Bhutan Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EU | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Passports
A passport valid for at least six months (from the date of departure) is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Most visitors (including all nationals listed in the chart above) must obtain a visa in advance through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or an international travel agency that partners with one.
The visa application is processed online by the tour operator after full payment of the trip, including the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per night per person (for those over 12). Once approved, travellers receive a visa clearance letter, which must be presented upon arrival. The actual visa is then stamped into the passport at Paro International Airport or land entry points. Independent travel is restricted—tourists must book a guided tour (except for Paro and Thimphu, where independent travel is permitted).
Entry Requirements for Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian Nationals
Nationals of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives do not require a visa to visit Bhutan but must obtain an Entry Permit upon arrival at designated entry points. This permit allows travel within Paro and Thimphu, but to visit other regions, travellers need to apply for a Special Area Permit in Thimphu.
All three nationalities are subject to the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which is INR 1,200 per person per night for Indian travellers and the equivalent amount in USD for Bangladeshi and Maldivian citizens.
Types and Cost
Non-refundable visa application fee: US $40.
Validity
The visa is typically valid for the duration of the booked tour.
Application to
Travellers must apply through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or an international travel agency that partners with one.
Working days
Up to five working days.
This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.
