Bhutan Visa Guide: Requirements, Fees & How to Apply
Planning a trip to Bhutan? Learn who needs a tourist visa, how to apply, what documents to prepare and how much the visa and Sustainable Development Fee cost. Bhutan Lhayul Tours & Travels can help arrange your visa and tailor-made journey.
Plan Your Bhutan Trip →Do You Need a Visa to Visit Bhutan?
Most international tourists need an approved Bhutan e-visa before travelling. The requirements depend on your nationality. Indian visitors need an entry permit instead of a visa. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives require visas but are eligible for a visa-on-arrival process.
| Traveller | Entry requirement | When to arrange it |
|---|---|---|
| USA, UK, Europe, Australia, Canada and most other countries | Tourist e-visa | Apply and receive approval before departure |
| India | Entry permit (not a tourist visa) | Apply in advance or at the entry point; advance application is recommended |
| Bangladesh and the Maldives | Tourist visa | May apply in advance or on arrival; advance application helps reduce waiting |
| Diplomatic or official passport holders | Special provisions may apply to certain nationalities | Check the applicable immigration category before travelling |
Bhutan Visa Fees and Sustainable Development Fee
Two separate government charges are relevant to most international tourists: the visa application fee and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). Your hotel, guide, transport and other travel arrangements are separate costs.
US$40 visa fee
One-time, non-refundable tourist visa application fee for applicable international visitors.
US$100 adult SDF
Current reduced SDF rate per person, per night for most international tourists, under the incentive scheduled through 31 August 2027.
Children aged 6 to under 12 generally pay 50% of the applicable SDF, while children under 6 are exempt from SDF. Indian nationals have a separate SDF rate of Nu./INR 1,200 per adult per night, with child concessions. Special provisions can apply to eligible Bangladeshi visitors.
For worked examples, child rates and our trip-cost calculator, see the Bhutan SDF guide and cost of visiting Bhutan.
Documents Required for a Bhutan Tourist Visa
- Passport: A clear digital copy of your passport, valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Bhutan.
- Passport photograph: A recent digital passport-size photo.
- Travel dates: Planned arrival and departure dates.
- Personal details: Information requested on the immigration application.
- Payment details: For the applicable visa fee and SDF.
- Travel insurance: Have valid travel insurance and supporting details available as required by immigration guidance.
The Department of Immigration may request additional documentation for individual applications. Ensure that your name and passport details match exactly.
How to Apply for a Bhutan Visa
Visitors can submit an application themselves through Bhutan's immigration system or ask a licensed Bhutanese tour operator such as Lhayul to assist.
Option 1: Apply with Lhayul
- Share your travel dates, group size and preferred experiences.
- Agree on your itinerary and travel arrangements.
- Provide passport copies, photographs and required information securely.
- We assist with the visa submission and applicable payments.
- Receive your approved visa before departure.
Option 2: Apply Independently
You can apply for your Bhutan tourist visa yourself through the Royal Government of Bhutan's official online immigration application system. You do not have to appoint a tour operator simply to submit your visa application.
- Prepare your documents. Have your passport details, a clear digital copy of your passport, a recent passport-style photograph and your intended travel dates ready. Check that your passport meets the required validity period.
- Start your online application. Access the official Bhutan immigration visa application portal and create an account or follow its current application instructions.
- Enter your details carefully. Complete the personal, passport and travel information requested. Make sure names and passport numbers match your travel documents exactly.
- Upload documents and pay. Upload the required files, complete any declarations and pay the applicable visa application fee and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) using the payment options provided.
- Submit and await a decision. Check for any requests for additional information and allow time for processing before finalising non-refundable travel arrangements.
- Keep your approval handy. Once approved, save a copy of your visa clearance for check-in and arrival in Bhutan.
Important: Applying independently for a visa does not remove other Bhutan travel requirements. You should still check current rules for licensed guides, accommodation, transport and entry arrangements. Requirements may differ by nationality.
If you would rather have help with both your visa and itinerary, contact Lhayul and we can assist with planning your journey.
Visa assistance is part of the travel-planning support offered by Bhutan Lhayul Tours & Travels. Government fees remain payable where applicable.
How Long Does a Bhutan Visa Take?
A correctly completed tourist visa application is generally reviewed within five working days. Incomplete information, payment issues, holidays or additional checks may take longer.
For a smoother journey, we recommend beginning the visa and itinerary arrangements at least two to three weeks before travel, and earlier during major festivals or peak travel periods. Do not rely on a last-minute application when booking non-refundable flights.
