Bhutan:Visa Requirements

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Bhutan Visa Requirements Map

Bhutan: Visa Requirements

Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.

Visa-Free Entry Requirements

  • Passengers benefiting from visa exemption must present at entry a valid passport, identity document or visa exemption document accepted under the exemption arrangement they are subject to. Persons travelling with a valid regional visa exemption label are not required to obtain prior visa or entry permit approval.
  • For travel using an entry permit instead of a visa, the application may be made online before travel or at the appropriate border crossing. The accepted document may be a passport or a recognized identity document according to the relevant entry permit regulation. In cases where a passport is used, the document must be valid for at least six months from the planned date of departure from Bhutan.
  • If the entry permit application is made at the border crossing, a passport-sized photograph must be submitted and the applicable Sustainable Development Fee must be paid. The exact dimensions, background colour, date of taking, digital file format and technical specifications of the photograph are not specified precisely in the central official source.
  • For a child under 18 travelling under an entry permit, an accepted travel document or birth certificate may be submitted. If the child is travelling without one parent or legal guardian, consent signed by the parent or legal guardian is required. For a child travelling with another adult, the name, identity details, relationship to the child and a copy of the accompanying adult's passport must be submitted.
  • The passenger must have the intention to leave Bhutan at the end of the visit and sufficient means to cover the costs of return or onward travel. The minimum bank balance and the number of months of bank statement required for all visa-free or entry permit passengers are not specified precisely in the central official source.
  • Stay with a tourist entry permit is limited to the approved travel period and cannot exceed a maximum of 90 days. An extension application must be made before the current permit expires. The exact validity period is shown on the approval document and in the immigration record made upon entry.
  • During tourist travel, accommodation facilities or camping areas approved by the Tourism Department must be used. Accompaniment by an authorized local guide is compulsory for tourist travel within the country. Tourists entering by land border and travelling outside the border town must also travel with an authorized guide.
  • Travel health insurance is not mandatory as a general tourist entry requirement; however, it is recommended to cover unexpected health and travel expenses. A general vaccination certificate requirement applicable to all passengers has not been published. Additional health measures may be applied at border crossings if deemed necessary for public health.
  • Biometric data may be collected from foreign passengers at the entry gate or at another designated place. Certain diplomatic passport holders travelling on official duty may be exempted from this procedure.
  • The number of blank pages required in a passport, the requirement for a machine-readable or biometric passport, and a single application fee applicable to all visa-free passengers are not specified precisely in the central official source. The final entry decision is made after the immigration officer at the border crossing examines the document, identity, purpose of travel and entry conditions.

