Banglabandha Fulbari Bangladesh India Border Crossing
Border Crossing From Bangladesh to India by Land
Opening Hours
Standard Hours: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM Bangladesh Standard Time (BST), Monday to Thursday and Saturday to Sunday
Seasonal Adjustments: No significant seasonal changes
Holiday Closures: Closed on Fridays and major religious festivals including 7-day suspensions during Eid periods
Wait Time & Traffic
Average Wait:
- Normal periods: 2-4 hours for passenger vehicles
- Commercial trucks: Up to 4 days for shipments
- Peak processing times: 6-8 hours during high traffic periods
Peak Times:
- Religious festivals (Eid periods): 7-day suspensions
- Early morning hours (8:30-10:00 AM): Heavy commercial traffic
- End of month: Increased commercial cargo movement
Express Options: Currently no fast-track or express lane options available for regular travelers. Diplomatic passport holders have expedited processing under bilateral agreements.
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing: Available - Full immigration facilities operational since 2016
Customs Processing: Available - Full customs facilities with synchronized operations
Health Screening: Variable COVID-19 measures; Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from transmission risk countries
Services:
- Restrooms: Toilet facilities available in warehouse and parking areas
- Food: Limited food options near border area
- Currency Exchange: Money changing facilities available
- ATM: Limited ATM facilities; nearest full banking services in Siliguri
Accessibility: Basic accessibility features; major ICP development planned by LPAI with vehicle parking for both passenger and commercial vehicles
Official Resources
Bangladesh Border Authority:
- Website: https://immi.specialbranch.gov.bd
- Email: [email protected]
- Contact: +88-01320005114 (SSP Land & Sea Port West)
- Bangladesh Customs: https://customs.gov.bd
India Border Authority:
- Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI): http://www.lpai.gov.in
- Email: usga-admn[at]lpai[dot]gov[dot]in
- Contact: +91-11-24340731
- Address: 1st Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi-110511
Travel Advisories:
- UK Foreign Office Bangladesh: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bangladesh
- Indian High Commission Dhaka: https://www.hcidhaka.gov.in
- Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://mofa.gov.bd
Overview
The Banglabandha-Fulbari Border Crossing serves as a crucial gateway between Bangladesh and India, connecting Panchagarh District in northern Bangladesh with West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district. Inaugurated in 2011, this strategic land port has become increasingly important for facilitating Nepal-Bangladesh transit trade through Indian territory, as well as bilateral commerce between the two neighboring nations. Located approximately 40 kilometers from Siliguri, the crossing operates with synchronized schedules established through bilateral agreements during the Joint Working Group on Customs meetings. The border checkpoint features modern immigration and customs facilities with a warehouse capacity of 250MT and parking for 600 vehicles. This crossing has gained significance as an alternative route for regional trade, particularly benefiting Nepal's access to Bangladesh markets. The infrastructure includes dedicated immigration processing areas, customs clearance facilities, and basic amenities for travelers. Recent developments have focused on improving processing efficiency and reducing wait times, though challenges remain during peak commercial periods and festival seasons.
