Bhutan Visa: Who Needs One, Cost and Documents

Most nationalities need a visa, and it must be approved before you arrive, not on landing. You can apply online yourself, or we can apply for you as your Bhutanese tour operator. A correct application normally clears in 5 to 10 working days.

There are a few exceptions.

• Indian nationalsEntry PermitNo visa needed. Arranged in advance or on arrival, with a valid Indian passport or Voter Identity Card. Children under 18 may travel on a passport or birth certificate if with a parent or legal guardian. See our guide for Indian nationals.
• Bangladeshi and MaldivianVisaVisa on Arrival, or apply online beforehand to skip the queue at immigration.
• Thai and SwissVisa on ArrivalFor diplomatic or official passports.
• SAARC sticker holdersExemptHolders of a valid SAARC Visa Exemption Sticker do not need to arrange a visa or an entry permit in advance.

Driving in with your own car or bike? Read our guide to driving your own vehicle into Bhutan.

To apply for a Bhutan visa you need two things. If you travel with us, send both to us and we handle the rest.

• Document 1Passport copyA copy of your passport.
• Document 2PhotoA passport sized photo.
• After thatWe handle itWe apply for you as your Bhutanese tour operator.

You also need to show your original passport at the port of entry, so the e visa matches it.

• Visa feeUSD 40Per person, paid once.
• ChildrenPay tooEvery traveller pays it, including children.
• RefundNot refundableThe visa fee is not refunded if you cancel, and it cannot be moved to another traveller.
• Indian nationalsNo feeIndian nationals pay no visa fee.

The visa is separate from the Sustainable Development Fee.

Every traveller also pays the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in Bhutan. For most nationalities it is USD 100 per adult per night until 31st December 2029. If you cancel your trip, the SDF is refunded. The visa fee is not.

Rates for every nationality, child fees and how its paid is in our guide to the Sustainable Development Fee

Yes. Every Thunphel itinerary quote includes accommodation, all meals, a private guide and driver, ground transport, entry fees, the SDF and the visa fee. International flights, travel insurance, personal spending and tips are your own arrangement, and we tell you clearly which is which before you commit to anything.

The SDF and the visa fee are exempt from GST. To see what you can claim back, read our GST refund guide.

Add up your fees with our free Bhutan SDF calculator. More questions? See the full FAQ

You apply on the official Department of Immigration portal at immi.gov.bt, or through a Bhutanese tour operator. If you travel with us, we apply for you.

• Whereimmi.gov.btThe official portal for tourist visas and permits.
• WhatTwo filesA digital copy of your passport and a recent digital photo.
• PayUSD 40The visa fee, paid with the application.

Yes. For an additional USD 10 per tourist, the Department of Immigration can process your visa fast track, within 24 hours. Applications go through the Immigration Service Portal at immi.gov.bt. If you travel with us, tell us and we arrange it.

• Extra feeUSD 10Per tourist, on top of the visa fee.
• TimeWithin 24 hoursFast track processing for tourist visas and permits.
• Fast track hoursOff hoursWorking weekdays 6:00 PM to 8:30 AM. Weekends and public holidays 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

Up to 90 days. Your eVisa shows the dates, and you show your original passport at the port of entry.

Yes. You can extend your stay on the same portal, with the same login used for the first application, and then show your original passport at the nearest immigration office. If you got a visa on arrival, you or your tour operator go to the nearest immigration office. If you travel with us, tell your guide and we handle it.