E-Visa Application Requirements

  • Persons travelling to Bhutan with a visa must obtain an approved e-visa before travel unless they are subject to an exemption or visa on arrival arrangement. Applications are made online on the Bhutan Immigration Services Portal. A tourist applicant may apply on their own behalf and on behalf of persons travelling with them; an authorized tour operator or accommodation facility may also submit the application on behalf of the passenger.
  • Tourist applications: A digital copy of the valid passport, a recent digital passport photograph, planned entry and exit dates and payment information are required for the application. The applicant must create an online account, enter travel information, accept the visitor commitment and pay the visa processing fee and the applicable Sustainable Development Fee.
  • The passport must be valid for at least six months from the planned date of departure from Bhutan. The original passport on which the e-visa is issued must be presented at the entry gate. Which pages of the passport need to be scanned, the number of blank pages required and the requirement for a machine-readable or biometric passport are not specified precisely in the central official source.
  • One recent digital passport photograph is required. The dimensions, background colour, maximum date of taking, file format, resolution and file size of the photograph are not specified precisely in the central official source.
  • The tourist visa application fee is a one-time fee of 40 USD per person and is non-refundable. In addition, for tourist e-visa applications, a Sustainable Development Fee of 100 USD per night applies for adults. For children aged 6 but not yet 12, a fee of 50 USD per night is charged; children under 6 are not charged this fee. A different Sustainable Development Fee may apply under certain entry permit regimes.
  • The visa fee and Sustainable Development Fee are paid during the online application. Payment by international credit card is accepted. It is recommended to inform the bank before payment to prevent the bank from blocking the international Bhutan transaction for security reasons.
  • A correctly and completely submitted tourist application is processed within a maximum of five business days. How far in advance of travel a standard application can be made is not specified precisely in the central official source. An additional fee of 10 USD per person may apply for the expedited processing service, which aims to finalize within 24 hours after the completion of documents and payments.
  • The tourist e-visa permits a stay of up to a maximum of 90 days from the date of entry. An extension application must be made through the online portal before the current visa expires; the extension processing fee and the daily Sustainable Development Fee for the extended period must be paid. A universal rule regarding whether the tourist e-visa is single-entry or multiple-entry for all applications is not specified precisely in the central official source.
  • The applicant must have sufficient financial means to cover their stay in Bhutan without recourse to public funds. A specific bank statement period or minimum account balance mandatory for all tourist applications is not specified precisely in the central official source.
  • A round-trip ticket, a specific hotel reservation, an employer's letter, a payslip or a detailed daily travel itinerary have not been published as a universal requirement for all tourist applications in the central checklist. Nevertheless, the applicant must be able to cover the costs of return or onward travel and demonstrate the intention to leave the country at the end of the visit.
  • Travel health insurance is not a mandatory tourist application requirement as of 23 April 2024; however, it is strongly recommended. A general vaccination certificate or medical report is not mandatory for all tourists.
  • Accompaniment by an authorized local guide and use of accommodation facilities or camping areas approved by the Tourism Department are required for all tourist travels. Booking through a tour operator is not mandatory.
  • Non-tourist applications: The applicant must register in the online system with a valid email address; submit the approval or recommendation letter from the relevant Bhutanese government agency, the completed VISA2025 form, a copy of the passport and a digital photograph. The result of the application is normally communicated to the registered email address within five business days after receipt of the required documents and applicable fees.
  • The VISA2025 form must be completed on a computer or written in block capitals using blue or black ink. The form must contain: name as in passport, date and place of birth, current and birth citizenship, gender, marital status, passport number, place and date of issue, passport type, address, occupation, telephone, email, requested visa dates, purpose of visit, accompanying family members, previous visits, previously used names or passports, information on criminal record, deportation, security and relatives in Bhutan. The form must be signed with place and date.
  • The form allows the specification of ordinary, diplomatic, official and United Nations travel document types. Acceptance of the document depends on the application category and the approval of the relevant state authority. A central technical standard applicable to all applications regarding the acceptance of damaged passports and the requirement for biometric passports has not been published.
  • Business purpose applications: A recommendation letter from the relevant industry, trade and employment authority, a copy of the valid passport and the completed visa form must be submitted. Depending on the nature of the visit, additional documents such as company, investment, project or commercial activity approval may be requested.
