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Visitor & short-stay visas

Bhutanese Transit Visa

Short-stay clearance for travellers passing through Bhutan, covering transit passengers and airline crew who are not stopping for tourism.

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Under review — check current rules

Specific transit visa validity, fees and conditions were not confirmed on an official page — verify the transit category details on doi.gov.bt before publishing.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Bhutan government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Transit Visa / transit clearance
Route type
Visitor — short-stay transit
Who it is for
Transit passengers and airline crew/ground staff
Maximum stay
48 hours
Bhutan's Immigration Rules & Regulations state that a passenger in transit to another country is given a transit visa for 48 hours.
Purpose
Passing through Bhutan to another country
For travellers whose onward destination is a third country, not a stay in Bhutan.
Passport validity
At least 6 months
The passport must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan (general rule for all foreigners requiring a visa).
Standard visa fee
US$40 (single entry)
General statutory visa fee schedule (single US$40, double US$80, triple US$120, multiple US$200). Not published as a transit-specific figure - confirm the current fee with the Department of Immigration.
Where to apply
Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs
Bhutan's central immigration authority handles visa issuance.

Who it is for

  • Travellers passing through Bhutan en route elsewhere
  • Airline crew members and ground staff on duty

How to apply

  • Confirm transit requirements with the Department of Immigration or your airline
  • Provide onward travel details and a valid passport

Requirements

  • The transit visa is intended for a passenger in transit through Bhutan to another country - it is not a stay-in-Bhutan visa.
  • Under the Immigration Rules & Regulations, the transit visa is granted for 48 hours.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of departure from Bhutan.
  • Bhutan does not operate an open visa-free airport transit arrangement for most nationalities; foreign nationals generally require a visa or clearance from the Department of Immigration before travel (nationals of India, Bangladesh and the Maldives are dealt with under separate entry-permit / visa-on-arrival arrangements).

Documents you may need

  • A passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure from Bhutan
  • A completed visa / entry permit application form
  • Evidence of onward travel to your final destination country

Frequently asked questions

  • Bhutan's Immigration Rules & Regulations state that a passenger in transit to another country is given a transit visa for 48 hours.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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