Druk Asia
How to Apply for a Visa 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 below).As part of the visa application process, you will be required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per day (per adult; concessionary rates apply for children).
A non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of US$40 is also payable.
You can apply online for a visa or permit from the website of Department of Tourism by completing an application form or if you’re travelling to Bhutan with a tour operator, they can apply for a visa on your behalf.
Your visa application will be reviewed within five working days.
Bhutan Visa Requirements
To apply for a visa online you will need:• A digital copy of a valid passport. The passport must be valid for six months from the intended date of departure from the Kingdom.
• A recent digital passport photo.
• Arrival and departure dates.
• Valid travel insurance for the duration of your travel.
• Payment details.
There are a few simple steps to follow when you apply for your visa:
• Sign a Pledge of Friendship, thus committing to protecting, preserving and positively contributing to the kingdom of Bhutan.
• Create an account
• Add your travel information
• Pay for your visa application and the SDF fee for your planned stay
Visitors from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives Travelling to Bhutan
Visitors from India require a permit. You may apply for this before travelling here, or if you’re travelling with a tour operator or staying at a hotel, they can apply on your behalf. No fees are payable in advance.Alternatively, permits can be obtained upon arrival, but expect potential delays due to applicant volume. If you are applying for a permit on arrival, you will need a passport-size photograph. You must also have insurance for the duration of your visit, which you can prearrange or purchase upon arrival. The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is payable when applying for your permit, either online or in person. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives require a visa, but the process is the same as the one outlined above for Indian nationals: you may apply and pay the relevant SDF online and prearrange your travel insurance before travelling, or you can do this in person upon arrival.
We recommend arranging your permit or visa beforehand.
Bhutan Sustainable Development Fees (SDF)
1. All tourists entering Bhutan are required to pay a Sustainable Development Fees (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night.2. For Children between 5 years and below 12 years old, they are required to pay USD 50 per person per night as the SDF.
3. Children below the age of 5 years are exempted from the Sustainable Development Fees (SDF). However, the visa application fee of USD 40 is still applicable.
4. The 24 hours SDF waiver for tourists staying in the border towns shall continue.
The above incentives will come into effect from 1 September 2023 and shall remain effective for four years till 31 August 2027.
The Royal Government shall conduct periodic assessments of the domestic and international tourism scenarios and may discontinue the above incentives to uphold and promote High Value Low Volume Tourism Policy of Bhutan after 31 August 2027.
*SDF does not include accommodation, meals, transport and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) How long does it take to process a Bhutan visa?
Upon submission, your application will be reviewed by the Department of Tourism within five working days. We advise you to submit your application in advance.2) My Bhutan travel visa is issued on my old passport which was close to expiring. Will there be any problems when I reach the immigration in Bhutan?
If your Bhutan travel visa is issued on your old passport, you will have to bring along your old passport with you to Bhutan. The Department of Immigration will need to verify your details on your old passport too. A fine of up to 10,000 Nu will be imposed if traveller fail to present both the traveller's old and new passport. Alternatively, please inform your Bhutan travel agent to update your visa if there's still a week to go before your trip.3) Is there a tourist quota to the number of people who can visit Bhutan every year?
There is no tourist quota set by the Royal Government of Bhutan. The only limitation is due to the flight capacity and hotel availability. Therefore, book your trip as early as possible especially if you plan to visit during peak season in Bhutan.4) How long can a visitor stay in Bhutan on a visitor visa or permit?
The visa or permit will be issued for a maximum of 90 days.5) How can I extend a visa or permit while in Bhutan?
You can apply for a visa extension provided the extension is applied for before the original visa or permit expires.You can extend your stay via the online visa application portal, using the same log-in details that were used to process your original visa.
The fees for processing your extension application, and daily SDF for the duration of your extended stay, will be payable via the same portal.
Alternatively, please contact your tour operator to assist you with the visa extension.
6) How long does it take to extend the visa or permit for Bhutan?
While the process is usually quite quick for visa or permit extensions, it can take up to five working days.7) Is travel insurance mandatory for Bhutan?
Yes. All visitors must have full, valid travel insurance for the duration of their visit. For all visitors except those from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives, it is required to be in place when you make your visa application.Visitors from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives have the option to purchase domestic travel insurance at their port of entry.
