United Arab Emirates Visa RequirementsFor Bangladesh passport holders
Bangladeshi citizens need a visa to visit the UAE. Tourist visas are typically arranged through Dubai hotels, travel agencies, or sponsors, and the UAE is a major destination and transit hub for Bangladeshis with a large expatriate community.
Bangladesh passport holders require a visa to enter United Arab Emirates.
UAE tourist visas for Bangladeshis are most commonly arranged through: (1) a Dubai hotel (the hotel applies on your behalf), (2) a UAE-registered tour operator or travel agency, (3) Flydubai or Air Arabia (airlines sometimes offer visa services), or (4) a UAE resident sponsor. Apply online at icp.gov.ae or through authorised service providers. Fees are approximately $100-110 USD for a 30-day tourist visa. Processing typically takes 2-5 business days. Required: valid Bangladeshi passport (6 months validity), passport photo, return flight ticket, and hotel booking or sponsor letter.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Bangladeshi passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Recent passport photo (white background)
Return or onward flight ticket
Hotel booking or sponsor/host letter in UAE
Visa application through hotel, travel agency, or icp.gov.ae
Proof of sufficient funds Recommended
Current Travel Situation
Bangladesh to United Arab Emirates: What You Need to Know
The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai, is one of the most important destinations for Bangladeshi travellers and has a very large Bangladeshi expatriate worker community (over 700,000 Bangladeshis work in the UAE). For tourists and visitors, UAE visas are typically arranged through a hotel, airline, or travel agency in the UAE. Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Air Arabia operate direct flights. The UAE serves as a critical transit hub for Bangladeshi travellers connecting to Europe, North America, and East Asia.
How to Get There
Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Air Arabia both operate direct Dhaka (DAC) to Dubai (DXB) flights. Emirates also operates the route. The direct flight from Dhaka to Dubai takes approximately 4.5-5 hours. From Dubai, connections to Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia are available through Emirates and flydubai.
Money & Banking
The UAE uses the UAE Dirham (AED). Bangladeshi taka is not accepted in the UAE. Use a Visa/Mastercard or bring USD/GBP cash to exchange. ATMs are widely available throughout Dubai. Dubai can be expensive at luxury venues but mid-range dining and shopping options are plentiful.
Practical Tips
Given the large Bangladeshi expat community in Dubai and Sharjah, you will find Bangladeshi restaurants, halal food markets, and Bangla-speaking communities in areas like Al Quoz, Deira, and parts of Sharjah. Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and the Gold and Spice Souks are popular attractions. The Dubai Metro is an affordable and efficient way to travel around the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Bangladeshis apply for a UAE tourist visa?
UAE tourist visas for Bangladeshis are most commonly arranged through a Dubai hotel (the hotel applies on your behalf), a UAE travel agency, or through airlines like flydubai or Air Arabia. You can also apply online at icp.gov.ae. Fees are approximately $100-110 USD for a 30-day tourist visa.
Are there direct flights from Dhaka to Dubai?
Yes. Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Air Arabia, and Emirates all operate direct Dhaka (DAC) to Dubai (DXB) flights. The direct flight takes approximately 4.5-5 hours.
Is there a large Bangladeshi community in the UAE?
Yes. Over 700,000 Bangladeshis work and live in the UAE, making it one of the largest Bangladeshi communities outside Bangladesh. Bangladeshi workers, restaurants, and communities are well established in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.