Planning to travel from Bangladesh to India by land? Having a valid Indian visa is only one part of the journey. Before heading to a land port such as Benapole, Akhaura or another authorized India-Bangladesh border point, travelers should make sure their departure and arrival formalities are properly completed.

Completing the required online procedures in advance can help reduce unnecessary delays at the border and make your journey more organized.

For Bangladeshi travelers, here is a practical pre-travel checklist for entering India by land.

4 Things to Complete Before Traveling to India by Land

1. Pay Your Bangladesh Travel Tax

Travel tax is one of the important departure formalities for Bangladeshi citizens traveling abroad.

Instead of waiting until the last moment, travelers should complete the applicable payment process before going to the border and keep the payment receipt or confirmation with their travel documents.

The NBR–Sonali Bank online payment platform provides a Travel Tax Payment service as part of its online tax-payment facilities.

Tip: Complete the payment early and keep both a digital copy and a printed copy of the payment confirmation where possible.

2. Complete the Land Port Passenger Payment/Facility Formality

Travelers departing through Bangladesh’s land ports may need to complete the applicable Passenger Facilities Charge/port-related payment process.

The Bangladesh Land Port Authority operates an online passenger portal where travelers can enter information such as:

• Passenger name
• Passport number
• Phone number
• Departure/arrival port
• Country
• Departure date

The portal also provides options for payment and invoice retrieval.

Official Portal

Bangladesh Land Port Authority – Passenger Portal

Important: Charges and applicable facilities can change. Always check the amount displayed on the official portal for your specific journey instead of relying on an old social-media post.

3. Submit India’s e-Arrival Card

One of the most important pre-arrival formalities for foreign travelers entering India is the e-Arrival Card.

According to India’s official visa portal, foreign nationals and OCI cardholders can complete the e-Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arriving in India. The e-Arrival Card is an arrival-information form; it is not a visa.

What Information May Be Required?

Travelers should be prepared to provide information such as:

• Passport details
• Personal information
• Travel information
• Contact details
• Address in India
• Other arrival-related information

Official e-Arrival Card

India e-Arrival Card – Official Portal

⚠️ Important

Do not confuse the e-Arrival Card with an Indian visa.

Bangladeshi travelers must still carry their valid Indian visa or other valid immigration authorization, as applicable. India’s official portal clearly states that a valid passport and appropriate visa/eVisa/OCI documentation are required for entry unless an exemption applies.

4. Complete Air Suvidha 2.0 Self-Declaration

There is an important 2026 update regarding Air Suvidha.

India launched Air Suvidha 2.0 on June 25, 2026, as a contactless health self-declaration system for international arrivals. The system was introduced for enhanced public-health surveillance at India’s points of entry.

According to the Government of India’s current advisory, international travelers are requested to complete the Self-Declaration accurately and in advance. The form can be completed before arrival, and travelers may be asked to show the downloaded confirmation at the relevant health or immigration point.

Official Air Suvidha 2.0 Portal

Air Suvidha 2.0 – Official Government Portal

💡 Is Air Suvidha 2.0 Free?

Yes.

The Government of India has specifically warned travelers about fraudulent Air Suvidha websites that attempt to charge passengers.

The official Air Suvidha 2.0 service is free of charge, and travelers should not make payments to unofficial websites claiming to provide the service.

When Should You Complete These Formalities?

A good strategy is to avoid leaving everything until the day of departure.

One or More Days Before Travel

Bangladesh side:

• Check passport validity
• Check Indian visa validity and permitted entry point
• Pay applicable travel tax
• Complete applicable land-port passenger payment
• Print/save payment receipts

Before Arrival in India

India side:

• Complete the e-Arrival Card within the applicable 72-hour window.
• Complete Air Suvidha 2.0 Self-Declaration within the applicable submission window. Current government guidance says it can be completed in advance of arrival.

India Land Travel Checklist for Bangladeshi Travelers

Before leaving home, check the following:

Avoid Unnecessary Problems at the Border

Thousands of Bangladeshi travelers cross the India-Bangladesh border for tourism, medical treatment, business, education and family visits.

However, incomplete documentation can result in delays.

To make your journey smoother:

✅ Do Everything Yourself Where Possible

Official government portals allow travelers to complete several formalities online.

You do not necessarily need to pay a middleman to complete these basic online procedures.

✅ Save Every Confirmation

After completing an online payment or declaration:

• Take a screenshot
• Download the confirmation
• Save it on your phone
• Keep a printed copy if practical

✅ Check Your Visa Carefully

Before traveling, verify:

• Visa validity
• Number of entries
• Permitted entry points
• Visa category
• Passport number/details

This is especially important because not every Indian visa or eVisa can be used through every land border.

India’s official e-Visa information lists specific authorized land immigration check posts, including Gede, Akhaura and Haridaspur, among others.

Beware of Fake Websites and Unnecessary Payments

One of the biggest risks for travelers is using unofficial websites.

India’s Government has specifically warned about fraudulent websites impersonating Air Suvidha 2.0 and attempting to redirect travelers to payment gateways.

Therefore:

Never enter your passport or payment information on a website simply because it appears at the top of a Google search.

Always verify that you are using the official government website.

What Should You Carry to the Border?

For a stress-free journey, keep a small travel folder containing:

Essential Documents

• Original passport
• Valid Indian visa
• Visa copy
• Travel tax receipt
• Land-port payment confirmation
• e-Arrival Card confirmation
• Air Suvidha 2.0 confirmation, where applicable
• Hotel booking
• Return/onward ticket, if applicable
• Emergency contact information

Also keep digital copies in your phone and, preferably, cloud storage.

Smart Travel Tips for Bangladesh-to-India Land Travel

1. Arrive Early

Land ports can become crowded, particularly during holidays and peak travel periods.

2. Don’t Depend on Agents for Everything

Many basic online formalities can be completed directly through official portals.

3. Don’t Pay for Free Government Services

Air Suvidha 2.0 is officially free.

4. Check Official Information Before Departure

Visa, immigration, health and land-port requirements can change.

5. Keep Your Documents Organized

A properly organized travel folder can save considerable time during immigration and border procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Indian visa to travel from Bangladesh to India?

Yes. Bangladeshi travelers generally need a valid Indian visa or other appropriate authorization unless a specific exemption applies. India’s official visa portal states that foreign nationals entering India require a valid passport and appropriate visa/authorization.

Is the e-Arrival Card a visa?

No. It is an arrival-information form and does not replace an Indian visa.

Is Air Suvidha 2.0 the same as an Indian visa?

No. Air Suvidha 2.0 is a health self-declaration system and is separate from India’s immigration visa process.

Is Air Suvidha 2.0 free?

Yes. The Government of India has warned travelers that the official service is free and advised them to avoid fraudulent paid websites.

Can I complete these procedures myself?

Yes. Travelers can use the official online portals for the applicable procedures rather than relying on unofficial agents.

Final Checklist Before You Leave Bangladesh

Before heading toward the India-Bangladesh border, take a few minutes to check:

✔ Passport
✔ Indian Visa
✔ Travel Tax
✔ Land Port Passenger Payment
✔ e-Arrival Card
✔ Air Suvidha 2.0
✔ Hotel Booking
✔ Return/Onward Ticket
✔ Printed & Digital Copies

A few minutes of preparation at home can help you avoid unnecessary delays, confusion and additional expenses at the border.

Travel smart, use official websites, keep your documents ready, and never pay an unofficial agent for a service that the government provides free of charge.