Bangladesh grants visa-on-arrival access to North Korean citizens
Dhaka eases entry rules for DPRK passport holders, offering visa-on-arrival in rare mobility expansion for isolated nation
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh has introduced a visa-on-arrival facility for citizens of North Korea, formally known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), marking an unusual shift in travel access for one of the world’s most diplomatically isolated nations.
Under the updated policy, North Korean passport holders are now eligible to obtain a visa upon arrival at designated entry points in Bangladesh. The change removes the previous requirement that DPRK nationals secure a visa in advance from a Bangladeshi embassy or consulate before traveling.
The move does not amount to visa-free entry. Travelers must still complete immigration procedures and receive clearance at the port of entry. However, the adjustment significantly streamlines the process compared with the earlier pre-approval system.
International mobility for North Korean citizens remains among the most restricted in the world. The DPRK passport consistently ranks near the bottom of global travel indices, including the widely cited Henley Passport Index, reflecting limited diplomatic ties and the impact of international sanctions.
Only a small number of countries offer North Koreans visa-free access, visa-on-arrival privileges, or electronic travel authorization. Against that backdrop, Bangladesh’s decision represents a rare expansion of travel flexibility for DPRK passport holders.
Bangladesh and North Korea have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, though ties have fluctuated. Pyongyang previously operated an embassy in Dhaka, which closed in late 2023. Despite that closure, diplomatic communication channels between the two governments have remained open.
Foreign policy analysts say the policy adjustment may reflect Dhaka’s broader strategy of maintaining diversified international relationships while asserting strategic autonomy. Bangladesh has sought to balance ties with Western nations, regional powers, and other states with limited global engagement.
In practical terms, the number of North Korean travelers likely to benefit may remain small. Strict exit controls in North Korea, combined with global travel limitations and sanctions-related constraints, significantly limit outbound travel for DPRK citizens.
Still, observers note that even incremental improvements in mobility can carry symbolic weight for citizens of highly restricted states. While the new arrangement does not substantially alter the global travel landscape for North Koreans, it introduces a modest but noteworthy opening in an environment where restrictions typically dominate policy discussions.
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