Posts Tagged ‘Bangladeshi visa’

2011 Destinations: Get a Bangladesh Visa for a Frugal Adventure

Thursday, December 30th, 2010

Since it’s almost New Year’s Eve, I thought it’d be a good idea to spend the next few days looking at different destinations that travel experts have recommended for 2011. First, let’s take a look at Bangladesh, a country that is definitely under-utilized by tourists at the moment.

The folks over at Lonely Planet recently recommended Bangladesh as one of their top value destinations for 2011, so if you’re not yet feeling the economic recovery, this Southeast Asian country might be a good choice for you. According to Lonely Planet, you can eat quite well for less than a dollar a meal and get a decent night’s sleep in a hotel room for less than $10.

Bangladesh features a menu of activities worthy of even the most seasoned adventure traveler: hiking through dense jungles in one of the country’s many national parks, stalking tigers in the Sundarbans (or joining the local honey gatherers, called maualis, on a dangerous jaunt into the forest), canoeing and whale watching. If you’d prefer something a little less active, hang out on the beaches at Cox’s Bazaar or contemplate the silence of an ancient temple.

To visit Bangladesh, you’ll need a Bangladesh visa. Technically, you should be able to get one when you land, but don’t count on it. The US Department of State notes that “Travelers may encounter delays in airport visa issuance or refused entry if they do not have visas prior to arrival. Additionally, if issued, landing permit validity is usually limited to a maximum of 15 days.”

So, it’s best to get your visa before you leave. Here’s what you’ll need to get one:

  • Your US passport
  • 1 Bangladesh visa application form
  • 1 passport photo
  • Roundtrip airline tickets or itinerary. If you are traveling by land, you’ll need a letter explaining when and where you will be entering and leaving the country.

Also, keep in mind that parts of Bangladesh are experiencing unrest and may not be safe for tourists. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t go, of course, but you should educate yourself about the security situation in different regions and plan your trip accordingly. The Department of State’s Consular Information page on Bangladesh (referenced above) will help.

RushMyTravelVisa can help you get a Bangladesh visa quickly and easily. We’ll help you with the paperwork and expedite your application with the Department of State for the fastest possible processing.

Apply for your Bangladesh visa today!

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Bangladeshi Visa Requirements To Visit the Ruins of Somapura Mahavihara

Sunday, August 1st, 2010

Today’s featured UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ancient Buddhist monastery in Bangladesh. Somapura Mahavihara was built around 810 AD, during the rise of Mahayana Buddhism in the area.  Although Somapura Mahavihara, which means “Great Monastery,” was intended for Buddhist monks, according to Wikipedia it eventually became an important intellectual and religious center for Buddhists, Jains and Hindus alike.   Somapura Mahavihara was part of a network of 5 major monasteries that dominated South Asia, and was an important destination for many Buddhist scholars.

The Great Monastery remained a fixture of the region until the 12th century AD, when many of the people living in the surrounding villages and towns converted to Islam. Eventually, the monastery was abandoned and left to the jungle. It was excavated in the early 16th century and made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.

Today, the massive, intricately decorated ruins are one of Bangladesh’s most important archaeological sites and a major tourist attraction.  On its website, UNESCO explains why Somapura Mahavihara is both an important historical site and an attractive place for visitors to explore:

Its layout perfectly adapted to its religious function, this monastery-city represents a unique artistic achievement. With its simple, harmonious lines and its profusion of carved decoration, it influenced Buddhist architecture as far away as Cambodia.

To visit Somapura Mahavihara, you need a passport and a Bangladeshi visa, if you are a US citizen. In theory, Bangladesh issues visa on arrival, but in practice, according to the US Department of State, you’ll have a much easier time getting into the country. For more information about what you need to get your Bangladeshi visa, see BangladeshVisa Requirements for Tourists.

RushMyTravelVisa makes it easy to get all of the documents you need for your trip. We’ll review your itinerary and research visa requirements for each country you visit, so you don’t get turned away or taken by surprise. Then, we’ll help you with the paperwork and submit your application on your behalf for the fastest possible processing.

Apply for your Bangladeshi visa today!

Somapura Mahavihara

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