FAQ's
Find answers to your questions before joining a tour so that you can find out exactly what you want to know. If you have more question please feel free to reach us via contact form.
Planning your journey to Bhutan is straightforward when the visa requirements are understood. Most international visitors must obtain visa approval before travelling, while special arrangements apply to nationals of India, Bangladesh and the Maldives.
Visitors of all nationalities, except Indian nationals, require a visa to enter Bhutan.
Most International Visitors
Travellers from countries other than India, Bangladesh and the Maldives must apply for and receive visa approval before travelling to Bhutan.
Indian Nationals
Indian nationals require an entry permit rather than a visa. They may apply online before travelling or obtain the permit at their point of entry.
Applicants must present one of the following:
- A valid Indian passport
- A valid Indian Voter Identity Card
- A birth certificate for travellers under 18 who are accompanied by a legal guardian
Applying before travelling is recommended because obtaining a permit upon arrival may involve a longer waiting time.
Bangladeshi and Maldivian Nationals
Nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives require a visa. They may apply online before travelling or apply upon arrival at an authorised port of entry. Advance application is recommended to reduce waiting time.
Diplomatic and Government-Official Passport Holders
Nationals of Switzerland and Thailand travelling with diplomatic or government-official passports may be eligible to receive a visa at their port of entry. This arrangement does not apply to ordinary tourist or business passport holders.
Visitors may submit their applications through Bhutan’s official online immigration portal. A certified Bhutanese tour operator or approved hotel may also submit an application on the visitor’s behalf.
Travellers are no longer required to book their entire journey through a tour operator and may arrange their flights, accommodation and other travel services independently.
Information and Documents Required
Applicants normally need to provide:
- A clear digital copy of a valid passport
- A recent digital passport-size photograph
- Planned arrival and departure dates
- Personal and travel information requested in the application
- Payment details for the visa fee and Sustainable Development Fee
The passport should remain valid for at least six months from the traveller’s intended date of departure from Bhutan. The Department of Immigration may request additional documents while assessing an application.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for protection against medical emergencies, cancellations and other unexpected situations. However, mandatory travel insurance for tourist visa processing was officially removed on 23 April 2024.
A correctly completed visa application may take up to five working days to process. Travellers should therefore submit their applications well before their intended departure date.
A non-refundable, one-time visa application fee of USD 40 per person is payable when submitting the application.
The visa fee is separate from the Sustainable Development Fee.
The Sustainable Development Fee, commonly known as the SDF, is a nightly contribution paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s sustainable development.
SDF revenue contributes to areas such as:
- Free healthcare and education
- Environmental protection and conservation
- Preservation of Bhutanese culture and heritage
- Tourism and hospitality development
- Infrastructure improvements
- Skills development and local economic opportunities
SDF Rates for International Visitors
These rates apply to visitors from all countries except India:
- Adults: USD 100 per person, per night
- Children aged 6–11: USD 50 per child, per night
- Children under 6: No SDF
The current USD 100 discounted rate is scheduled to remain effective until 31 August 2027, although government policies may be reviewed before that date.
SDF Rates for Indian Nationals
Indian nationals presenting a valid Indian passport or Voter Identity Card pay:
- Adults: Nu. 1,200 or INR 1,200 per person, per night
- Children aged 6–11: Nu. 600 or INR 600 per child, per night
- Children under 6: No SDF
The reduced Nu./INR rate applies only to Indian nationals. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives pay the standard international SDF rate
Applicants should ensure that every detail entered in the visa application matches the information shown in their passport. Incorrect names, passport numbers, dates or other information may delay visa approval or immigration processing.
Visa requirements, fees and tourism policies may change. Travellers should confirm the latest official requirements before finalising their journey
