Visa to Bhutan
Visa to Bhutan for International Travelers
Planning a trip to Bhutan? All international travelers, except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, must obtain a visa to Bhutan before arrival. The Bhutan visa is processed online through the Department of Immigration’s e-visa system.
To apply, send the photo page of your passport to a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, such as Bhutan Mystical Tours. They will handle the entire Bhutan visa application process for you.
Once you’ve confirmed your tour and transferred the full payment (including the Bhutan visa fee of USD 40 per person), the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) will process your application. Visa clearance usually takes up to 72 working hours after payment is received.
How to apply for Visa to Bhutan?
Booking your Bhutan trip is simple with a certified tour operator. Here’s a quick guide on how to get a visa to Bhutan smoothly:
Booking and Payment
Make a full payment for your Bhutan tour package via wire transfer. Share a copy of your transfer receipt with your operator to confirm the booking.
Documents and Details Required
Your tour operator will need several documents and details to process your trip and arrange your Bhutan visa. Be sure to provide the following:
1. Scanned copy of your passport’s photo page: Ensure that the passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
2. Passport-size photograph: You may need to submit a recent passport-size photo, headshot, or half-length photo depending on the requirements.
3. Residential address: This will be used for administrative purposes related to your travel.
4. Occupation: Your current occupation must also be submitted as part of the visa processing.
Visa Processing
After you submit the required documents and payment, your tour operator will apply for your visa on your behalf. The visa is usually approved within two to three working days. Once approved, you’ll receive an e-visa for Bhutan, which you must print and carry during your trip.
Ready to Visit Bhutan
With your visa in hand, you are now ready to embark on your adventure to Bhutan! Make sure to carry a printout of your e-visa when traveling, as it will be required upon arrival.
Passport Validity
Your passport should remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date. The actual visa to Bhutan is stamped in your passport at Paro International Airport. For more information visit Department of Immigration Bhutan.
How long is the Visa Duration?
The duration depends on your tour package. Your visa remains valid throughout your stay and can be used for entry within three months from your travel date.
Entry Points and Visa Stamping
If traveling by air, present your Bhutan visa clearance at the Drukair or Bhutan Airlines check-in counter. Upon landing at Paro International Airport, immigration officers will stamp your visa.
For those entering by road, Phuentsholing is the main entry point where the immigration office will stamp your visa for Bhutan. Entry through Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar remains temporarily suspended.
Tourism Policy
Bhutan follows a “High Value, Low Impact” tourism policy. All travelers must book a pre-arranged tour package through a licensed Bhutanese operator. This policy ensures that tourism supports local communities while preserving Bhutan’s environment and culture.
Bhutan Permit for Regional Tourist
Citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives don’t require a visa but must obtain an e-permit before entering Bhutan. A licensed operator like Bhutan Mystical Tours will arrange this permit for you.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for regional tourists is INR 1,200 per person per night (around USD 16). Bangladeshi and Maldivian citizens must pay in USD. Payments can be made through wire transfer or by using credit/debit cards.
Processing and approval of the Bhutan travel permit take about five working days. The permit allows a maximum stay of 30 days or for the confirmed duration of your trip, whichever is shorter.
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