Despite the long Eid-ul-Azha holidays, outbound tourism from Bangladesh has seen a significant decline this year, with visa delays and economic uncertainties discouraging many prospective travellers.
Haider Hossain Habib, a senior executive at a private company, had been saving diligently to take his wife and two children on a long-anticipated trip to Manali and Shimla in India. However, this plan was upended after India suspended tourist visa issuance to Bangladeshis last August.
Determined to fulfill his promise to his daughter for a foreign holiday reward upon her success in SSC exams, Habib applied for a visa to Thailand’s Pattaya. Yet, after a month of waiting, his application remains pending.
“I do not understand why so many countries have stopped issuing tourist visas to Bangladeshis. The government needs to intervene,” Habib told the Daily Sun, reflecting the frustration of thousands of Bangladeshis unable to travel abroad this Eid.
Travel agents, tour operators, airlines, and related stakeholders attribute the downturn primarily to prolonged visa restrictions and mounting economic pressures.
“Visa constraints have been a major hurdle over the past year,” said Afsia Jannat Saleh, general secretary of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh. “This Eid, trip bookings dropped by 15 to 20 percent compared to last year. Most tourists are now limited to destinations like Nepal, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.”
Industry projections had estimated that between 150,000 and 250,000 Bangladeshis would travel abroad during Eid, generating business worth approximately Tk300 crore. However, current trends indicate a significantly lower turnout.
Countries including India, Vietnam, the UAE, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, and Oman have halted tourist visa issuance for Bangladeshi nationals. Meanwhile, visa procedures for Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines have become increasingly complex.
According to Afsia, visa misuse is a key factor behind these restrictions. “Several countries have expressed concerns over violations of tourist visa conditions and submission of false documents. Consequently, Western embassies are scrutinizing applications more rigorously,” she explained.
Md Rafeuzzaman, president of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), noted that travel options have narrowed considerably. “India was the most popular destination, attracting 40 to 45 percent of Bangladeshi outbound tourists due to easy access and strong air and road connectivity,” he said. “Thailand accounted for 15 to 20 percent, Malaysia and the Middle East 10 to 15 percent each, Singapore 5 to 10 percent, and Europe and South Asia 5 to 8 percent each.”
“Currently, travellers are mostly confined to Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and China,” Rafeuzzaman added. “However, China and the Maldives are relatively expensive, and flight options to Bhutan remain limited.”
Mohammad Iqbal Mahmood, president of the Bangladesh Outbound Tour Operators Association, expressed similar concerns: “We had hoped for strong business during the long holidays, but the ongoing visa crisis has severely dampened those expectations.”
Beyond visa complications, economic factors are also curbing outbound travel. “There is general uncertainty in the country, and many people are reluctant to spend. Only those with substantial disposable income are making travel plans,” Afsia said.
She noted that despite no significant issues with the dollar exchange rate this year, and government reductions in jet fuel prices and aircraft charges, airlines have not passed these cost savings onto customers through lower ticket prices.
Md Kamrul Islam, General Manager (Public Relations) of US-Bangla Airlines, reported moderate demand for international flights. “Previously, we operated 32 weekly flights on three India routes—Dhaka-Kolkata, Dhaka-Chennai, and Chattogram-Kolkata. Now, we run only five, many of which are half empty. Our five regular flights to the Maldives continue as usual,” he stated.
TOAB President Rafeuzzaman emphasized ongoing dialogue with the government to resolve visa challenges. “Tour operators remain in constant contact with authorities to find solutions to the persistent visa issues,” he said.
