Bhutan entry formalities and visa

1. Tourist Visa Requirement:

All international tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) must obtain a visa to enter Bhutan.

Visas are processed online by licensed tour operators, such as the one organizing your trip.

The visa will be issued only after payment for your tour, including the government’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), has been received.

2. Visa Application Process:

The tour operator will apply for your visa on your behalf.

Documents required for the visa application:

A scanned copy of your passport (with at least 6 months of validity from the date of entry into Bhutan).

Passport-sized photo (recent).

3. Visa Fees:

The standard visa fee is USD 40 per person, which is usually included in your tour package.

This fee is non-refundable.

4. Sustainable Development Fee (SDF):

The SDF is a daily fee imposed by the Bhutanese government as part of its high-value, low-impact tourism policy.

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 tourist visa is usually valid for the duration of your booked tour. Extensions can be arranged through your tour operator if you wish to stay longer.

7. Entry Points:

Tourists can enter Bhutan by flight via Paro International Airport or by land through border crossings at Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar

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