Visitors from all countries, except India, need a visa to enter Bhutan. For most visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be obtained and approved before traveling to Bhutan. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also need a visa, which can be obtained and approved either before travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Indian visitors can apply for a permit but must have either an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. Indian nationals under 18 years old can use a passport or a birth certificate for entry and must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Swiss and Thai nationals holding diplomatic or government official passports are eligible for a visa upon arrival at their port of entry.
Although Bangladeshi and the Maldivian tourist can process their visas on arrival at the port of entry and Indian tourist can process their permits on arrival, it is recommended that these be applied in advance to reduce the wait time at the port of entry.
For non-tourist, visit doi.gov.bt You can apply online for a visa/permit @ https://immi.gov.bt/home/or if you’re travelling with a tour company, they may apply on your behalf.
Are there any nationalities restricted from being granted a visa to enter Bhutan? No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.
Before traveling, visitors from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives can apply for a permit (Indian nationals) or visa (Bangladeshi or Maldivian nationals) @https://bhutan.travel/visa
You may also apply at the point of entry, but please note that there may be a long wait depending on the number of applicants at the time. We recommend arranging your permit/visa beforehand.
A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.
The processing of your application incurs a one-time fee of US$40. This fee is payable at the same time as your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), as part of the visa application process.
The visa permits you to stay in Bhutan for a maximum of 90 days from the date of entry. However, only 30 days will be granted in the first instance and thereafter, you should apply for extension.
No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.
Yes, provided the extension is applied for before the original visa or permit expires. Visitors can extend their stay via the online @ https://visit.doi.gov.bt using the same log-in details that were used to process their original visa.
The fees for processing your extension application, and daily SDF for the duration of your extended stay, will be payable via the same portal.
Certainly, you can use your credit card to pay for your visa and SDF online. However, we highly advise informing your bank in your country beforehand to ensure the payment goes through smoothly. Without prior notice, some international banks might block online transactions to Bhutan as part of their online security measures.
No. However visitors are encouraged to have a valid travel insurance for the duration of their visit.
No, previously all visits had to be arrangedby or through an accredited tour operator. However, since the reopening on September 23rd 2022, visitors can now independently book all aspects of their journey to Bhutan. Nonetheless, it is highly recommended to use the accredited tour operators for their expert knowledge and exceptional service.
There is a charge of Nu. 4,500 per car, per day. A guide is also mandatory and will be at an additional charge.
If guests want to bring their own car, the cars must meet the requirements of Bhutan’s Roads Safety and Transport Authority, and must also have a valid driver’s license, insurance documentation, pollution control documentation, an entry permit, and a vehicle in good condition. The same fees and rules apply for motorbikes.
In case the vehicle is not owned by the guests travelling to Bhutan, an authorization letter is required. For more information on this subject please contact the Department of Tourist’s host team at:hosts@tourism.gov.bt
If you would like to book completely independently, there are plenty of online resources for inspiration, research and booking – including Department of Tourism website www.bhutan.travel. There are lots of experienced, accredited tour operators that can help you too.
The country has one international airport situated in Paro. Flights operated by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines connect with destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya, Guwahati, Bangkok, Dhaka, Kathmandu, and Singapore. Private jets or charters can also fly into Bhutan with the necessary approvals.
Additionally, there are domestic airports in Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan.
Soon, Sharjah and Dubai in UAE and Kuwait will be also connected and Gelephu will be also upgraded to international airport.
You can take a taxi from the taxi rank outside the airport or organize an airport transfer with your hotel or tour operator. You can also take the Bhutan Airport Shuttle Service from the same location as Taxi.
The most convenient way to travel in Bhutan is to hire a vehicle and driver from a car rental company or a tourism service provider. Your hotel may also be able to provide or arrange transport for you. If you are travelling with a tour operator, your transport will be arranged for you.
Domestic flights are often the fastest way to travel longer distances within Bhutan. Domestic airports operate flights to and from Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan.
For special itineraries, helicopter services can be arranged. For more information about helicopter services, visit the www.drukair.com.bt/Helecopter-Services or contact your travel partner.
All treks must be undertaken with an accredited tour operator or guide. Your tour operator will assist you with all the necessary logistics and safety precautions.
A local guide will enhance your experience by showcasing the best of the country and ensuring your safety, especially in unfamiliar terrain and high altitudes. It is mandatory to be accompanied by a guide for any journey or trek beyond Thimphu and Paro. Guides are also required for visitors entering Bhutan via land borders and planning to travel beyond the border towns.
While guests no longer need a route permit to travel within the country, they must be accompanied by a guide certified by the Department of Tourism.
Although guides may not be necessary for all activities such as dining out and shopping, it is recommended to have a guide while visiting temples and local attractions. It is mandatory to have a guide when visiting monuments and sites that charge entry fees. Add the list here.