Document Requirements
For International Travellers
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- At least 2 visa pages clear of markings
- Appropriate visa for destination country
- Travel itinerary and proof of funds
- For Nepalese citizens: Visa on arrival available for 30 days (first visit per year is free)
For Local Citizens
- Valid Indian passport with minimum 6 months validity
- Minimum 2 blank pages in passport
- Valid visa (unless exempt under diplomatic arrangements)
- Return or onward journey ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds for stay
- For Indians applying for Bangladesh visa: properly filled online application form with signature and 2 recent passport-size photos (51mm x 51mm)
- Valid Bangladeshi passport with at least 6 months validity
- Minimum 2 blank pages in passport for stamping
- Entry stamp required upon arrival in Bangladesh
- National ID card copy (in English)
- Birth certificate copy
Crossing Procedure
From Bangladesh Side
- Present passport and exit documents to Bangladesh immigration officials
- Complete immigration exit formalities at Banglabandha immigration checkpoint
- Customs clearance if carrying dutiable goods
- Vehicle inspection if traveling by private transport
From India Side
- Present passport and valid visa to Indian immigration authorities
- Immigration processing and entry stamp
- Customs declaration and inspection if required
- BSF (Border Security Force) security clearance
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports:
- Only vehicles up to 5 years old can be imported into Bangladesh
- Only right-hand drive vehicles permitted in Bangladesh
- Original bill of lading, invoice, country of origin certificate required
Goods Allowances:
- Non-commercial importers may import goods worth up to $7,000 for personal use
- Standard duty-free allowances apply for personal items
- Recent restrictions imposed on ready-made garments and consumer goods through land borders
Prohibited Items:
- Counterfeit currency, trademarked goods, copyrighted materials
- Obscene books, films, recordings deemed offensive
- Wildlife products violating conservation laws
- Israeli goods importation prohibited
Currency Restrictions:
- Foreign currency and Bangladeshi Taka must be declared depending on amounts
- Currency exchange facilities available at border areas
- Current exchange rate approximately 120-121 BDT per USD
Known Issues:
- Poor road conditions between border and Nepal entry point
- Ongoing truck slot-booking procedure disputes causing delays
- Periodic trade suspensions during festivals and political tensions
Accommodations
Hotels and Restaurants Near Border (Bangladesh side - Panchagarh/Tetulia):
- Distance from border: Tetulia town center approximately 15-20 km from Banglabandha
- Accommodation types: Limited local guesthouses and hotels
- Facilities: Basic amenities with restaurants serving local cuisine
Hotels and Restaurants Near Border (India side - Fulbari/Siliguri):
- Royal Sarovar Portico Siliguri: Premium hotel with swimming pool, spa, restaurant (₹19,630/night)
- Premier Inn: Budget-friendly option with restaurant, free Wi-Fi, parking (₹1,874/night)
- Mount Embassy Hotel: Mid-range hotel with local cuisine restaurant (₹2,107/night)
- Hotel Grand Palace & Banquet: Located in Jalpaiguri with modern amenities (₹2,520/night)
Better Options Nearby:
Siliguri (approximately 40 km from Fulbari border):
- Wide range from budget to luxury accommodations
- Full range of restaurants, shopping, medical facilities
- Well-connected by road and rail to major cities
Public Review Sentiments
Based on total reviews found online, we discovered a mixed but generally positive sentiment toward the Banglabandha-Fulbari border crossing experience. Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the sincere and helpful attitude of immigration officers, with travelers appreciating the professional conduct of border staff. Many reviewers highlight the strategic importance of this crossing as an excellent land port for India-bound travelers, noting the beautiful setting between two countries and the fraternity observed between people of both nations. However, critical feedback centers around operational challenges, particularly staff punctuality issues with officers not arriving during official opening hours. Travelers report concerns about broker activities, with some mentioning unauthorized individuals approaching visitors and demanding payments. Processing delays during peak times and limited morning availability are recurring complaints. The 10 AM to 5 PM operational window mentioned by some users differs from official timings, causing confusion. Despite these challenges, the overall consensus suggests this border crossing serves as a vital and scenic checkpoint with dedicated personnel, though procedural improvements and stricter adherence to schedules would enhance the traveler experience significantly.
Traveler Experiences
Muhammad "Its a beautiful place between two countries. Noticed fraternity between people of India and Bangladesh. This is 15kms away from Siliguri & a must visit. This is called the zero point as from here the border to Bangladesh commences. One can see huge line of trucks dotting either side of the road to enter Bangladesh."
Subhasish "Excellent land port for travelers to India. Timings 10.00 AM to 5 PM"
Eye jaman "Banglabandha immigration officers are very sincere"
DISCLAIMER: This guide provides general information based on data available at time of publication. Border regulations, requirements, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current information with official government sources before travel. BorderRoute.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information. Travel decisions and border compliance remain the sole responsibility of the traveler.