Bhutan Visa
Bhutan Visa Application Online
Your keys to THE KINGDOM
The process of applying for a Bhutan visa is uncomplicated and easy to follow, getting you one step closer to your journey to Bhutan.
All guests planning to visit Bhutan are required to obtain a visa, with the exception of Indian visitors who are subjected to a separate set of procedures and fees, which will be further explained below.
As part of the visa application process, a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$200 per day per adult must be paid, although reduced rates are applicable to children. Additional information regarding the SDF may be obtained through this reference.
A visa application fee of US$40 must also be paid, which is non-refundable and payable only once.
An online visa application form can be filled out to apply for a visa, or if one is traveling with Truly Bhutan or staying in a hotel in Bhutan, the visa application can be submitted on their behalf.
As long as the necessary information for each traveler is provided, a visa application can be submitted for oneself as well as for anyone else traveling together.
To submit an online visa application for Bhutan, several prerequisites must be met, including the possession of a valid passport in digital format, an up-to-date digital passport photo, along with the corresponding arrival and departure dates, proof of valid travel insurance, and accurate payment information.
There exist uncomplicated measures to pursue when submitting your visa application for Bhutan. These include acknowledging the Pledge of Friendship, pledging to safeguard, uphold and positively enhance the integrity of the kingdom. Afterward, establishing an account and entering your travel information, then completing payment for both your visa application and the SDF fee for your intended stay.
It is possible to halt and return to your application at any time, with its submission under review within five business days.
For inquiries or concerns, kindly direct them to our dedicated team, Truly Bhutan.
VISITORS FROM INDIA, BANGLADESH AND THE MALDIVES.
Visitors hailing from India must secure a permit, which can be obtained prior to arrival or facilitated through our services if you are journeying with us or lodging in a Bhutanese hotel. There are no advance payments required for this service.
Alternatively, you may opt to obtain the permit upon arrival, but kindly note that an extended wait time may be incurred depending on the volume of applicants present. In the event that you decide to obtain the permit on arrival, a passport-sized photo is mandatory. Furthermore, please ensure that you have insurance coverage for the duration of your stay, which can either be arranged prior to your visit or upon arrival. Your SDF can be settled during the application of your permit, whether online or in-person.
Visitors originating from Bangladesh and the Maldives must apply for a visa, with procedures similar to those outlined for Indian nationals above: apply and pay the corresponding SDF online and arrange travel insurance before traveling or on-site upon arrival.
It is highly advisable to secure your permit or visa in advance.
Procuring Bhutanese Visas: A Comprehensive Overview
Navigating the Application Process for Distinct Visa Categories.
The issuance of visas for Bhutan visits is the sole responsibility of the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, Bhutan. A visa is mandatory for all tourists, except those from India who require a permit. Diplomatic and official passport holders from Bangladesh, Maldives, Switzerland, and Thailand may obtain a visa upon arrival. The visa application process can be completed through tourism service providers or online at https://visit.doi.gov.bt/. The Truly Bhutan provides customer service to answer any visa-related questions or assist with travel arrangements within Bhutan.
The visa fee amounts to $40 per person and is non-refundable, and the processing time is up to five business days. Essential documentation for obtaining a visa includes a passport copy valid for six months beyond the date of departure, travel insurance, and a recent passport-sized photograph. The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) contributes to Bhutan’s economic, social, and cultural development. Indian guests pay an SDF of Nu. 1,200 or the equivalent in INR per person per night, while guests from other countries pay $200 per person per night. The SDF for children between six and twelve years old is subject to a 50% discount, and those aged five and below are exempt from payment. SDF funds are allocated to enhance facilities, services, infrastructure, and to provide free healthcare and education.
SDF payments must be made in USD, either by wire transfer or credit card, during the visa or permit application process. Indian guests have the option of paying in INR. Guests eligible for a visa on arrival must also pay the applicable SDF in USD at the port of entry. For further details, visit https://www.trulybhutan.com
Visas for Ministry-Affiliated Guests
- Submit a communique from the department head, addressed to the Deputy Chief of Protocol.
- Provide an interoffice memorandum from the relevant ministry.
- Complete the visa application form (guests must fill this out themselves).
- Include a photocopy of the visitor’s passport.
Visas for Non-Governmental Organization Guests
- Procure a letter from the organization’s leader.
- Obtain an authorization letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Submit completed visa applications (guests must complete these themselves).
- Attach a photocopy of the visitor’s passport.
Visas for Corporate & Autonomous Agency Guests
- Secure a letter from the institution head, addressed to the Deputy Chief of Protocol.
- Obtain an endorsement letter from the Chairman.
- Submit completed visa application forms (guests must fill these out themselves).
- Include a photocopy of the guest’s passport.
Visas for Sports Association Guests
- Obtain a letter from the General Secretary, addressed to the Deputy Chief of Protocol.
