Visa and Pemits

With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all other visitors travelling to Bhutan need a visa. 

Indian, Bangladeshis, and Maldivian nationals can obtain a permit at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)).  

The visa application process can only be initiated by a licensed tour operator in Bhutan, and visitors must book a tour package with a licensed tour operator before applying for a visa.

Here are the requirements for obtaining a Bhutan tourist visa:

1. Valid Passport: Visitors must have a valid passport with a validity of at least six months from the date of entry into Bhutan.
2. Tour Package: Visitors must book a tour package with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, who will make the visa arrangements on their behalf.
3. Visa Application Form: Visitors must complete a visa application form provided by the tour operator and submit it along with a copy of their passport.
4. Visa Fee: Visitors must pay a visa fee of $40, which is included in the tour package cost.
5. Itinerary: Visitors must provide a detailed itinerary of their trip to Bhutan, including the places they plan to visit and the dates of their travel.
6. Return Ticket: Visitors must have a confirmed return ticket or onward ticket to leave Bhutan.

It is important to note that Bhutan has a minimum daily tariff for tourists, which includes accommodation, transportation, meals, and a tour guide. This tariff varies depending on the season of travel and the number of people in the group. The tariff for a single tourist is higher than that for a group.

You are required to send the photo page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa.  The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account.  Once received, the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours.  

At your point of entry, you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.  

Online Regional Permit System

In order to streamline and facilitate smooth visitation by tourists from Bangladesh, India, and the Maldives, the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and the Tourism Council of Bhutan have launched the Online Permit System. The system facilitates the online processing of permits for regional tourists through registered Bhutanese tour operators and TCB-certified hotels. The facility is offered as an optional channel to process permits for visitors from the region and is applicable for entry from Paro and Phuntsholing. Visitors who use this facility will be able to obtain their permit clearances and route permits ahead of their arrival in Bhutan similar to international tourists.