Bhutan Visa Requirements 2025: Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors

Planning a trip to the Last Shangri-La? Bhutan’s visa process may seem intimidating at first, but I’ve guided thousands of travelers through it over the past decade. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about entering Bhutan in 2025.

The Good News: You don’t need to visit an embassy or deal with complicated paperwork. Everything is handled digitally through your licensed Bhutanese tour operator.

Important Update: 2023 Tourism Policy Changes

In 2023, Bhutan completely overhauled its tourism policy. Here’s what changed:

Old Policy (Pre-September 2022):

• Minimum daily package: $200-250 USD
• All-inclusive (meals, transport, guide, accommodation)

New Policy (Post-September 2023):

• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): $100 per person per night
• Daily Tariff: $100-200 per person per night (depending on season and group size)
• Total Cost: $200-300 per person per night
• More Flexibility: You can choose your own accommodation and meals (within guidelines)

Who Needs a Visa for Bhutan?

Visa-Free Entry (Citizens of These Countries)

Residents of the following countries do NOT need a visa to visit Bhutan, but still must pay the SDF:

• India (must carry valid passport or voter ID card)
• Bangladesh (must carry valid passport)
• Maldives (must carry valid passport)

Note: Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals can obtain a permit at the port of entry, but it’s highly recommended to process it in advance through a tour operator.

Everyone Else Needs a Visa

All other nationalities require a Bhutan Travel Permit (commonly referred to as a visa). This includes:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• European Union (all countries)
• Australia
• Canada
• Japan
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Thailand
• And all other countries not listed above

Bhutan Visa Requirements: What You Need

Essential Documents

1. Valid Passport

   • Must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry
   • Must have at least 2 blank pages for stamps

2. Digital Passport Photo

   • Recent passport-sized photo
   • White background preferred
   • Digital copy (JPEG format, 2MB or less)

3. Travel Insurance

   • Required for all visitors
   • Must cover medical emergencies and evacuation
   • Minimum coverage: $50,000 USD
   • Can be purchased through your tour operator

4. Confirmed Booking with Licensed Tour Operator

   • You cannot travel independently in Bhutan
   • Must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or their international partner

The Bhutan Visa Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose a Licensed Tour Operator

All visitors to Bhutan (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals for regional permits) must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.

What the Tour Operator Does:

• Plans your itinerary
• Books accommodation and transportation
• Assigns a licensed guide
• Processes your visa/permit application
• Pays the SDF on your behalf

Why This Requirement Exists: Bhutan’s “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy ensures:

• Quality visitor experiences
• Environmental protection
• Cultural preservation
• Fair distribution of tourism benefits

Step 2: Provide Your Documents

Send your tour operator:

• Clear scan/photo of passport (photo page)
• Digital passport photo
• Travel dates and itinerary preferences
• Travel insurance details (or they can arrange it)

Step 3: Pay the SDF (Sustainable Development Fee)

Your tour operator will invoice you for:

• SDF: $100 per person per night (government fee)
• Daily Tariff: $100-200 per person per night (covers accommodation, meals, transport, guide)
• Visa Fee: $40 one-time (most nationalities)

Payment Methods:

• Bank transfer to Bhutanese bank
• Credit card (through tour operator’s payment gateway)
• International wire transfer

Step 4: Visa Processing

• Processing Time: 5-7 working days
• Your tour operator submits the application to the Department of Immigration
• The Department reviews and approves the application
• You receive a visa clearance letter via email

Step 5: Receive Your Visa Clearance

The visa clearance letter will include:

• Your visa clearance number
• Approval date
• Entry and exit points
• Duration of stay

Important: Print this letter and carry it with you to Bhutan!

Step 6: Get Your Passport Stamped

Upon arrival at:

• Paro International Airport (PBH)
• Phuentsholing Land Port (from India)
• Gelephu Land Port (from India)
• Samdrup Jongkhar Land Port (from India)

Present:

• Your visa clearance letter
• Your original passport
• Completed arrival form (provided at entry)

Immigration will stamp your passport with your Bhutan visa.

SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) Explained

What is the SDF?

The Sustainable Development Fee of $100 per person per night is a government-mandated fee that funds:

• Free healthcare and education for Bhutanese citizens
• Infrastructure development
• Environmental conservation projects
• Cultural heritage preservation
• Carbon-neutral tourism initiatives

SDF Exemptions and Discounts

Full Exemption:

• Children under 5 years old

50% Discount:

• Children aged 5-11 years

Special Rates (Subject to Change):

• Indian nationals: 1200 Ngultrum (~$15) per night (as of 2023 policy update)
• Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals: Same as other international visitors ($100/night)

SDF-Free Border Areas

Indian nationals can visit certain border towns without paying the SDF:

• Samtse
• Phuentsholing
• Gelephu
• Samdrup Jongkhar
• (Up to 24 hours only, for day visits)

Daily Tariff Breakdown

What’s Included in the Daily Tariff ($100-200/night)?

1. Accommodation (3-4 star hotels)
2. All Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
3. Transportation (private vehicle with driver)
4. Licensed Guide (English-speaking; other languages available)
5. Internal Taxes (municipal, forest fees)
6. Entrance Fees (to monasteries, museums, dzongs)

What’s NOT Included?

• International flights to/from Bhutan
• Visa fee ($40 one-time)
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, drinks)
• Tips for guide, driver, hotel staff
• Optional activities (hot stone baths, cultural programs)

Seasonal Pricing

Peak Season (March, April, May, September, October, November):

• Daily Tariff: $200 per person per night
• SDF: $100 per person per night
• Total: $300 per person per night

Off-Season (June, July, August, December, January, February):

• Daily Tariff: $100-150 per person per night
• SDF: $100 per person per night
• Total: $200-250 per person per night

Visa Fees by Nationality

Standard Fee: $40 USD

Most nationalities pay a one-time visa fee of $40 USD, including:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• European Union
• Australia
• Canada
• Japan
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Thailand
• And most other countries

Regional Visitors (No Visa Fee)

• India: No visa fee, but requires regional permit (free)
• Bangladesh: No visa fee, but requires regional permit (free)
• Maldives: No visa fee, but requires regional permit (free)

How Long Can You Stay in Bhutan?

Standard Tourist Visa

• Initial Duration: Up to 30 days
• Extensions Possible: Yes, can extend up to 6 months total
• Extension Fee: Additional SDF and daily tariff for extended nights

Long-Stay Options

For travelers wishing to stay longer (volunteering, research, retreats):

• Special permits available
• Requires detailed application and justification
• Subject to approval by relevant Bhutanese authorities

Special Permits Required

Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Permit

• Required for all visitors (including Indian nationals)
• Included in your tour package
• Your guide will arrange this the day before your visit

Restricted Areas Permit

Some regions require special permits:

• Tashigang and Trashiyangtse (Eastern Bhutan)
• Merak & Sakteng (Eastern Bhutan, nomadic region)
• Phobjikha Valley (central Bhutan)
• Bumthang (central Bhutan)

Your tour operator will arrange these permits as part of your itinerary.

Common Visa Questions

Q: Can I get a visa on arrival in Bhutan?

A: No. You must obtain a visa clearance letter before traveling. Without it, you will be denied boarding at your departure point.

Q: How long does visa processing take?

A: Typically 5-7 working days once all documents and payment are received. During peak season (March-May, September-November), it may take longer.

Q: Can I extend my visa once in Bhutan?

A: Yes, your tour operator can apply for an extension. You’ll need to pay additional SDF and daily tariff for the extended period.

Q: Do I need to show proof of funds?

A: Not specifically. However, paying the SDF and daily tariff in advance demonstrates sufficient funds for your stay.

Q: Can I visit Bhutan without a tour operator?

A: No. All tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals for regional permits) must book through a licensed tour operator.

Q: Is the visa fee refundable if I cancel?

A: The visa fee ($40) is generally non-refundable. SDF and daily tariff refunds follow cancellation policies based on timing:

• 30+ days before arrival: Full refund (minus visa fee)
• 15-29 days before: 50% refund
• Less than 15 days: No refund

Q: Can I use an e-visa or print my approval?

