Bhutan visa requirements — how to get your visa
Almost every visitor to Bhutan needs a visa, applied for online before travel through Bhutan's Department of Immigration or through a licensed tour operator. The visa fee is a one-time USD 40 per person, and the Sustainable Development Fee is paid with the application. Indian nationals don't need a visa; they receive a free entry permit instead.
Who needs a visa for Bhutan?
All international visitors need a visa, with the main exception of Indian nationals, who travel on an entry permit. Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals also follow their own arrangements, so check the rules for your passport before you plan.
What you need to apply
- A digital copy of your passport, valid for at least six months beyond your departure from Bhutan.
- A recent digital passport-style photo.
- Your arrival and departure dates.
- Payment of the USD 40 visa fee (one-time, non-refundable).
- Payment of the Sustainable Development Fee for each night of your stay.
How the process works
You can apply yourself on the Department of Immigration's website, or let your tour operator apply for you. When you book with Planet Air Adventure, we prepare and submit the application once your itinerary is confirmed.
Processing usually takes up to five working days. You receive a visa clearance letter by email; keep it with you, because airlines may ask for it at check-in, and the visa itself is stamped in your passport when you arrive in Bhutan.
Do you need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is no longer a visa requirement: Bhutan lifted the mandatory insurance rule in April 2024. It is still strongly recommended, especially for treks and remote areas, with cover for medical treatment and evacuation.
Indian nationals: the entry permit
Indian travellers don't need a visa. Adults need a valid Indian passport with at least six months' validity or an original Voter ID card; children can use a passport or a birth certificate. The entry permit covers Thimphu and Paro, and a route permit is needed for other districts such as Punakha. We arrange both. See our guide for Indian travellers for more detail.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Bhutan visa?
The Bhutan tourist visa fee is USD 40 per person, paid once per trip and non-refundable. The daily Sustainable Development Fee is charged separately.
How long does a Bhutan visa take?
Usually up to five working days once a complete application and payment are submitted. Apply well before your flight.
Can I get a Bhutan visa on arrival?
Not as an international tourist. The visa must be approved before you travel; it is then stamped in your passport on arrival using your visa clearance letter.
Do Indians need a visa for Bhutan?
No. Indian nationals receive an entry permit instead, using a passport or Voter ID card.
Plan it with us in Paro
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