Our Bhutan Visa Guide will teach you everything you need to know about Bhutan’s visa policy for people from all over the world, including different types of visas, particular requirements, visa sponsorships, visa fees, and more. It is critical to have a scheduled flight ticket in hand before applying for a visa to Bhutan.
Who needs a visa to visit Bhutan?
Who Must Obtain a Bhutan Visa?
Bhutan requires visas from all visitors with the exception of Indians, Bangladeshis, and Maldivians. Visas may be obtained upon arrival after submitting a visa clearance application through a travel operator.
Citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives can enter Bhutan with only a passport that is valid for at least another six months. During their stay in Bhutan, they must pay a “sustainable development charge” of around US$17 per day.
Entry into Bhutan
The tourism sector in Bhutan is modest and closely regulated. It is not possible for an international tourist or business traveller to independently enter Bhutan.
All international tourists seeking to enter Bhutan are required to obtain a visa (currently costing US$40) through a licenced Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners. The tour operator will handle all visa and immigration processes, issue an entry visa, and arrange any necessary travel and lodging reservations.
There is a minimum daily expenditure of $200/$250 per person, depending on the season, which includes meals, guided excursions, cultural programmes, and local transportation. Failure to reconfirm travel plans with the tour operator and pay in full for the itinerary before to departure will result in refusal of entrance.
Beyond Thimphu and Paro, tourists are need to receive a special permit from the Bhutanese Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, but this is typically handled by your tour operator.
Eligibility to apply for a Bhutan visa
You will need a passport to enter and exit Bhutan. However, in order to qualify for a Bhutan visa, you must ensure you have the following:
Forwarding letter from the head of the Department addressed to Dy. Chief of Protocol)
Notesheet from the concern Ministry.
Filled up Visa application form (need to be filled up by the guests only)
Passport photocopy of the visitor.
Processing time for Bhutan visas
Visa processing can take up to five business days, despite the speed with which visas are typically issued. The following documents are necessary for visa processing: A copy of the passport is necessary. The time required to obtain a Bhutan visa depends on the timing of your application. Typically, the Tourism Council of Bhutan will grant your visa clearance one to two weeks prior to your scheduled departure, but they may take longer and issue it at the last minute.
Therefore, it is recommended that you apply for a Bhutan visa at least one week before your departure date, but it is definitely a better idea to apply a couple of months in advance.
Appointment waiting times
Appointments can be made on the website of the Embassy. Non-immigrant visa appointment waiting times vary, but are typically at least one week. How long does an appointment to apply for a visa last?
Normal waiting periods for an appointment are approximately two to three weeks on average.
You are required to schedule your visa appointment BEFORE you go. You must verify that your visa application contains all the required documentation. This can expedite the procedure.
Who can visit Bhutan without a visa?
All foreigners (with the exception of Bangladeshis and Maldivians) are required to obtain a visa to enter Bhutan, whereas Indian nationals are required to obtain a permission and may only enter the country via Phuntsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar by land, or Paro by air. Before entering Bhutan, all tourists (with the exception of those from Bangladesh, India, and the Maldives) must acquire visa approval from Thimphu. The Tourism Council of Bhutan can provide additional information, including a list of authorised Bhutanese travel operators.
Bhutan visa types
There are two different types of visas available for travellers going to Bhutan. These visas are a tourist visa and a business visa.
Tourist: A travel/ tourist visa allows the holder to enter a foreign country solely for touristic and recreational purposes for a defined period of time. These visas do not authorise the holder to work or conduct business in the host nation.
Business: Government authorities offer business visas to visitors who intend to engage in lawful business activity and attend meetings that do not constitute labour or employment in a particular nation. Typical actions conducted with a visa for business include: Attending meetings.
What to do if your Bhutan visa is refused?
Most travellers entering Bhutan are required to have a visa. Visas will be issued to the traveller when they arrive in Bhutan. If your visa is refused by the Bhutan Embassy, you can re-apply online for another one. The Bhutan Embassy allow most visas into the country, providing you have all relevant documents. Ensure this is the case before you travel. If your visa happens to be rejected, you can re apply online and will have to go through the process again.
People also asked...
Visitors can apply for a visa or permission via the Department of Immigration’s website. Additionally, tourists can hire tourism service providers (for more information, see www.bhutan.travel) to process travel documents and plan a vacation. Additionally, the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) will provide customer assistance to address inquiries about visa applications and travel throughout the nation.
A copy of the passport is necessary. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure from the United Kingdom; valid travel insurance for the duration of the trip; and a return ticket. A recent shot in passport size.
There is also the opportunity to purchase domestic travel insurance at the point of entry from Bhutanese insurance providers. Travelers can also receive assistance from tourism information officers stationed at all entry points. Click here for Bhutan Insurance Limited’s insurance information.