If you are following an itinerary or participating in a trip organized by your hotel, a guide will be provided by the hotel and no additional booking is required.
Bhutan offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxurious five-star hotels to cozy homestays in traditional village settings.
Visit bhutan.travel of the Department of Tourism for the list of approved accommodation.
You may only stay in accommodation or campsites approved by the Department of Tourism.
Bhutan is a very safe destination, even for solo travelers. Both locals and visitors experience very low crime rates. However, you are advised to take care of yourself and your belongings during your visit. During the monsoon season from June to September, transport and services may be affected. You are recommended to check with your hotel or tour operator for any possible disruptions.
There is some very good content in the form of SHINE Tourism Attraction Books that list activities and helpful information available to download at the following link: https://shine.grat.at/photos
The tour operators in Bhutan would also be able to provide you with good on the ground knowledge about the highlights of each district.
Yes – Department of Tourism has a dedicated visitor center at Paro International Airport. Others may be found at the four border entry points.
You can exchange your currency for ngultrum at Paro International Airport upon arrival, as well as at banks, larger hotels, and authorized currency exchange businesses in Thimphu.
You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.
ATMs and banks in Bhutan accept Visa and Mastercard, and international credit cards are commonly used in urban areas. However, this service may not be available in more remote parts of the country. Visitors can download the digital wallet app GoBoB of the Bank of Bhutan, which is widely accepted throughout Bhutan when used with a local SIM card. Another option is the MyPay digital wallet app of Bhutan National Bank, which can also be connected to international credit cards and used widely. Cash in US dollars, Indian rupees, and Bhutanese ngultrum is widely accepted. It’s advisable to carry some cash in these currencies.
Most hotels have Wi-Fi in Bhutan, but we recommend obtaining a guest SIM card for more convenient access to data and a more reliable internet connection. Mobile data in Bhutan can also be expensive.
SIM cards can be purchased from the Paro International Airport’s visitor information center on arrival, or from branch offices of Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell, or from authorized agents in towns.
There are no rules about what visitors should wear. However, if you are planning to visit places of religious significance, respectful smart-casual clothing that covers your body from shoulders to knees is appropriate and appreciated.
Yes, a guide is required to enter monuments and Dzongs in Bhutan. While some of the monuments and Dzongs have no entry fee, others have a fee on arrival, which can be paid in cash or via the GoBob app.
There are numerous places to shop for unique items, ranging from high-end pieces to small souvenirs. Many visitors like to explore the Cottage and Small Industries (CSI) Market and the Kaja Throm. The Textile Museum shop offers a fantastic selection of artisan-made textiles and home wares, as do the nearby Tarayana and Craft galleries. Additionally, the one gewog one product (OGOP) shops are excellent places to discover food, drinks, and handcrafted products sourced directly from the country’s artisans and farmers.
Keeping important antiques and artefacts in Bhutan is a key part of the preservation Bhutan’s heritage for future generations. There is a law that sets out which artistic, historic, cultural, religious, social, archaeological and technical objects you may not take with you when you leave. To ensure any items you acquire comply with the law, you will need an Export Permit for Non-Antique Artefacts. Find out more about the permit and how to apply for one at: https:/mocp.doc.gov.bt of the Department of Culture.
You can find a full, detailed list of prohibited, restricted or declarable items at: https://www.mof.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/CRRB2017.pdf of the Ministry of Finance.
While it hoped that your visit to Bhutan will bring you nothing but happiness, but if you encounter any issues or problems, please connect with Department of Tourism via https://www.facebook.com/destinationbhutan, https://www.instagram.com/tourismbhutan/ or by phoning 975 1712 2257 (or 2300 within Bhutan). You may also connect with the host team at Department of Tourism for assistance.
If it is related to your tourism experience, you can phone the Department of Tourism directly on +975 1712 2257 (or 2300 within Bhutan). If you require one of the emergency services, please telephone 110 for fire, 112 for an ambulance or 113 for police.
A permit, which must be applied for in advance, is required to fly a drone either recreationally or commercially in Bhutan. Please contact at: Department of Tourism @ +975 17122257 to find out more about the regulations.
Yes. A guide is required at all times for all guests who drive their own cars to Bhutan. It is highly recommended to pre-book guides before arriving at the borders. If you need help with arranging a guide, please contact our host services team here.
Route permits are no longer required to move around Bhutan. However, anyone on a business visa or for an official purpose is required to have a Route permit.
Yes, permits are required to enter National Parks in Bhutan. However the process can be done online and the permit should be issued quickly. Please visit this link for more information at: https://ofs.dofps.gov.bt/apply/park-permit of the Department of Forests and Park Services.
While most monuments in Bhutan are free, some are chargeable. For the full list of monument fees, www.bhutan.travel. Children below 18 years will have a 50% concession and children aged five years and below will be exempted. Most monuments are open from 9am – 5pm each day. Visitors can visit monuments whenever they are open to the general public, without any restrictions.
