Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs about Travelling to Bhutan)

1. Is there an annual quota on the number of visitors entering Bhutan?

There is no quota on the number of visitors to Bhutan. However, the number of visitors are limited by the capacities of the airplanes serving the routes.

Currently, there are direct flights to Bhutan from Singapore, Bangkok (Thailand), Kathmandu (Nepal), Bangladesh and New Delhi, Kolkata, Gaya, Bagdogra, Guwahati (India).

• Drukair has daily flights from Bangkok to Paro International Airport.
• Drukair flies from Singapore to Paro International Airport, twice a week.
• Drukair has daily flights from Kathmandu, Nepal to Paro International Airport.
• Drukair flies from Dhaka, Bangladesh to Paro International, thrice a week.
• Drukair has daily flights from New Delhi, Kolkata, Gaya, Bagdogra, Guwahati in India to Bhutan.

Find out more information on:

• Travelling to Bhutan from Singapore
• Travelling to Bhutan from Bangkok, Thailand
• Travelling to Bhutan from Kathmandu, Nepal
• Travelling to Bhutan from Australia
• USA to Bhutan
• Indonesia to Bhutan
• Philippines to Bhutan
• Russia to Bhutan
• Vietnam to Bhutan
• Africa to Bhutan
• China to Bhutan

2. How much is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to Bhutan?

All tourists entering Bhutan are subject to a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per night. This fee maintains the country's cultural and environmental integrity, preserving its unique beauty for generations to come.

Children under 5 years old are exempt from the SDF, while those aged 6 to 11 years are required to pay USD 50 per night. The SDF does not cover accommodation, meals, transportation, or guide services.

Regional tourists from India are required to apply for a permit and pay 1,200 INR/night.

3. How much is a visa application to Bhutan?

All visitors require a visa before travelling to Bhutan (except those from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, for whom the relevant processes and fees are outlined separately).

A non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of USD $40 is payable. You can apply online for a visa by completing an application form, or if you're travelling with a tour operator or staying at a hotel, they can apply on your behalf.

To apply for a visa online you will need:

• A digital copy of a valid passport
• A recent digital passport photo
• Arrival and departure dates
• Valid travel insurance for the duration of your travel
• Payment details

For more information, check out the Bhutan Visa Application Procedure page.

4. I've paid for my tour package. How long does it take to process my visa to Bhutan?

You should expect to receive your visa between 14 to 5 days prior to your departure. Your tour operator will email you a copy of the approved visa. Remember to print a copy to present at the Drukair check-in counter and at immigration upon arrival in Bhutan.

If you book your trip with Druk Asia, you'll be given a set of traditional costumes (gho and kira) to return at the end of your trip.

5. How is the mobile and internet connection in Bhutan?

Mobile and internet connectivity is good in bigger towns like Thimphu, Paro, Trongsa, and Bumthang. Connections may be less stable on roads between valleys. Most hotels in Bhutan have free Wi-Fi, though speeds can vary depending on the number of users. We recommend getting a local SIM card and data plan if you need regular internet access.

6. What if there's a change of schedule for a Drukair flight, or the flight is delayed?

For passengers heading to Bhutan, Drukair will ensure you get on the next available flight to Paro International Airport. Passengers who miss their flight due to late check-in can pay Drukair an admin charge of USD $50 to board the next available flight.

For travellers returning from Bhutan, Drukair staff at Paro will assist with all arrangements. They will also attempt to contact your connecting airline to inform them of any delay. If you cannot take your connecting flight on the same day, Drukair will try to assist with accommodation arrangements.

Any other fees and charges incurred will typically have to be borne by the traveller. Travel insurance is strongly advised.

7. If I have a connecting flight to Bhutan, will my luggage arrive directly from my country of departure?

Your luggage will not be directly checked through to Bhutan. If you have a layover, you must retrieve your luggage at the transit country and check in again for your Drukair flight, as Drukair currently has limited interline agreements with other airlines.

