Bhutan entry formalities and visa
Bhutan travel information
About Across Bhutan
Across Bhutan travel agency offers Organized Tours & Custom Tours through Bhutan’s tranquil landscapes.
Contact us
1. Tourist Visa Requirement
How to get a Bhutan visa?
All international travelers (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) are required to obtain a Bhutan visa before arrival.
The good news is: you don’t have to apply yourself-your licensed Bhutan tour operator will handle the visa application process on your behalf as part of your tour package.
2. Visa Application Process
Documents Required for a Bhutan Visa:
To get your Bhutan visa approved, you’ll need to send the following to your tour operator:
A scanned copy of your passport(Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Bhutan.)
A recent passport-sized photo(Color photo, preferably with a plain background.)
Once submitted, your visa application will typically be processed within 5-10 working days. Upon approval, you’ll receive a visa clearance letter-required for boarding your flight to Bhutan. The actual visa will be stamped in your passport upon arrival at Paro International Airport.
💡 Tip: Visas to Bhutan can only be arranged through licensed Bhutanese tour operators or their international partners. Independent travel is not permitted.
3. Visa Fees
The standard Bhutan visa fee is USD $40 per person, a one-time cost that is usually included in your Bhutan tour package.
This fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the visa is ultimately used.
This $40 fee covers:
The processing of your Bhutan visa application through the Department of Immigration
Issuance of a visa clearance letter, required to board your flight to Bhutan
Administrative handling by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator
In most cases, you don’t need to pay this visa fee separately-your Bhutan travel package will include:
The visa cost
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Accommodation, transport, meals, and a licensed tour guide
Always confirm with your travel provider whether the Bhutan visa fee is bundled into your final tour price.
4. Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily fee imposed by the Bhutanese government on international tourists as part of its “High-Value, Low-Impact” tourism policy.
This unique approach ensures that tourism in Bhutan remains environmentally sustainable, culturally respectful, and economically beneficial for local communities.
Bhutan’s SDF is designed to:
-
Preserve the country’s natural environment
-
Protect Bhutan’s cultural heritage and identity
-
Support free healthcare and education for Bhutanese citizens
-
Minimize over-tourism and promote meaningful travel experiences
By limiting mass tourism, Bhutan maintains its serene landscapes, ancient monasteries, and vibrant traditions.
Current SDF Rates:
-
USD $100 per person, per night for most international tourists
-
Reduced rates may apply for children under 12 or travelers from neighboring countries (e.g., India, in certain cases)
The SDF is included in your tour package and must be paid in advance as part of your visa processing.
5. Visa Approval
Once the tour operator submits your visa application and the SDF payment has been confirmed, the visa clearance letter is issued by Bhutan’s Department of Immigration.
This visa clearance letter will be emailed to you before your trip.
You will need to show this letter when boarding your flight to Bhutan, and again upon arrival at Paro International Airport.
6. Visa Validity
The Bhutan tourist visa is typically valid for the exact duration of your booked tour. For example, if you’ve arranged a 10-day tour, your visa will be approved for those 10 days.
The visa validity starts on your entry date and ends on your departure date as specified in your itinerary.
Can You Extend a Bhutan Visa?
Yes, visa extensions are possible if you wish to stay longer in Bhutan. However:
Extensions must be requested in advance through your licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
You’ll need to book and pay for additional days of travel, which will include the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and other service costs.
Last-minute extensions can be more difficult to arrange, especially during high tourist seasons, so plan ahead if you think you’ll want more time.
Important Notes:
You must leave Bhutan on or before your visa expiry date unless an extension has been approved.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is charged per night and applies to both the initial visa and any extended stay.
Overstaying your visa without prior approval can result in fines or future entry restrictions.
7. Entry Points
Tourists can enter Bhutan either by air through Paro International Airport-the country’s only international airport-or by land via three official border crossings:
- Phuentsholing (near India’s West Bengal)
- Gelephu (in south-central Bhutan)
- Samdrup Jongkhar (in the southeast, bordering Assam, India)
Ready to visit Bhutan?
Design your custom Bhutan tour
Let us help you craft a personalized adventure in Bhutan.
Work with our experts to design a tour tailored to your interests and dreams.
Our packaged Bhutan tours
Our packaged Bhutan tours
Bhutan travel information
About Across Bhutan
Across Bhutan travel agency offers Organized Tours & Custom Tours through Bhutan’s tranquil landscapes.
