India Introduces New Mandatory Undertaking Form for All Bangladeshi Visa Applicants

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has introduced a new requirement for Bangladeshi citizens applying for Indian visas, making a prescribed ‘Visa Undertaking Form’ mandatory for all categories of visa, including tourist, medical and business visas.

Under the new rules, no visa application will be accepted without the completed undertaking form.

The Indian High Commission announced the requirement in an urgent notice published on its visa application website on Thursday.

According to the new instructions, applicants must first download the prescribed Visa Undertaking Form from a designated link provided by the High Commission. They must then fill in the required information, scan the completed document and upload it as an attachment to their applications through the online NIC Visa Application Portal.

The High Commission has made it clear that applicants must use only the officially prescribed format. Undertakings submitted in any alternative format will not be accepted.

The authorities said the measure was introduced to ensure greater transparency and maintain discipline in the visa application process.

What information must applicants provide?

The one-page undertaking form begins with the applicant's name and a declaration that they will visit India strictly for the purpose stated in their visa application.

Applicants must also declare that, on the date of application, they are residents within the jurisdiction of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and that all information provided in their applications is accurate.

The first section of the form requires five personal details:

• Full name as stated in the passport.
• Passport number.
• Nationality.
• Date of birth.
• Current residential address in Dhaka.

The second section requires applicants to specify the purpose of their intended visit to India. This may include tourism, business, medical treatment or participation in a conference.

Three mandatory commitments

Applicants must also formally undertake to comply with three conditions:

1. Return to their home country: Applicants must leave India after completing their visit and must not overstay beyond the validity of their visas.
2. Respect Indian laws and culture: They must comply with all applicable laws, regulations and cultural norms while staying in India.
3. Avoid illegal activities: They must not engage in any unlawful activities during their stay.

The form warns that violations of these conditions could result in visa cancellation and may create difficulties when applying for Indian visas in the future.

Additional requirements for minors

The final section of the form requires the applicant's signature, along with the place and date of completion.

For visa applications submitted on behalf of minors, the signatures of both parents are mandatory.

Under the new instructions, applicants must ensure that the prescribed undertaking form has been properly completed and uploaded to the online visa application portal before submitting their applications.

Failure to attach the required document could result in the application being rejected at the submission stage.