A: Yes, the visa clearance letter sent by email is sufficient. You must present it at immigration in Bhutan to receive your passport stamp.

Q: Do I need a yellow fever vaccination certificate?

A: Only if you’re traveling from or have recently visited a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Special Cases: Indian Nationals

Entry Requirements for Indians

1. Valid Passport OR Voter ID Card (original)
2. Recent Passport-Sized Photo
3. Regional Permit (can be obtained at port of entry or pre-arranged)
4. SDF Payment: 1200 Ngultrum per night (approximately $15 USD)

How Indians Can Obtain a Permit

Option 1: Pre-Arranged (Recommended)

• Apply through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator
• Receive permit approval via email
• Faster processing, guaranteed entry

Option 2: On Arrival

• Visit the immigration office at:
  • Paro Airport
  • Phuentsholing
  • Gelephu
  • Samdrup Jongkhar
• Fill out form, submit documents, pay SDF
• Processing takes 1-2 hours on arrival

Important Note for Indians

• Aadhar card is NOT accepted for Bhutan travel
• Voter ID must be original (laminated copies not accepted)
• Passport is strongly recommended for smoother processing

COVID-19 Requirements (As of 2025)

Current Status (December 2025):

• No vaccination requirements for entry
• No pre-departure testing required
• No quarantine required
• No health declaration forms required

Note: These regulations can change. Check with your tour operator before travel.

Passport Requirements Checklist

Before applying for your Bhutan visa, ensure your passport:

• Has at least 6 months validity from entry date
• Has at least 2 blank pages
• Is not damaged (no water damage, tears, or illegible pages)
• Machine-readable zone (MRZ) is clear and readable
• Your name matches your booking details exactly

Tips for a Smooth Visa Process

1. Book Early

• Best Time: 3-6 months before travel
• Peak Season: Book 6-12 months ahead
• Last-minute bookings possible but risk visa delays

2. Use a Reputable Tour Operator

• Check reviews and credentials
• Verify they’re licensed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan
• Ask about their visa processing track record

3. Double-Check Your Details

• Ensure your name spelling matches your passport exactly
• Verify dates are correct
• Confirm nationality is accurate

4. Carry Copies

• Print multiple copies of your visa clearance letter
• Save digital copies on your phone
• Keep copies separate from your passport

5. Stay Informed

• Follow Bhutan tourism news for policy updates
• Join travel forums for recent traveler experiences
• Check your embassy’s Bhutan travel advisories

Timeline: Ideal Visa Application Schedule

Sample Cost Breakdown (7-Day Trip)

Solo Traveler (Peak Season)

Couple (Peak Season)

Solo Traveler (Off-Season)

Prices are estimates and may vary based on actual tour operator pricing and itinerary.

After Your Visa is Approved

Booking Flights

• Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) - national carrier
• Bhutan Airlines - private carrier
• Both fly from:
  • Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati (India)
  • Bangkok (Thailand)
  • Singapore
  • Kathmandu (Nepal)
  • Dhaka (Bangladesh)

Important: Do NOT book flights until you receive your visa clearance letter!

Packing Essentials

• Original passport (6+ months validity)
• Printed visa clearance letter
• Travel insurance documents
• Tour operator contact information
• Cash (Ngultrum/US Dollars) for personal expenses

Final Thoughts

The Bhutan visa process may seem complicated, but it’s designed to protect this magical kingdom while ensuring visitors have high-quality, meaningful experiences. The SDF you pay contributes directly to preserving Bhutan’s unique culture, environment, and way of life.

Remember: Your tour operator handles everything. Once you’ve chosen a reputable operator and provided your documents, the visa process is smooth and stress-free.

The effort to visit Bhutan is worth every step. As you stand before the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery, hike through pristine Himalayan forests, or dance at a colorful festival, you’ll understand why this country has captivated travelers’ hearts for centuries.

Ready to start your Bhutan journey? Contact us today and we’ll handle your visa application from start to finish, ensuring a seamless entry to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.