Since January 22, 2020, Bangladesh has been offering e-passports to all its citizens, regardless of age. The Bangladesh Passport Department follows a standard application process for issuing e-passports. However, there are certain variations in the application rules based on age and occupation. When it comes to children, the required application documents differ slightly for those aged from newborn to 6 years and those aged from 6 to 18 years. This article provides an overview of the application process for obtaining a Bangladesh e-passport for children.
Documents required to apply for an e-passport for children
In order to apply for an e-passport, it is necessary to first complete the online registration of the child’s birth. The National Birth and Death Registration website of Bangladesh can be used to verify if the birth certificate has been registered online. If the system displays the BRC (birth registration certificate) after entering the BRC number and date of birth, then the applicant (child) is eligible to proceed with the e-passport application.
In accordance with the Bangladesh Passport Policy, it is necessary to provide photocopies of both parents’ National Identity (NID) Cards, along with the Birth Registration Certificate (BRC), when applying for a passport for citizens aged 6 to 20 years. The parents’ names on their NID cards and the child’s BRC should be spelled identically in English. Any minor discrepancies should be rectified beforehand.
In cases involving children under the age of 6, capturing passport photos at the passport office can be problematic. Consequently, it is advisable to bring a printed copy of the child’s photo in 3-R size, with a gray background, from a lab along with the completed application form. However, if the child is older than 6 years, there is no requirement for a photograph.
The invoice for payment of the passport fee can be downloaded directly from the Government of Bangladesh’s e-challan website. By providing the necessary information, this form can be submitted at any nearby government or private bank for payment. Upon receiving the invoice, the bank will provide a deposit receipt along with a customer copy of the invoice.
The complete-filled online application form and the schedule for the e-passport can be obtained from the Bangladesh e-passport online portal after the completion of the e-passport application process.
How to apply for Bangladesh e-passport for children online
To begin, you need to register on the Bangladesh e-passport online portal using your NID number, email address, and password. The information provided in the “personal information” section must match the details on the applicant’s BRC document (for children as well).
- It is important to select “Others” as the profession in the respective section.
- For children under 18 years of age, only a 5-year valid 46-page passport should be chosen.
- Once the application is submitted, a one-page online e-passport schedule copy will be available for printing in the summary.
- By clicking on the “download application form” option, you can obtain a three-page e-passport online application form along with an interview schedule.
Interview and Biometrics for Bangladesh e-passport of Children
During the interview day, the child applicant should bring a printed 3-page application form and the interview schedule. It is important to review the list of required documents stated in the passport form and e-passport website. Typically, photocopies of the BRC and NID cards are among the required documents. It is advisable to keep the original BRC and NID cards along with the photocopies. The child’s 3-R size photo should be kept separately.
All the documents must be submitted to the passport office located under the police station. For children below 6 years old, a delivery slip for the e-passport will be provided immediately after submitting the application form and necessary documents. This is because biometrics are not taken for children under 6 years old. The 3-R size photo will be used for the e-passport.
However, for children aged 6 and above, the interview schedule includes biometric enrollment. Once the biometrics are completed, a passport delivery slip is provided.
Bangladesh E-passport application fee for children
In Bangladesh, the application fee for an e-passport is identical for both minors and adults. The fee for an e-passport within the country includes a 15 percent value-added tax (VAT). For a 48-page e-passport with a validity of 5 years, the regular/general delivery fee is BDT. 4,025. The fee for express service is BDT. 6,325, while the super express service costs approximately BDT. 8,625.
How long does it take to get an e-passport for children?
The regular/General e-passport service typically takes 15 or 21 working days from the day the delivery slip is received. If express delivery is chosen, the processing time is reduced to 7 or 10 working days.
For the fastest option, Super Express delivery, the passport can be obtained in just 2 working days. However, it is important to note that this service is only available at the Agargaon Passport Office in Dhaka.
Children of government employees can avail the express service at the Regular/General fee by presenting their parents’ NOC (No Objection Letter) or PRL (Retirement Leave) Certificate.
