Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said that the launch of online application system for ‘Visa on Arrival’ (VoA) or transit visas will expedite and simplify the visa process for foreign travellers.
“This new system launched by the Immigration Division of the Special Branch (SB) of police is a timely initiative which will improve SB Immigration’s service delivery,” he said while speaking at a press briefing after inaugurating the online visa app at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday.
The adviser said the initiative aims to make the visa issuance process faster and more convenient for travellers arriving in Bangladesh.
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“At present, foreign travellers have to submit paper applications for VoA or transit visas upon arrival at the airport and wait for processing, which can take between 45 minutes to an hour,” he said.
He said with the introduction of the online system, travellers can apply for visas in advance and, upon arrival, simply scan a QR code at the VoA desk for immediate clearance.
Besides, the integration of Sonali Bank PLC’s payment gateway will facilitate seamless online fee payments, allowing visas to be issued in as little as 10 minutes, he added.
The adviser also mentioned they are considering the simplification of the passport issuance process by eliminating police verification requirements.
“Even if verification remains, we are trying to make it easier to obtain passports. However, efforts will be made to eliminate the verification,” he added.
The press briefing was attended by Md Khoda Bakhsh Chowdhury, special assistant to the chief adviser on home affairs; Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Gani; Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam; Additional IGP (SB) Md Golam Rasul and other senior officials from the ministry.