Indian visa curb drives Bangladeshi tourist surge to Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal
Tourist numbers increased by 121.6% to Sri Lanka, 52% to the Maldives, and 34% to Nepal compared to the previous year, according to the relevant tourism authorities
In 2024, Bangladesh's South Asian neighbours witnessed a sharp rise in Bangladeshi tourists in the aftermath of Indian visa restrictions.
Tourist numbers increased by 121.6% to Sri Lanka, 52% to the Maldives, and 34% to Nepal compared to the previous year, according to the relevant tourism authorities.
Industry insiders suggest that Bangladeshi leisure tourists have turned to alternative destinations after India restricted visa issuance following the political change in Bangladesh on 5 August last year.
The Indian high commission in Dhaka cites a manpower shortage, limiting visas mainly to medical tourists and students. Bangladeshi visitors to India dropped 28.44% year-on-year from August to October.
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In addition to India, countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have recently stopped issuing visas to Bangladeshis due to overstays. However, this has created business opportunities for other South and Southeast Asian destinations, with increased travel to Singapore and Malaysia for medical and leisure tourism, and to Thailand for medical purposes despite visa processing challenges.
Although no data are available on Bangladeshi travellers to Pakistan, industry insiders report a positive growth amid the changing political climate. Direct air connectivity is set to resume as Jinnah Air has received approval to operate on the route.
"The political shift has made this a peak season for leisure tourism, with Indian visa closures driving tourists to alternative routes and many choosing Nepal to obtain European visas," Chowdhury Hasanuzzman Rony, president of the Outbound Tour Operators Forum, told The Business Standard.
Nepal, a popular and lucrative destination for Bangladeshis, saw arrivals rising to 48,848 in 2024 from 36,483 in 2023 and over 25,000 in 2022, nearing pre-pandemic levels, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.
The ease of on-arrival visas for Bangladeshis and restricted Indian visa issuance in Dhaka, Sylhet, Khulna and Chattogram have boosted Nepal's appeal, especially from September to December, said a Toab member.
In 2023, Nepal welcomed 10 lakh tourists, driven by China's border reopening and record arrivals from India, which accounted for 31.52% of visitors, followed by the USA at 9.88%, China at 5.99%, the UK at 5.20%, Australia at 3.82% and Bangladesh at 3.59%.
Bangladesh becomes Sri Lanka's 2nd-fastest growing tourism source
Bangladesh recorded a 121.64% year-on-year growth in 2024, becoming Sri Lanka's second-fastest growing tourism source market with 39,555 arrivals, ranking 13th overall, according to Daily FT.
While traditional markets like India and Russia dominate in total arrivals, newer markets like Bangladesh are showing significant growth, with airlines planning to increase Dhaka-Colombo flights, according to aviation insiders.
Indian visa restrictions have slightly boosted tourism to the Maldives, with Bangladeshi arrivals surging 52% to 33,295 in 2024, as more affluent travellers opt for the destination. Before the restrictions in August 2024, India attracted 40%–45% of Bangladeshi outbound tourists due to cultural ties, proximity and easy visa access.
Thailand draws 15%-20% of travellers, Malaysia 10%-15%, Singapore 5%-10%, and the Middle East – the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman combined – 10%-15%.
Europe draws 5%-8%, while Nepal, Sri Lanka and China each account for 5%-8%, and North America and Australia 2%-5% each.
