Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan?
Yes, for most foreign visitors a visa is required before arrival. “Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan.” Indian nationals have a different permit arrangement
How long does it take to issue a visa?
For a correctly-filled application, the processing time is up to five working days.
How long can I stay in Bhutan on the Tourist visa? Can I extend it?
The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days from the date of entry.
Yes, you can apply for an extension while in Bhutan, before the original visa/permit expires. The fees for the extension + SDF for the extended period will apply.
Are there any nationalities restricted from being granted a visa to enter Bhutan?
No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.
I’m an Indian national, or from Bangladesh or the Maldives. How can I obtain a travel permit or visa?
Before travelling, visitors from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives can apply for a permit (Indian nationals) or visa (Bangladeshi or Maldivian nationals) here. You may also apply at the point of entry, but please be aware that there may be a long wait depending on the number of applicants at the time. We recommend arranging your permit/visa beforehand.
Do nationals of Bangladesh and Maldives need a prior visa to enter Bhutan?
No. Citizens of Bangladesh and Maldives do not need a prior visa to enter Bhutan.
They are eligible for Visa on Arrival, which is stamped on their passport when they arrive at a Bhutanese port of entry.
Who MUST pay the USD $40 visa fee?
All foreign nationals tourist except India, Bangladesh, and Maldives.
Do I need travel insurance for Bhutan?
The mandatory requirement for travel insurance has been lifted (as of April 2024) but it is strongly recommended to have travel insurance as a precaution.
Where are the entry points into Bhutan? / How do I arrive?
By air: your main arrival is at Paro International Airport.
By road: there are official road entry points from India such as Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar and Samtse.
What is the difference between a Visa and a Permit in Bhutan?
Visa:
A visa is the official authorization issued by Bhutan’s Department of Immigration that allows a foreign national (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian citizens) to enter Bhutan.
Visas are issued for different purposes—tourism, business, study, employment, official travel, etc.—and are required before arrival.
Permit:
A permit is an authorization issued after entry or along with the visa that allows a visitor to stay, work, study, or travel within Bhutan depending on their purpose of visit.
Indian nationals receive an Entry Permit instead of a visa, and other permit types (Work Permit, Student Permit, Route Permit, Dependent Permit) may apply to foreigners with non-tourist visas.
In simple terms:
Visa = Permission to enter Bhutan
Permit = Permission to stay, work, or travel inside Bhutan based on your purpose
What is Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
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.
How long does it take to issue a visa?
For a correctly-filled application, the processing time is up to five working days.
How long can I stay in Bhutan on the visa? Can I extend it?
The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days from the date of entry.
Yes, you can apply for an extension while in Bhutan, before the original visa/permit expires. The fees for the extension + SDF for the extended period will apply.
Where are the entry points into Bhutan? / How do I arrive?
By air: your main arrival is at Paro International Airport.
By road: there are official road entry points from India such as Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar and Samtse.
Do I need travel insurance for Bhutan?
The mandatory requirement for travel insurance has been lifted (as of April 2024) but it is strongly recommended to have travel insurance as a precaution.
Who MUST pay the USD $40 visa fee?
All foreign nationals except India, Bangladesh, and Maldives
All tourists (except the exempt countries)
All non-tourists applying for:
Work Visa
Student Visa
Dependent Visa
Business Visa
Any other non-tourist visa categories
Gratis Visa
- Only those Officials carrying diplomatic, UN & official passports will be issued gratis visas
- If there is a MoU signed indicating some points about the free charges, then the visiting guests will be issued gratis visas.
Extension of Visa for the Visiting Guests:
- If the guest has to stay back for more than three days, then the concerned Ministry/Organization etc need to write a letter addressed to Dy. Chief of Protocol. The letter must mention the genuine reasons for the extension.
- A copy of earlier visa which was issued by the Immigration.
Employment visa
- If the guest has to stay back for more than three days, then the concerned Ministry/Organization etc need to write a letter addressed to Dy. Chief of Protocol. The letter must mention the genuine reasons for the extension.
- A copy of earlier visa which was issued by the Immigration.
Employment visa
- If the guest has to stay back for more than three days, then the concerned Ministry/Organization etc need to write a letter addressed to Dy. Chief of Protocol. The letter must mention the genuine reasons for the extension.
- A copy of earlier visa which was issued by the Immigration.
Do you have to pay SDF when applying for a Bhutan visa?
You must pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) before your visa is approved.
How much is the SDF?
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
What is the 24 hour SDF border town waiver?
Tourists visiting Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrupjongkhar towns for 24 hours need not pay Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) beginning April 14, 2023. The waiver will be enforced for a year. The SDF waiver will only apply for tourists who do not travel beyond the designated zones of border towns. However, SDF will apply for visitors who travel beyond the designated zone of border towns.
Tourists will be charged SDF if they go beyond Gurung Basti in Samtse, and beyond Rinchending Checkpost in Phuentsholing. The designated zone in Gelephu is at Aipoli Bridge and Pinchinna checkpost in Samdrupjongkhar.
Can guests combine the SDF incentives with the 24-hour border-town SDF waiver?
No. This incentive is not combinable with the SDF waiver for border towns.
Gratis Visa
- Only those Officials carrying diplomatic, UN & official passports will be issued gratis visas
- If there is a MoU signed indicating some points about the free charges, then the visiting guests will be issued gratis visas.
Extension of Visa for the Visiting Guests:
- If the guest has to stay back for more than three days, then the concerned Ministry/Organization etc need to write a letter addressed to Dy. Chief of Protocol. The letter must mention the genuine reasons for the extension.
- A copy of earlier visa which was issued by the Immigration.