- Secure an approval letter from the President.
- Submit a completed visa application form (guests must fill this out themselves).
- Attach a photocopy of the visiting guests’ passports.
Long-Term Foreign Expatriate Guests
- Provide a letter from the concerned organization, addressed to the Deputy Chief of Protocol.
- Specify the host’s tenure (only long-term hosts can apply).
- The host must have been in the country for at least six months before their guests arrive.
- Submit a completed personal guest application and visa application form.
- Include photocopies of both the visitor’s and host’s passports.
- Expatriate dependents can join their family members in Bhutan for a duration not exceeding the assignment length.
- “Dependents” refers to the expatriate’s spouse and children.
- Guests’ stays may not exceed one month.
Official Guests of Private Organizations
- Obtain a letter from the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA).
- Submit completed visa application forms.
- Include a photocopy of the guests’ passports.
MPORTANT INFORMATION:
- Government or private organizations hiring foreigners must seek approval from the Chief Labour Officer, Department of Labour, with a valid work permit.
- Visa forms are available for download on the MoHCA website.
- Visa processing requires a maximum of two working days; applications must be submitted at least two days before the guests’ arrival.
- Visa clearance should be collected between 2:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M.
Nations Exempt from Advance Visa Requirements:
- Indian nationals do not need a visa to enter Bhutan.
- Thai and Swiss nationals with official or diplomatic passports do not need a visa when entering Bhutan. Visas will be stamped upon arrival at the Paro International Airport or other entry points. Ordinary passport holders must process Bhutanese visas in advance.
Gratis Visa Details:
- Gratis visas are issued to officials with diplomatic, UN, or official passports.
- Guests will receive gratis visas if a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) stipulates free charges.
Visa Extension Procedures for Visiting Guests:
- If a guest needs to stay more than three days, the concerned ministry or organization must write a letter addressed to the Deputy Chief of Protocol, specifying the extension’s genuine reasons.
- Include a copy of the initial visa issued by Immigration.
Bhutan Visa FAQ's
To apply for a Bhutan visa, you will need a digital copy of a valid passport, a recent digital passport photo, arrival and departure dates, valid travel insurance for the duration of your travel, and payment details. You can apply online by completing an application form or have a Truly Bhutan apply on your behalf. The process includes signing the Pledge of Friendship, creating an account, adding travel information, and paying for the visa application and SDF fees. Your application will be reviewed within five working days.
Indian visitors require a permit, which can be obtained beforehand or upon arrival with no advance fees. Bangladeshi and Maldivian visitors need a visa, but the process and fees are the same as for Indian nationals. It is recommended to arrange the permit or visa before traveling.
Each guest category has specific requirements, such as letters from organization leaders, endorsement letters, and completed visa application forms. Photocopies of the visitor’s passport are also required for all categories.
To extend a visa, the concerned ministry or organization must write a letter addressed to the Deputy Chief of Protocol, specifying the genuine reasons for the extension. A copy of the initial visa issued by Immigration must also be included.
The SDF contributes to Bhutan’s economic, social, and cultural development. Indian guests pay Nu. 1,200 or the equivalent in INR per person per night, while guests from other countries pay $200 per person per night. Children between six and twelve years old receive a 50% discount, and those aged five and below are exempt.
Note: This SDF & Visa Fee does not include your overall tour cost or package cost.
SDF payments must be made in USD, either by wire transfer or credit card, during the visa or permit application process. Indian guests have the option of paying in INR. Guests eligible for a visa on arrival must also pay the applicable SDF in USD at the port of entry.
The required documents are:
- Forwarding letter from the head of the Department addressed to Dy. Chief of Protocol.
- Notesheet from the concern Ministry.
- Filled up Visa application form (filled by the guests only).
- Passport photocopy of the visitor.
Dependents, defined as the spouse and children of the expatriates, are allowed to join them in Bhutan for a period not exceeding the duration of their assignment.
Gratis visas are issued to officials carrying diplomatic, UN, or official passports. If there is a signed MoU specifying free charges, visiting guests will also be issued gratis visas.
Yes, the SDF will be refunded by the Department of Immigration for any cancelled or shortened trips, and any bank charges will be deducted from the amount that is refunded. A refund request of the SDF shall be submitted online using the immigration system. The refund will be processed only after the exit of the visitors from the Kingdom.
Visitors can travel to Bhutan by taking flights from Bangladesh (Dhaka), India (Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra), Nepal (Kathmandu), Singapore (Changi) and Thailand (Bangkok). For now, there are two airlines that fly into Bhutan – Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Private jets can also fly into Bhutan after getting the relevant approvals from the competent authorities. All visitors can also enter via land from Phuentsholing. Indian guests can enter Bhutan via other land entry points (Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar and Samtse).