Indian visa applications have been suspended indefinitely at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong, Bangladesh, citing security and administrative concerns, according to official sources. The move has added to the growing uncertainty surrounding cross-border travel between the two neighbouring countries amid heightened political tension and sporadic unrest.
Chittagong, Bangladesh’s second-largest city and a major commercial hub, serves thousands of visa applicants every month, including students, medical travellers, businesspersons, and families seeking to visit India. The sudden suspension has left many applicants in limbo, with appointments cancelled and processing timelines now unclear.
Officials familiar with the matter indicated that the decision was taken as a precautionary step following recent disturbances and security concerns in parts of Bangladesh. While no official end date has been announced, authorities described the suspension as “indefinite,” suggesting that services will resume only after a comprehensive review of ground conditions.
The Indian High Commission in Bangladesh has not issued a detailed public statement specific to Chittagong but has previously emphasised that visa services may be adjusted based on local security assessments. Applicants have been advised to monitor official communication channels for updates and to avoid relying on unverified information circulating on social media.
The suspension is expected to have a significant impact on medical tourism and educational travel, as a large number of Bangladeshi nationals regularly visit Indian cities for healthcare, higher education, and business engagements. Travel agents in Chittagong reported a surge in enquiries and cancellations following the announcement.
India and Bangladesh share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties, with people-to-people movement forming a crucial pillar of the bilateral relationship. Observers note that prolonged disruption to visa services could affect not only individual travellers but also broader commercial and social exchanges between the two countries.
For now, applicants who had planned to submit visa requests in Chittagong will have to wait for further instructions or explore alternative centres if and when permitted. Authorities on both sides are expected to reassess the situation as security conditions evolve.
