India warns against transit visa touts

The High Commission of India in Dhaka has warned Bangladeshi travellers against unauthorised agents, or 'touts', who falsely promise guaranteed and fast-tracked transit visas to Nepal and Bhutan, according to a notice posted on the mission's official Facebook page.

In the post, the High Commission said touts often make claims such as 'confirmed visa', 'guaranteed slot', 'no problem' and '100% success' in exchange for payment, but that such promises are false and carry no official backing.

The mission urged applicants to apply directly through the official visa process rather than relying on intermediaries, warning that dealing with touts risks the loss of money, submission of fake paperwork, application rejection and compromised personal security, with no guarantee of a refund.

The illustration has been taken from the verified Facebook page of Indian High Commission at Baridhara diplomatic zone in Dhaka.  Photo: Indian HC

"Touts make all kinds of promises. They only fail," the High Commission said, adding that only the official process can ensure safe travel via Nepal or Bhutan.

The notice advised the public to apply only through official channels, submit applications themselves, verify requirements only on official sources and keep their visa applications in their hands rather than handing them to a third party.

The advisory applies specifically to transit visas, which Bangladeshi nationals use when travelling to Nepal or Bhutan through Indian territory.