MUSCAT -- Omanis welcomed the decision of the government of Bangladesh to extend "Visa on Arrival" facilities for all Omani citizens.
Speaking to the Observer, Mohammad Khorshed Khastagir, Counsellor, Embassy of Bangladesh, said: "In 2013, over 650 Omanis visited Bangladesh for different purposes."
Each year the number of Omani visitors to Bangladesh is increasing and the "Visa on Arrival" facilities will further boost the visitor turnout from Oman.
Khastagir says listed by Lonely Planet in 2011 as the "best value destination", tourism in Bangladesh is developing fast and attracting visitors from far and wide.
Bangladesh's tourist attractions include, historical and monuments, resorts, beaches, picnic spots, forests and wildlife of various species.
Bangladesh offers ample opportunities to tourists for angling, water skiing, river cruising, hiking, rowing, yachting, sea bathing as well as bringing one in close touch with pristine nature.
In the south-western part, there is the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest of the world with Royal Bengal Tiger and spotted deer. The historically and architecturally important sixty domed mosque in Bagerhat is a notable site. In the north-eastern part, Sylhet division, there is a green carpet of tea plants on small hillocks. Natural reserved forests are great attractions. Migratory birds in winter, particularly in the haor areas, are also very attractive in this area.
Any Omani intending to visit to Bangladesh on official, business, investment or tourism purposes, would be issued visa on arrival (after examining the relevant papers, subject to the satisfaction of the immigration officials), for a maximum of 30 days and single entry, at international airports and land ports of Bangladesh.
For the visitors requiring extension of visa on arrival, the Department of Immigration and Passports of Bangladesh will take necessary measures in the light of the existing visa policy, he told the Observer.
On issuance of visa on arrival, the procedures followed include visa fees to be paid in foreign currency equal to $50; visitors must possess minimum $500 or credit card; appropriate return ticket at the time of arrival; passport of visitors should be valid for six months.
© Oman Daily Observer 2014
