Bangladeshi Passport: Visa-free travel to 42 countries, one of the weakest passports in the world
Bangladeshi passport holders can now travel to 42 countries without a visa. However, Bangladeshi passports are still among the world's Global Passport Rankings. Bangladesh is ranked 95 out of 109 countries.
What is a Free visa
A free visa or free visa is a special type of visa issued by the government or institution of some countries. This visa allows you to travel abroad for free or at very low cost. It is usually offered for tourism, business, or educational purposes.
Benefits of a free visa
1. Reduced Initial Expenses
For many workers, especially those from developing countries, paying visa fees can be financially challenging. A free visa arrangement reduces or eliminates upfront costs, making overseas employment more accessible.
2. Employment Opportunities
Many free visas are provided as part of employment packages in countries with labor shortages, especially in sectors like construction, healthcare, and domestic work. This provides workers with a guaranteed job in a foreign country, sometimes along with accommodations and other benefits.
3. Enhanced Financial Security
Workers with a free visa often receive benefits such as a steady income, medical insurance, and sometimes housing and transportation. This can help improve their financial situation and provide stability for their families.
4. Ease of Travel and Relocation
Free visas often simplify the process of relocating since the sponsoring employer usually handles the paperwork and administrative tasks, making the transition smoother for the worker.
5. Skill and Career Growth
Working abroad under a free visa can provide workers with valuable international experience, new skills, and career advancement opportunities, especially if the host country offers training programs or upskilling opportunities.
Types of Free Visa
Tourist Visa: Some countries offer free visas for tourists, which are valid for a certain period of time.
Education Visa: Some universities and educational institutions provide free visas to foreign students, which enhances their educational opportunities.
Business visas: Governments of some countries provide free visas for business purposes, which creates new opportunities for businessmen.
The application process for a free visa
Application Form Filling: To apply for a free visa one has to fill the specified form first.
Submission of Required Documents: Applicants are required to submit certain documents such as passport, photograph, and information regarding the purpose of travel.
Processing time: The free visa application process is usually fast, but it depends on the country.
Location of neighboring countries in South Asia
The Maldivian passport is the strongest among Bangladesh's South Asian neighbors. The Maldives ranks 51st and can travel to 54 countries without a visa, while India ranks 74th and can travel to 44 countries without a visa.
Location of neighboring countries in South Asia
| Country | Passport Power Rank | Visa-Free Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Maldives | 51 | 54 |
| India | 74 | 44 |
| Bhutan | 81 | 46 |
| Sri Lanka | 90 | 35 |
| Nepal | 92 | 40 |
| Pakistan | 97 | 34 |
| Afghanistan | 99 | 34 |
The most powerful passport in the world
United Arab Emirates, Spain, and France, Germany, Italy, have the strongest passports. They get visa-free or visa-on-arrival facilities in 194 countries.
List of visa-free countries for Bangladeshi passport holders
Countries to which Bangladeshi passport holders can travel without a visa include:
1. The Bahamas
2. Barbados
3. Bhutan
4. Bolivia
5. British Virgin Islands
6. Burundi
7. Cambodia
8. Cape Verde Islands
9. Comoros Islands
10. Cook Islands
11. Djibouti
12. Dominica
13. Fiji
14. Grenada
15. Guinea-Bissau
16. Haiti
17. jamaica
18. Kenya
19. Kiribati
20. Lesotho
21. Madagascar
22. Maldives
23. Mauritania
24. Micronesia
25. Montserrat
26. Mozambique
27. Nepal
28. Niue
29. Rwanda
30. Samoa
31. Sicily
32. Sierra Leone
33. Somalia
34. Sri Lanka
35. Saint Kitts and Nevis
36. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
37. Gambia
38. East Timor
39. Togo
40. Trinidad and Tobago
41. Tuvalu
42. Vanuatu