8. What's the cancellation policy for travel to Bhutan?

Land cost cancellation charges:

• More than 45 days before departure: USD $140 flat rate per person
• 21–30 days before: 35% of rate
• 8–20 days before: 50% of rate
• 4–7 days before: 75% of rate
• 3 days or less: 100%

Drukair ticket cancellation policy:

• No refund for special promotion tickets
• More than 30 days before travel: 75% refund
• 10–29 days before travel: 50% refund
• 4–9 days before travel: 25% refund
• Within 3 days of travel: no refund
• SGD $100 administration fee per cancelled ticket

9. Is altitude sickness common in Bhutan?

Altitude sickness is uncommon for most visitors, as the majority of tour destinations are below 3,000m. The first two days will typically allow you to acclimatise.

If you plan to trek above 3,000m, set a reasonable pace, avoid overexertion, and stay hydrated. Consult your healthcare provider about acclimatisation medication if needed.

10. Is tipping expected in Bhutan?

Tipping is not compulsory and is not part of Bhutanese culture. It is entirely a personal matter — feel free to tip your guide or driver at the end of the trip should you wish to.

11. Can I get a guide who speaks a foreign language in Bhutan?

Guides speaking Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, or Japanese are available at an additional charge of USD $150 per day. Please speak to your travel consultant to arrange this.

12. Are there halal food options in Bhutan?

There are currently no halal-certified restaurants in Bhutan. However, the meat at Le Méridien Thimphu and Le Méridien Paro is halal-certified (additional charges apply). Many eateries do not serve pork or lard, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options available.

13. What is Bhutan's local currency and how much should I bring?

Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (BTN), which is on par with the Indian Rupee. As your accommodation, transport, and meals are covered in your tour package, extra spending money is only needed for personal purchases or dining outside your itinerary.

For more information, check out our guide on Bhutanese currency.

14. Can I withdraw money from ATMs in Bhutan?

ATM withdrawals using foreign cards can be unreliable. It is advisable to bring cash for out-of-pocket expenses.

15. Can I make payments by credit card in Bhutan?

Credit cards are accepted in major cities like Thimphu and Paro but are not commonly available elsewhere. Always carry cash in Bhutanese Ngultrum or Indian Rupees as a backup.

16. Can I do foreign currency exchange in Bhutan?

Yes — at Paro Airport and at the Bank of Bhutan in Thimphu and Paro. They accept 10 major currencies: USD, GBP, EUR, JPY, CHF, HKD, CAD, DKK, AUD, and SGD. Bring larger denominations for better exchange rates.

Check out our daily exchange rate guide for more information.

17. What can I buy from Bhutan?

Thimphu and Paro are the best shopping destinations. Look for traditional costumes (kiras and ghos), colourful masks, prayer flags, handwoven textiles, thangkas, honey, cordyceps, yak cheese, and lemongrass spray. You can even get a personalised postal stamp from Bhutan Post in Thimphu!

Top 10 things to buy in Bhutan →

18. Where can I go shopping in Bhutan?

For high-quality crafts by local artisans, visit The Craft Gallery in Thimphu — an initiative by Her Majesty the Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck to promote and preserve Bhutanese arts. Purchasing from here directly supports local artisans. See the product list at bhutancrafts.com.

You can also find many shops and eateries along Norzin Lam street in Thimphu, and Paro town is popular for shopping.

19. Who are Druk Asia's customers?

Druk Asia has served happy travellers from all over the world — Russia, USA, UK, Italy, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, and more. We also work with other travel agencies as the official Drukair representative in Singapore.

Read reviews from our travellers on our testimonials page.

20. Why should I travel to Bhutan with Druk Asia?

Druk Asia is one of the pioneer Bhutan travel agencies and the largest tour operator in the Kingdom, with experience serving customers from all creeds and cultures since 2009. Find out why you should choose Druk Asia →