Bangladesh extends suspension of visa-on-arrival till May 7
Home ministry also extended the duration of visas by three months for all foreign nationals stuck in the country because of the coronavirus pandemic
Bangladesh's Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the suspension on visa-on-arrival service till May 7 amid the growing number of Covid-19 cases in the country.
The ministry also extended the duration of visas by three months for all foreign nationals stuck in the country because of the coronavirus pandemic. They will not have to pay any additional visa fee for this service.
The ministry came up with the decision considering that most of the foreign nationals could not return to their countries because of flight cancellations to curb the spread of novel coronavirus.
In an order issued on Friday, the ministry said anyone planning to come to Bangladesh has to present a health certificate from their doctor that clearly states that the person does not have any symptoms of the Covid-19.
The certificate has to be submitted at the immigration office of the airport, land port or seaport upon entering the country.
However, diplomats and officials working at foreign missions in the country or their family members will not have to submit a health certificate from their doctor if they have a visa. They have to stay in self-quarantine, and inform the mission if they come from a Covid-19 affected country.
The home ministry order further stated that any Bangladeshi or foreign nationals coming from a Covid-19 affected country has to stay in quarantine for 14 days.
Health officials at the entry port will determine if they need to stay in self-quarantine or institutional quarantine. Law enforcement agencies will keep the people staying in self-quarantine under surveillance.
It further says that the entry of foreign nationals via land ports will be suspended until further notice. Only the people with an official or diplomatic passport will be able to enter Bangladesh under the Bangladesh-India Revised Travel Agreement.
The import and export of goods will normally continue on the country's land ports.