing occurred before expiry.

Remain in Bangladesh where possible. The DIP advises applicants to stay in the country while their application is processed. Departing mid-application can complicate or void the process.

Prepare documentation in advance. Requests for additional information extend processing timelines and may push decisions beyond the applicant's planned departure.

Keep flight itineraries ready. For genuinely urgent cases, a confirmed itinerary is the only documented basis for requesting early filing.

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Quick Reference Summary

Aspect	Details
Authority	Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP)
Effective Date	Immediate (September 2026)
Filing Window	Two weeks before visa expiry
Early Filing	Discretionary; requires flight itinerary
Processing Time	1–4 weeks
Lawful Stay Protection	Applies if filed before expiry
Recommendation	Remain in Bangladesh during processing

Official Resources

Resource	Link
Department of Immigration and Passports	dip.gov.bd
Bangladesh e-Visa Portal	evisa.gov.bd
Ministry of Home Affairs	mha.gov.bd

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