Frequently Asked Questions
Few thoughtful questions
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Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan?
Yes, all visitors need a visa to enter Bhutan, except for visitors from India, who require a permit. Nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives and nationals of Switzerland and Thailand who hold diplomatic or government-official passports are also eligible for a visa on arrival at their port of entry.
Visitors from India will need a permit to enter Bhutan and are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. Indian nationals under 18 may enter with a birth certificate or passport and must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Indian nationals are eligible for a permit on arrival, but it is recommended that a permit is obtained in advance, to reduce the processing time at the port of entry.
How do I apply for a visa or permit?
Tourists can apply for their visa or permit through this website, or they can engage tourism service providers to process their visa or permit.
Although Bangladeshi and Maldivian tourist can process their visas on arrival at the port of entry and Indian tourists can process their permits on arrival, it is recommended that these be applied in advance to reduce the wait time at the port of entry.
For non-tourist, visit doi.gov.bt
What documents do I need for my visa?
- A digital copy of your passport. The passport must be valid for six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
- A recent digital passport-size photograph.
For non-tourist
For non-tourist, visit doi.gov.bt
What documents do I need for the permit?
For Tourist
- A digital copy of your passport or voter ID card. Those under 18 can use a birth certificate or passport and must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
- A recent digital passport-size photograph.
For non-tourist
For non-tourist, visit doi.gov.bt
How long can a foreigner stay in the country as a tourist?
Foreigners can stay in the country as tourists for a maximum of 90 days.
Who receives the refund or excess payment?
The excess SDF amount shall be refunded to the account from which the payment was received in the Department of Immigration’s FC Account. applicable bank charges will be deducted from the total refunded.
How much is the SDF?
For all visitors except those from India, the SDF is USD 100 per person, per night. For guests from India (who have an Indian passport or Indian voter ID card), the SDF is 1,200 Indian rupees, per person, per night. Children who have not yet turned six are exempt from paying any SDF. Children aged between 6 and who have not yet turned 12 at the time of travel receive a 50% concessionary discount on their SDF. Children aged 12 and above pay the full SDF rate. Day visitors to the Bhutanese towns bordering India are also exempted from paying the SDF until they reach a point designated by the Bhutanese government.
What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and how is it used for?
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development, since the Kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth. The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquility and an intimate experience.
Can the visa/permit be extended while the guest is in Bhutan?
Yes, guests can extend their stay via the online visa/permit application portal on the same site, using the same login details that were used to process the original visa/permit. The original passport must be produced at the nearest immigration office to obtain a visa extension. For those who obtained a permit/visa on arrival, the guest or the tour operator must visit the nearest immigration office to process the extension.
Where to apply for a tourist permit/visa application?
A tourist visa/permit can be applied at https://immi.gov.bt/ (new system) or they can contact Bhutanese tourism service providers to process their visa or permit. Nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives can process visas on arrival at the port of entry. Indian nationals can process permits on arrival at the port of entry. However, it is recommended, to process online for prior e-visa/ e-permit to reduce wait time at the port of entry.
Do tourists need a visa to enter Bhutan?
All tourists need a visa to enter Bhutan, except for visitors from India, who require a permit. Nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives and nationals of Switzerland and Thailand who hold diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa on arrival at the port of entry. Nationals of India will need a permit to enter Bhutan and are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. Indian nationals under 18 may enter with a birth certificate or passport and must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Indian nationals are eligible for a permit on arrival, but it is recommended that a permit is obtained in advance, to reduce the processing time at the port of entry.
What are the documents required to apply for a permit for Indian nationals?
- A digital copy of passport or voter ID card.
- A birth certificate or passport for those under the age of 18 (must be accompanied by a legal guardian)
- A recent digital passport-size photograph.
How to pay the applicable SDF?
The SDF must be paid during the visa or permit application using a credit card or wire transfer. Payment using credit is the most commonly preferred mode of payment considering the fast service.
How much is the visa fee?
The visa fee is US$40 per person; this fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Will the SDF be refunded for the cancelled trip?
Yes, the SDF will be refunded for any cancelled trip; any bank charges will be deducted from the refund amount. Requests for SDF refunds should be submitted to the Department of Immigration.
How long does it take to issue a visa/permit?
Turnaround time is 03 working days from the receipt of the complete application including the payment of the applicable fee.
What are the documents required to apply for a tourist visa?
- A digital copy of the passport.
- A recent digital passport-size photograph. The original passport against which the e-Visa must be produced is original at the Port of Entry.
How to pay the applicable SDF and visa extension fees?
The applicable SDF and visa extension fees for the duration of extended stay, are payable via the same online portal. For those who obtained a permit/visa on arrival, the guest or the tour operator can make the payment of the applicable SDF and visa extension.
What is the best time to visit Bhutan?
Bhutan is a year-round destination, but the most popular times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is pleasant with clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and experiencing Bhutan’s vibrant festivals. Spring brings blooming landscapes, while autumn offers crisp air and stunning mountain views. Winter is quieter with fewer tourists, and summer, though a monsoon season, showcases lush greenery and a more peaceful travel experience.
What is the weather like in Bhutan?
Bhutan’s climate varies depending on altitude and region. In places like Thimphu and Paro, summers are generally mild and comfortable, while winters can be cool, especially in the mornings and evenings. Higher-altitude areas are significantly colder throughout the year. Due to these variations, it’s recommended to pack layered clothing so you can adjust easily to changing temperatures during your journey.
What currency is used in Bhutan and can I use cards?
The official currency of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (BTN), which is equal in value to the Indian Rupee (INR). While credit and debit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops in major towns like Thimphu and Paro, cash is still widely used, especially in smaller towns and local markets. ATMs are available in urban areas, but it’s advisable to carry enough cash for convenience during your trip.
Apply for the tourist visa
Visiting the Kingdom of Bhutan as a tourist?
You can visit Bhutan as a tourist for a maximum of 90 days. In addition to the visa fee (if applicable), a daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) shall be applicable
Before you start your application, make sure you have the following documents ready:
1. Digital copy of your Identity Document
a) Passport (For all nationalities)
b) Voter ID (For Nationals of India without passport)
c) Birth Certificate (For Nationals of India under 18 years old without a passport)
Requirement for Passport
– The passport must be valid for six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan
– Passport copy should be in JPEG or PNG format
Requirement for Passport Size
Photograph– Should not be older than six months
– Should be a color copy, portrait style
with eyes open and forehead & ears visible– Should be on a white background
without a border
ID document requirements
- Should be in JPEG or PNG format
- Should be clear and legible
- In the case of a passport, it must be valid for six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan
- If the birth certificate is submitted, it should be in English
IMPORTANT NOTE!
- A passport is a mandatory requirement for Nationals of all countries other than INDIA
- Nationals of India without having a passport must have a Voter Identity Card.
- Nationals of India below 18 years of age without having a passport must have a Birth Certificate.
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