Druk Asia
Bhutan Visa Cost, SDF Fees & Requirements (2027)
| Bhutan visa fee | USD 40 once per applicant |
|---|---|
| Administrative processing fee | USD 10 once per applicant |
| SDF | USD 100 per adult per night |
| Children aged 6–11 | USD 50 per night |
| Children under 6 | No SDF |
| Typical processing | Up to 5 working days |
Get Your Bhutan Visa Approved In As Fast As 5 Days
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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. Secure your guaranteed visa approval with us now.
Bhutan Visa Policy and Fees 2027 (Updated October 2026)
Bhutan cherishes its unique cultural heritage and pristine environment through a policy of High Value, Low Impact. As of August 2023, the Royal Government introduced new incentives to boost tourism while acknowledging its role in generating employment and foreign exchange.
- Visa Requirement: All tourists — except visitors from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives — need a visa to enter Bhutan. Indian visitors require a permit; Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals are eligible for visa on arrival.
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) Incentives: A 50% discount on the prevailing SDF of USD 200 reduces it to USD 100 per person per night. This also applies to USD-paying children aged 6–11. The 24-hour SDF waiver for border town stays continues.
- Application Process: Apply online through the Department of Immigration's website, or engage a tourism service provider like Druk Asia to handle all travel documents and trip planning.
- Effective Period: Incentives run from 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2027, with periodic reviews by the Royal Government.
What Are The Visa Requirements For Bhutan?
To apply for a Bhutan visa, you will need:
- A digital copy of a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your departure date from Bhutan.
- A recent digital passport photo.
- Arrival and departure dates.
- A one-off visa application fee of USD 40.
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per night per adult; USD 50 for children aged 6–11; waived for children aged 5 and below.
Travelling with Druk Asia? We facilitate the entire visa application process including document submission.
How Much Does a Bhutan Visa Cost?
The SDF is currently USD 100 per person per night, reduced by 50% from the usual USD 200. Children aged 6 to 11 pay USD 50 per night, while children aged 5 and below are exempt. The 24-hour SDF waiver for stays in designated border towns also remains available. Regional tourists from India pay 1,200 INR per night. The SDF does not cover accommodation, meals, transportation or guide services.
| Age | SDF (USD) | Permit (Indian Passport) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | Free | Free |
| 6 to under 12 | $50 / night | Nu./INR 600/night |
| 12+ | $100 / night | Nu./INR 1,200/night |
The SDF maintains Bhutan's cultural and environmental integrity, ensuring its unique beauty is preserved for generations to come. See our complete Bhutan SDF guide for exemptions and refunds.
Estimate Your Visa & SDF Cost
Enter your group and the number of nights you plan to spend in Bhutan to estimate your SDF and visa fees.
Based on current rates, valid until 31 August 2027.
Estimate only. The SDF excludes flights, accommodation, guide, transport, meals and entrance fees. Indian nationals require an entry permit rather than a tourist visa, so no visa or processing fee is added in Nu mode.
How To Apply For a Bhutan Tourist Visa
You can apply online directly, or travel with Druk Asia and we'll handle everything on your behalf.
Consultation
Reach out with your travel plans. We'll walk you through requirements and gather your information.
Documentation
We guide you through required documents and review everything for compliance with Bhutan's visa policies.
Submission
Leave the paperwork to us. We handle submission directly to Bhutanese immigration authorities.
Approval
Once approved, we send you the visa electronically. Start packing — your adventure awaits.
Our Visa Guarantee
We're so confident in our expertise that if we cannot get your visa approved, you won't pay any service fee. End-to-end assistance, fast turnaround, and peace of mind — all included.
Customise Your Bhutan Adventure
Join 22,940+ travellers who trust Druk Asia for an unforgettable Bhutan adventure.
What You Can Expect
Our team of specialists handles everything so you can focus on the experience.
- Guaranteed visa or full service fee refund
- Choose your hotel or homestay
- Customise activities day by day
- Add festival visits to your itinerary
- Adjust hiking options to your fitness level
- Add experiential activities — archery, farm visits, cooking sessions
Talk to a Specialist
We'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Which Entry Document Do You Need for Bhutan?
Your entry requirements depend on your nationality and passport type.
| Traveller | Entry requirement | When to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Indian nationals | Entry permit | Apply online before travelling or obtain it at the point of entry |
| Bangladesh and Maldives nationals | Tourist visa | Apply in advance or obtain a visa on arrival |
| Most other nationalities | Tourist e-visa | Must be approved before travelling to Bhutan |
| Eligible diplomatic or official passport holders | Special visa arrangements may apply | Confirm with Bhutan's Department of Immigration before travelling |
Indian nationals must hold a valid Indian passport or voter identity card. Indian travellers under 18 may use a passport or birth certificate and must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Travellers can apply independently or ask an authorised tour operator such as Druk Asia to manage the application. Booking through a tour operator is not compulsory.
Standard and Fast-Track Visa Processing
Standard processing
A correctly completed tourist visa application is normally reviewed within five working days after it has been submitted and the applicable fees have been received.
We recommend applying at least two weeks before departure. This provides additional time to correct incomplete information or resolve payment issues.
Fast-track processing
Bhutan's Department of Immigration offers a fast-track service for tourist visa and permit applications.
- Target processing time
- Within 24 hours of payment confirmation
- Additional processing fee
- USD 10 per traveller
- Availability
- Subject to the Department of Immigration's operating arrangements
- Decision
- All applications remain subject to immigration approval
Fast-track processing shortens the review period but does not guarantee approval.
If you are travelling at short notice, contact Druk Asia before submitting your application so that we can advise you on the appropriate process.
