Bhutan Visa Information Updated as of 2024 | Druk Asia

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Planning your trip to Bhutan shouldn't feel like climbing Mount Everest! With Druk Asia, it's as easy as packing your bags. Our expert team ensures your visa application is flawless and approved, or you won't have to pay our service fee.

Imagine entering a world of ancient monasteries, lush valleys, and majestic dzongs without a visa worry. Don't let paperwork stand between you and your Bhutan adventure. Secure your guaranteed visa approval with us now!

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Bhutan Visa Policy (Updated as of August 2023)

Bhutan cherishes its unique cultural heritage and pristine environment by regulating tourism through a policy of High Value, Low Impact.

As of August 2023, the Royal Government of Bhutan has introduced new incentives and policy measures to boost the tourism sector, acknowledging its significant role in generating employment, earning foreign exchange, and spurring economic growth across ancillary industries.

  • Visa Requirement: All tourists, except for visitors from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, need a visa to enter Bhutan. Indian visitors require a permit, while nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives are eligible for a visa on arrival.
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) Incentives: A 50% discount on the prevailing SDF of USD 200 is offered to US Dollar paying tourists, reducing the SDF to USD 100 per person per day. This discount also applies to US Dollar-paying children aged between 6 and 12 years. Furthermore, the 24-hour SDF waiver for tourists staying in border towns will continue.
  • Application Process: Visitors can apply for a visa clearance or permit online through the Department of Immigration’s website or engage tourism service providers like Druk Asia to handle travel documents and trip planning.
  • Effective Period: These incentives are effective from 1 September 2023 until 31 August 2027, with periodic assessments to be conducted by the Royal Government.

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What Are The Visa Requirements For Bhutan?

To apply for a Bhutan visa, you will need the following documents:

  1. A digital copy of a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your departure date from Bhutan.

  2. A recent digital passport photo.

  3. Arrival and departure dates.

  4. Valid travel insurance for the duration of your travel.

  5. A one-off visa application fee of USD40.

  6. Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD100 per night per adult and USD50 for children aged 5 to below 12 years old. For children below 5 years, the SDF is waived.

Should you be visiting Bhutan through a licensed tour operator like Druk Asia we will facilitate the visa application process, including the submission of these documents.

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How Much Does A Bhutan Visa Cost?

The visa fee for Bhutan remains at USD 40.

How Much Does A Bhutan Visa Cost?

All tourists entering Bhutan are subjected to a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per night.

Children under 5 years old are exempt from the SDF, while those aged 5 to 12 years are required to pay USD 50 per night. It's important to note that the SDF does not cover accommodation, meals, transportation, or guide services.

Regional tourists from India are required to apply for a permit and pay 1200 INR/night.

Age SDF Permit (Indian Passports only)
0- 5 years old Gratis 1200 INR / night
5 – 12 years old $50 USD/night
Adult above 12 years old $100 USD / night


The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) aims to maintain the country's cultural and environmental integrity, preserving its unique beauty for generations to come. By embracing this commitment to sustainability through the SDF fee, visitors actively contribute to the conservation of Bhutan's natural wonders.

Check and apply for your Bhutan visa

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How To Apply For A Bhutan Tourist Visa?

You can apply online for a visa or permit by completing an application form, or if you’re travelling with a tour operator like Druk Asia, we can apply on your behalf.

You can apply for yourself and anyone you’re travelling with, provided you have the required information for each person travelling.

There are a few simple steps to follow when you apply for your visa:

  • Sign our Pledge of Friendship, thus committing to protecting, preserving and positively contributing to our kingdom.

  • Create an account.

  • Add your travel information.

  • Pay for your visa application and the SDF fee for your planned stay.

However, to ensure that you have a hassle-free experience, simply get in touch with our Travel Specialists and we’ll be more than happy to assist you with your Bhutan visa application.

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Enjoy a Hassle-Free Journey to Bhutan with Druk Asia’s Visa Guarantee

With our promise of guaranteed approval or no fees, planning your dream Bhutanese adventure has never been easier or more secure. Leave the complexities of the visa application process to us. Our experienced team ensures your application is complete, accurate, and presented in the best possible way.

End-to-End Visa Assistance: Druk Asia, as your tour operator, will manage the entire visa application process, including document submission and SDF payment, leveraging our expertise to ensure hassle-free approval.

No Visa, No Fee: We're so confident in our expertise that we offer a unique guarantee - if we can't get your visa approved, you won't have to pay any service fee.

Fast and Efficient Service So You Can Start Planning Your Trip: We understand your excitement about exploring Bhutan. Our streamlined process aims to get your visa clearance approved quickly so you can start packing for your trip sooner.

Customised Itineraries To Match Your Dream Adventure: Benefit from tailor-made travel packages that align with your interests, whether it's cultural immersions, luxury tours, festivals, trekking, or Bhutan adrenaline-rushing adventures.

I Want To Apply For A Bhutan Visa Today

From Application To Approval: How It Works

Consultation: Reach out to us with your travel plans. Our team will provide an overview of the visa requirements and gather necessary information from you.

