Visa & Tariff
Visa Requirements
- Other than Indian, Bangladeshis nationals, all visitors to Bhutan require a visa.
- All visas are issued from Thimphu by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
- Visas are only issued to tourists whom booked tour packages with a local tour operators, directly or through a foreign travel agent.
- Applications for tourist visas are submitted by the tour operator. Clearance takes at least 10 working days to process.
- The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices for packages to Bhutan and this must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival in Bhutan.
Question: Is there a tourist qouta to the number of people who can visit Bhutan every year?
Answer: There is no tourist qouta set by the Royal Government of Bhutan. Tourist number are about 25,000 per year largely because of the limited flight capacity currently.
Daily Tariff
The minimum tariff for tourist visiting in a group of 3 persons or more are as follows:
| High Season Tariff | US$ 200 per person per night halt ( February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November and December). |
| Low Season Tariff | US$180 per person per night halt (January, June, July). |
The minimum price includes:
- All internal taxes and charges (including the royalty)
- Accommodation
- All Meals
- All travel with a licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide
- All Internal Transport
- Camping Equipment and Haulage for Trekking Tours
The rates given above are applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan. These rates are valid thru 2010.
Note: Tariff rate will for High Season will be US$250 from 1st January 2011
Question: Can I stay at exclusive resorts like Uma and Aman?
Answer: Visitors who opt for more exclusive resorts like Uma Paro, Taj Tashi and Amankora will have to pay for their accomodation on top of the daily tariff specified.
Question: What does my tariff pay for?
Answer: US$65 (deemed loyalty) actually goes toward a development fund for free health care, free education and road building in Bhutan. The remainder of the tariff goes to accomodation, meals, and services like tour guides, transportations, drivers and all entrance fees.
The lower tariff during the low season is derived from a US$35 discount of the loyalty.
Surcharges
Individual tourists and smaller groups of less than three persons shall be subject to surcharge, over and above the minimum daily rates applicable, as follows:
| Single individual | US$ 40 per night |
| Group of 2 persons | US$ 30 per person per night |
The surcharge will not be applicable to representatives of foreign travel agents on business study or promotional visit duly approved and cleared by TCB.
Tariff Exception
- With effect from 01/07/2009, the 25% discount on Diplomatic visas has been revoked.
- There shall be no charge for CHILDREN up to the age of 5 years. However, those between the ages of 6-12 years accompanied by elders/ guardians shall be given 50% discount on daily rates.
- Full time STUDENTS below the age of 25 years holding valid identity cards from their academic institutions shall also be given a 25% discount on daily rates.
- A discount of 50% on daily rates shall be given to one person is a group of 11 to 15 people. 100% discount shall be given to one member in a group exceeding 16 persons.
- A discount of USD. 20 and USD. 15 shall be provided on Royalty from the 9th night during high season and low season respectively.
Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan