FAQ
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
What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?
From the country’s reopening on September 23, visitors to Bhutan will make an active contribution to Bhutan's economic, social and cultural development. The Sustainable Development Fee enables investment in transformative programmes that preserve our cultural traditions, protect our heritage and environment, upgrade infrastructure, create opportunities for our young people, and build resilience. For more on the SDF, visiting Bhutan and our plans, visit www.bhutan.travel.
How much is the SDF and where do the funds go?
Guests from India are levied SDF of Nu. 1,200 or equivalent amount in INR per person per night, which will remain in effect for two years, following which time it may be reviewed and revised in keeping with the principle of the preferential rate after two years.
Visitors from all other countries are levied SDF of USD 200 per person, per night.
There will be a concessionary levy of 50% on the SDF for children between the ages of 6-12 years and exemptions of SDF for children aged 5 years and below.
The SDF funds go to the national exchequer and are allocated to various projects that enhance facilities, services and infrastructure for nationals and guests who visit Bhutan, as well as funding free healthcare and education.
How can the SDF payment be made?
The SDF must be paid during the visa or permit application via wire transfer or using a credit card.
The SDF must be paid in USD; however, Indians can also pay in INR.
A guest who is eligible for a visa on arrival, should also pay the applicable SDF in USD at the port of entry.
Will day visitors be levied SDF?
The SDF will be waived for visitors to the Bhutanese towns bordering India, until the first designated point identified by the Government. The SDF will be levied on visitors spending the night within border towns.
COVID-19 Protocols
Is there a vaccination requirement to visit Bhutan?
As of now, all travellers to Bhutan aged 12 years and over should be vaccinated. Children aged under 12 years are not required to be vaccinated to enter Bhutan.
The COVID-19 vaccines should be approved for use by Bhutan Drug Regulatory Authority as per the published list on the website (http://dra.gov.bt)
Is the Johnson and Johnson vaccination accepted?
Yes, a single dose of Johnson and Johnson is accepted in Bhutan.
Can unvaccinated guests enter Bhutan? If so, what is the procedure?
Yes, unvaccinated guests can enter Bhutan however they will be required to complete five nights quarantine at the guests’ expense. The SDF will be waived during the quarantine period.
If someone gets COVID-19 while travelling in Bhutan, what happens?
If a guest tests positive for COVID-19 during their stay in Bhutan, they will be required to quarantine in their hotel until they test negative. The cost for the additional quarantine nights and PCR tests will be borne by the guest. The SDF will be waived during the quarantine period.
Will there be any COVID-19 protocols for leaving Bhutan?
There will be no COVID-19 protocols to leave Bhutan, unless they will be required by the country the guest is travelling to.
Reference
Further Readings