Visa and SDF Cancellations and Refunds
Bhutan's visa application fee and Sustainable Development Fee are treated differently when a trip is cancelled or shortened.
Visa application fee
The one-time USD 40 tourist visa application fee is non-refundable once the application has been submitted.
Sustainable Development Fee
The Sustainable Development Fee may be refunded when:
- Your trip is cancelled before arrival
- You shorten your visit
- You leave Bhutan earlier than originally planned
- You have paid for nights that you do not spend in Bhutan
Refund requests should be submitted through the official immigration portal. Applicable bank or payment-processing charges may be deducted from the refunded amount.
SDF refunds cannot normally be claimed for nights already spent in Bhutan.
If Druk Asia processed your application, contact us with your booking and visa details, and our team will guide you through the refund process.
Bhutan Visa and SDF Cost Examples
The examples below show government visa and SDF charges for non-Indian international visitors. Accommodation, meals, guides, transport, flights and Druk Asia service charges are not included.
One adult staying for seven nights
| Charge | Calculation | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | USD 40 × 1 traveller | USD 40 |
| Sustainable Development Fee | USD 100 × 7 nights | USD 700 |
| Total government charges | USD 740 |
Two adults staying for seven nights
| Charge | Calculation | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fees | USD 40 × 2 travellers | USD 80 |
| Sustainable Development Fee | USD 100 × 2 adults × 7 nights | USD 1,400 |
| Total government charges | USD 1,480 |
One adult and one child aged 6–11 staying for seven nights
| Charge | Calculation | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fees | USD 40 × 2 travellers | USD 80 |
| Adult SDF | USD 100 × 7 nights | USD 700 |
| Child SDF | USD 50 × 7 nights | USD 350 |
| Total government charges | USD 1,130 |
Children who have not yet turned six are exempt from the SDF. Visa application fees may still apply.
Indian nationals pay the applicable SDF in Ngultrum or Indian rupees and require an entry permit rather than a tourist visa.
Bhutan Visa Application Timeline
-
Prepare your information
You will generally need:
- A clear digital copy of your passport
- A recent digital passport photograph
- Your intended arrival and departure dates
- Payment details for the visa fee and SDF
Your passport should remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Bhutan.
Travel insurance is recommended but is not currently mandatory for a Bhutan tourist visa.
-
Submit the application
Apply through Bhutan's official immigration portal or authorise Druk Asia to submit the application on your behalf.
Make sure that names, passport numbers and travel dates match your passport exactly.
-
Pay the applicable charges
Pay the one-time visa application fee and the Sustainable Development Fee for your planned stay.
International card payments are accepted. Consider informing your bank before making the payment to reduce the risk of an international transaction being blocked.
-
Immigration review
A correctly completed application is normally reviewed within five working days. Processing may take longer if information is missing or additional checks are required.
-
Receive your e-visa
Once approved, your visa will be issued electronically. Check that your name, passport details and travel dates are correct as soon as you receive it.
Keep an electronic and offline copy available during your journey.
-
Travel to Bhutan
Present your passport and approved e-visa when requested by your airline and Bhutanese immigration officials.
Final admission into Bhutan is determined by immigration officers at the point of entry.
Visa Validity and Extensions
A Bhutan tourist visa generally permits a stay of up to 90 days from the date of entry.
If you would like to remain in Bhutan beyond the period originally approved, request an extension before your existing visa or permit expires.
Additional charges may include:
- The applicable visa or permit extension fee
- Sustainable Development Fee for the additional nights
- Bank or payment-processing charges
Extensions can be requested through the official immigration portal using the account associated with the original application. Approval is subject to the Department of Immigration's assessment.
Do not remain in Bhutan beyond your approved period without an authorised extension.
Information Sources and Review
Last reviewed: October 2026
Visa requirements, fees and immigration procedures can change. Druk Asia reviews this page regularly, but travellers should confirm time-sensitive information before departure.
Official information is available from:
- Bhutan Department of Immigration
- Bhutan Immigration Services Portal
- Official Bhutan Visa Guide
- Official Bhutan Travel FAQs
Need help with your application? Druk Asia can review your documents, submit the application on your behalf and assist with your wider Bhutan travel arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your visa can be processed online from the Department of Immigration website, or through an authorised Bhutan travel agency like Druk Asia. Embassy of Bhutan does not provide tourist visa services.
Bring both passports. Immigration will need to verify your details on the old one. A fine of up to 10,000 Nu can be imposed if you fail to present both. If you have a week before travel, inform your agent to update your visa.
The visa fee is USD 40 per person and is non-refundable. Processing typically takes up to five working days.
Your visa will be applied by your Bhutan tour operator. You do not need to visit or make an appointment with any Bhutan embassy — they do not provide tourist visa services.
We don't need your physical passport. We only require a clear colour scan of your passport and a digital passport photo to process your Bhutan visitor visa.
You can visit all year round, but the best months are March–May and September–November. See our guide on Best Time to Visit Bhutan for full details.
The SDF is currently USD 100 per person per night, reduced by 50% from the usual USD 200. This is a time-limited reduction until 31 August 2027.
No. The June 2023 incentives (4+4, 7+7 and 12+18) have been revoked and are no longer applicable. However, the 24-hour SDF waiver for border towns remains valid.
No. These cannot be combined. Visitors wishing to explore border towns before or after their main stay must apply for a separate visa.
Children aged 6 to 11 pay USD 50 per night, while children aged 5 and below are exempt.
The discount started on 1 September 2023 and is valid until 31 August 2027. The SDF is calculated on a per night basis.
References
Further Reading
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