  • Employment purpose applications: The employer must obtain approval from the Bhutan Labour Department before bringing the foreign worker into the country. The approval must contain the worker's name, passport or accepted identity number, job category, employer, place of work and duration of work. A copy of the valid passport and the completed visa form are submitted with the application. A work permit must be obtained as a separate process from the e-visa. Foreign workers may be required to undergo a health screening and drug test.
  • Student applications: The application must be made by the recognized educational institution in Bhutan. An acceptance or enrolment document, the application or recommendation of the relevant institution, the visa form signed by the student, a copy of the passport or accepted identity document, a maintenance of funds form and a letter of intent written and signed by the student are required. For exchange programmes, the agreement document between the institutions, a letter showing that the student is a full-time student or a student card, the educational programme and the commitment of the educational institution must also be submitted.
  • In the student maintenance of funds form, the income source and annual income range of the student and, if necessary, their parents must be disclosed. A photo identity document and proof of income of the parents must be attached. A specific minimum bank balance applicable to all students is not specified precisely in the central official source.
  • The student application must be submitted to the Immigration Department at least 15 business days before the planned date of arrival. The result of a complete application is communicated within seven business days. A student visa may be issued for the actual duration of the educational programme or for a maximum of five years.
  • Official and diplomatic applications: A recommendation from the relevant state agency or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, a copy of the passport, the completed application form and a detailed daily programme of the visit must be submitted. Diplomatic visa is intended for applications made for official duty with a diplomatic passport.
  • Dependent applications: A recommendation letter from the employer or relevant institution of the main permit holder must be submitted. For a spouse, a notarized marriage certificate, for a child under 18, a notarized birth certificate, a copy of the valid passport and the completed visa form are required. The dependent's permit duration is limited to the valid permit duration of the main permit holder.
  • Documents proving family relationship must be in English or translated into English and notarized. A universal central rule requiring apostille or consular legalization for all documents has not been published.
  • Personal guest applications: The personal guest application form signed by the host, a copy of the host's Bhutan identity card, the guest's passport or accepted identity document, the visa form signed by the guest and a detailed travel itinerary must be submitted. Acquaintance or family relationship with the host must be shown with documents. A birth certificate is required for a minor guest. The personal guest stay is limited to the approved actual duration or a maximum of 30 days.
  • The host must be at least 18 years old, be present in Bhutan during the visit and be able to document their relationship with the guest. Acquaintance must be proven with a minimum continuous period of six months in certain cases. In personal guest applications where no kinship exists, previous invitations and the nature of the acquaintance may be further examined.
  • If a child under 18 is travelling with an adult other than their parent or legal guardian, a consent form signed by the parent or legal guardian must be submitted together with the VISA2025 form. The form must contain the identity and contact information of the child, the parent or guardian and the accompanying adult; a copy of the accompanying adult's passport must be attached. The child must be accompanied by an adult.
  • For non-tourist visas, a fee of 5,000 ngultrum and single entry is provided for durations of 30 days and under; for 31–90 days, 12,000 ngultrum and multiple entry. For longer approvals, a fee of 17,000 ngultrum applies for 91 days–1 year, 22,000 ngultrum for one to two years and 27,000 ngultrum for two to three years. Free visa or separate fee arrangements may exist depending on the application category. Accepted payment methods for non-tourist applications are not specified precisely in the central official source.
  • In the categories of sports event, cultural programme, media activity, approved artist programme, business visit and official visit, the stay is limited to the actual programme duration or a maximum of 30 days. In employment, investment and other long-term categories, validity is determined according to the assignment or permit duration approved by the relevant authority.
  • Visa or entry permit is not issued for the purpose of internship and independent volunteering. Prior approval from the relevant state agency is required for cultural programme or national event applications.
  • An e-visa alone does not grant a definitive right to enter the country. The immigration officer at the entry gate examines the passport, the approval, identity, purpose of travel and other entry conditions and records the duration of stay. Biometric data may be collected from the foreign passenger and the Immigration Department may request additional documents or explanations during the assessment.
  • A universal central rule requiring the e-visa approval to be carried in printed form has not been published. Although applications and result notifications are carried out electronically, the original passport on which the visa is issued must be presented at entry.