Bhutan Visa for Indian Travellers
Indian nationals do not require a tourist visa but must obtain an entry permit. Adults can use a valid Indian passport or Indian voter identity card. Children under 18 may travel using an eligible passport or birth certificate when accompanied by a legal guardian.
An entry permit may be arranged before travel or at an eligible entry point. Applying in advance is usually more convenient, particularly for families and groups. The Indian SDF is normally Nu./INR 1,200 per adult per night, with reduced rates for children aged 6 to under 12 and an exemption for those under 6.
Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives
Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals require a visa, but unlike most other international tourists, they are eligible to apply for a visa on arrival. Advance application is recommended to minimise waiting at the airport or land border.
Eligible Bangladeshi visitors may qualify for a special SDF concession subject to government conditions and limits. We recommend checking the applicable rate for your nationality and dates before making payment.
Arriving in Bhutan and Using Your Visa
Keep a digital and preferably printed copy of your approved visa or permit, together with your passport and travel details. Most international visitors arrive by air at Paro, while some travellers enter through authorised land crossings.
Tourist visas generally allow a stay of up to 90 days from entry, subject to the approval granted. Extensions may be possible if requested before the current visa expires, with any applicable charges and additional SDF.
If you are planning around a cultural celebration, explore our Bhutan Festival Calendar and Festivals of Bhutan guide.
Common Bhutan Visa Mistakes to Avoid
- Checking passport validity from the arrival date instead of the intended departure date.
- Assuming the US$40 visa fee includes the SDF or the cost of the holiday.
- Leaving the visa application until just before the flight.
- Entering different spellings or passport numbers in the application.
- Assuming every nationality follows the same visa-on-arrival rules.
- Assuming the current reduced SDF rate will automatically continue after August 2027.
Bhutan Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Can tourists apply for a Bhutan visa online?
Yes. Eligible visitors can apply through the government's online immigration system, or ask a licensed Bhutanese tour operator to apply on their behalf.
Do US, UK and European travellers need a visa for Bhutan?
Yes. Travellers using ordinary passports from these countries generally require an approved tourist e-visa before entering Bhutan.
Is Bhutan visa on arrival available?
Visa on arrival is available to eligible visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives, with limited additional categories for certain official or diplomatic passports. Most other international tourists need prior e-visa approval. Indian visitors use an entry permit rather than a tourist visa.
How much does a Bhutan tourist visa cost?
The standard tourist visa application fee is US$40 per person and is non-refundable. The applicable SDF is charged separately.
Is the Bhutan visa fee the same as the SDF?
No. The visa fee is a one-time application charge. The Sustainable Development Fee is calculated according to the visitor's nationality, age and length of stay.
How long does it take to get a Bhutan visa?
A complete application is normally reviewed within five working days, although delays are possible. Allow additional time for trip planning and any document corrections.
How long must my passport be valid?
For a tourist e-visa, the passport should remain valid for at least six months after the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
Do children need a Bhutan visa?
Children travelling on nationalities that require a visa generally need their own travel authorisation. SDF concessions are available for eligible children. Indian minors have separate document rules for entry permits.
Can I extend my stay in Bhutan?
Extensions may be requested before the current visa or permit expires. Additional SDF and any applicable processing charges may be payable.
Can I visit Bhutan without booking through a tour operator?
Eligible tourists can apply for their own Bhutan visas online. However, applying independently for a visa does not necessarily mean travelling without a guide or other required arrangements. Check the rules that apply to your nationality and itinerary. A licensed Bhutanese operator such as Lhayul can help organise accommodation, guides, transport and the rest of your trip.
Can Lhayul arrange my visa?
Yes. Bhutan Lhayul Tours & Travels can assist with visa applications as part of planning your journey, including travel arrangements and itinerary coordination.
What happens if my trip is cancelled?
The standard visa application fee is non-refundable. SDF refunds for cancelled or shortened trips are subject to the government's refund process and applicable deductions. Check the separate cancellation terms of flights, hotels and other bookings.
Need Help Planning Your Bhutan Visit?
Established in 1999, Bhutan Lhayul Tours & Travels helps travellers plan personal journeys across Bhutan. Share your travel dates and interests, and our local team can guide you through the visa process and travel arrangements.
Enquire About Your Bhutan Trip →Visa rules, fees and concessions can change. This guide is intended for tourist travel and should be reconfirmed before applying or paying for a trip.