Documentation: We'll guide you through the documentation needed for your application and review everything to ensure compliance with Bhutan’s visa policies.

Application Submission: Leave the paperwork to us. We’ll handle the submission of your visa application to the Bhutanese immigration authorities.

VISA Confirmation: Once approved, we'll send you the visa electronically. Our guarantee means you can look forward to your trip without any visa worries.

I Want To Apply For A Bhutan Visa Today

701+ Satisfied Travelers Reveal How Our Bhutan Tourism Packages Provide Unforgettable Cultural Experiences

Our tour around Bhutan, arranged for by SoulTrips, was wonderful and exceeded all of our expectations. Every detail was well planned and executed by all concerned. Even the weather cooperated! The places we visited were amazing, the food perfectly prepared, the driver safe and friendly, our guide (Dorji) was knowledgeable, attentive and friendly. I really like flying Drukair too - it's now my favorite small airline. The aircraft was clean and comfortable. The service at every stage was excellent and the staff attentive and friendly.

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William Russ


William Russ, February 2024
United States

Star Rating 1
I am not a religious person. In fact I am an Atheist. You who is reading this would probably be wondering why then did I go to Bhutan, a famously staunch Buddhist country full of Bhuddhist temples? The reason I had to go Bhutan, was to answer a strong spiritual call. Yes, I traveled solo to Bhutan from Sg. I had no idea what to expect, not knowing much about the country except that the people were happier than anywhere else in the world. I have no experience in hiking (typical spoilt Singaporean!), trekking, not been in high altitudes or any environment that ain't "clean".

Read More »
Ling Y


Ling Y, February 2024
Singapore

Star Rating 2
We embarked on a remarkable 10-day journey in Bhutan with the invaluable assistance of Druk Asia, and our experience was elevated by the exceptional support provided by Sangay Dorji. Sangay's expertise and profound understanding of Bhutan surpassed our expectations as he diligently collaborated with us to craft a meticulously planned itinerary. His insights extended beyond the conventional, enlightening us on aspects we hadn't even considered prior to our adventure.

Read More »
Dan Lee


Dan Lee, November 2023
Singapore

Star Rating 1
What an extraordinary trip. I have wanted to visit the himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan for many years. At last I made it there with the help of you and your wonderful team. From beginning to end it was wonderful. I was hoping to visit a land unspoilt by the rigours of the modern world, and the land of the Thunder Dragon did not disappoint. The scenery was awe inspiring from the dramatic himalayan mountains to the lush fertile valleys and everything in between. I loved the woodland hikes in Thimphu and Phobjikha. Truly Shangri-la.

Read More »
Alison B


Alison B, October 2023
United Kingdom

Star Rating 2
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Frequently Asked Questions About Visa Requirements For Bhutan

How and where do I apply for Visa?

Your Visa to Bhutan can be processed online from the website of the Department of Immigration. Or it can be processed by an authorized and registered travel agent such as us.

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.

How much is the visa fee and how long does it take to issue?

The visa fee is USD 40 per person and it is non-refundable. While the process to issue the visa is usually quick, the visa can take up to five working days to process.

I can't find embassy of Bhutan in my country. How do I apply for the Visa?

Your Visa will be applied by your tour operator. You would not need to make an appointment with Bhutan embassy. Embassy of Bhutan does not provide tourist Visa services.

I travel frequently and I can't send my passport for Visa application. How can I get the Visa?

We don't need your physical passport to apply for tourist Visa. We simply need a color scanned copy of your passport to make the Visa application

When is the best time to travel to Bhutan?

You can travel to Bhutan all year round, but the best months are March to May and September to November. For more information please visit Best Time To Visit Bhutan

Is the 50% SDF discount a reduction in the SDF rate?

Bhutan's SDF remains at USD 200 per person per night. The effective SDF with the 50% discount is USD 100 per person per night for US Dollar paying tourists. This is a time-limited incentive until 2027.

Will previous duration incentives (4+4, 7+7, 12+18 nights packages) still be available?

No, the incentives introduced in June 2023 (4+4, the 7+7 and the 12+18 have been revoked and are no longer applicable). However, the 24 hour SDF waiver for border towns in Bhutan remains valid.

Can the 50% discount be combined with the SDF waiver for border towns?

No, it cannot be combined. Visitors wishing to explore border towns before or after the SDF discount must apply for another visa.

Explain the 50 % SDF discount for children aged between 6 to 12 years for US Dollar paying children visiting as tourists?

The 50% discount shall be on the USD 100 rate. Therefore, the effective SDF with the 50% discount for children will be USD 50 per person per night for US Dollar paying tourists. Children who have not yet turned six years old are eligible to visit Bhutan without paying any SDF.

When does the 50% SDF discount take effect?

It starts on September 1, 2023. Until then, the existing system remains in place.

How long is the 50% SDF discount valid?

It's valid until September 2027. Further details post-2027 will be announced one year before the validity ends.

Is the 50% SDF incentive calculated on a per day or per night basis?

It’s calculated on a per night basis.

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