Visa on Arrival Requirements

  • A visa on arrival is issued at the entry gate only for passengers who meet the relevant bilateral arrangement or official eligibility conditions. The passenger must present their valid passport and, if requested, complete the Immigration Department's visa on arrival form in full.
  • The passport must be valid for at least six months from the planned date of departure from Bhutan. The number of blank pages required in the passport, the requirement for a machine-readable or biometric passport are not specified precisely in the central official source.
  • For visa on arrival procedures carried out through a local host or counterpart institution in Bhutan, a recommendation letter from the host or counterpart institution is required. The visit cannot be for the purpose of employment, self-employment or any other work activity.
  • For a tourist visa on arrival procedure, a passport-sized photograph must be submitted, and the visa processing fee of 40 USD and the applicable Sustainable Development Fee must be paid. The exact dimensions, background and technical specifications of the photograph are not specified precisely in the central official source. Accepted payment methods at the border crossing are also not specified precisely in the central official source.
  • A tourist visa on arrival may permit a stay of up to a maximum of 90 days. The actual duration of stay is limited to the travel plan and the approval granted upon entry. The validity period, number of entries and fee exemption for other types of visa on arrival may vary according to passport type and the relevant bilateral arrangement.
  • The applicant must have the intention to leave the country at the end of the visit and sufficient means to cover the costs of return or onward transport. A universal bank account balance and statement period are not specified precisely in the central official source.
  • A comprehensive central list indicating that the visa on arrival is usable only at a specific airport or land border crossing has not been published. The procedure is carried out at the authorized entry gate where the Immigration Department provides services.
  • Biometric data may be collected from the foreign passenger upon entry. Eligibility for a visa on arrival does not constitute a guarantee of entry into the country; the final decision is made after the immigration officer's examination of the document, identity, purpose of travel, financial sufficiency and admissibility.
  • The standard official processing time for a visa on arrival is not specified precisely in the central official source. Submitting an online application in advance is recommended to reduce waiting time at the border.

Transit Visa Requirements

  • For an airport transfer or connecting flight that requires entry into Bhutan, the transit visa application must be made online through the Immigration Services Portal. A first-time applicant must create an account with a valid email address.
  • The application must include the completed TRANSITVISA2026 form, a copy of the passport, a digital photograph and a valid visa or other entry authorization for the final destination country. The passenger must carry the passport on which the transit visa is issued during travel.
  • The passport must be valid for at least six months from the planned date of arrival in Bhutan. The number of blank pages required in the passport and the requirement for the passport to be biometric or machine-readable are not specified precisely in the central official source.
  • The transit form must be completed on a computer or written in block capitals using blue or black ink. The form must contain: name as in passport, date and place of birth, citizenship, gender, marital status, passport details and type, address, occupation, telephone, email, country of departure, entry gate, arrival date, transit duration, final destination country, entry authorization for the next country, previous visits to Bhutan, information on criminal record, deportation, security and relatives in Bhutan.
  • The applicant must sign the form with place and date. The form of a minor must be signed by one of their parents or legal guardian.
  • The transit visa is valid for a maximum of 48 hours and is single-entry. The passenger must proceed directly and without interruption to a third country via Bhutan and comply with the time and movement restrictions in the transit area.
  • The transit visa cannot be used for tourism, work, commercial activity or any other purpose. The passenger must demonstrate that they will be admitted to the final destination country and that they are in a position to leave Bhutan within 48 hours.
  • The designated entry points for a transit visa are the international airports in Bhutan. Although the explanatory section of the current transit form also mentions land transit, the general conditions of the same form limit the authorized transit entry points to international airports.
  • After receipt of complete documents and applicable fees, the result of the application is communicated to the registered email address within three business days. The application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. The exact amount of the transit visa fee and accepted payment methods are not specified precisely in the central official source.
  • The dimensions, background colour, date of taking, file format and technical specifications of the digital photograph are not specified precisely in the central official source. The competent authority may request additional information or documents during the assessment.
Population
802,214(2026 est.)
Official language
Dzongkha
Government type
Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Continent
Asia
Capital
Thimphu
Currency
Bhutanese ngultrums
Area
38,394 km²
Phone code
+975

Bhutan: Key Destinations

Bhutan's primary gateway is Paro, home to the country's only international airport. The capital city, Thimphu, lies about an hour's drive from Paro and serves as the political and cultural heart of the nation.

The country is renowned for its ancient Buddhist monasteries, such as the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, and its commitment to Gross National Happiness. Visitors often explore the vibrant markets and traditional architecture in Thimphu, or venture to the Punakha Valley to see the historic Punakha Dzong.

Typical itineraries begin in Paro and Thimphu before heading east to Punakha, and then further to Bumthang or the Haa Valley for deeper cultural immersion. Road travel is the primary mode of transportation, with scenic mountain routes connecting these key destinations.