This comprehensive guide shows the step by step guide to applying a Bhutan VISA online, by yourself.
But first lets delve into the most common questions about the Bhutan VISA including; Do i need a VISA to visit Bhutan? Do Indian Citizens need a VISA to visit Bhutan? What is the cost of a Bhutan Visa, and other questions related to Bhutan Visa.
Do I need a Visa to visit Bhutan?
Getting a Bhutan Visa brings you one step closer to your Bhutan trip. You can obtain your travel visa for Bhutan from the Department of Immigration.
Visitors to Bhutan need a Visa, except for Indian Nationals who will need an entry permit.
Visitors have the option to apply for a Bhutan Visa or entry permit online. They can also seek assistance from a tour operator or tourism service provider in Bhutan for the application process.
We recommend getting in touch with your tour operator to process it on your behalf. The process can become hassle-free and easy for you with your tour operator handling the task for you. However, to process it yourself online, follow the instructions given in the sections below.
What is the cost of Bhutan VISA?
The cost of a Bhutan Visa is USD (US Dollars) 40 per person. The Visa fee is for your entire stay in Bhutan, and there is no separate daily visa fee. After you pay the visa fee for Bhutan, you cannot get a refund. Apply for your Visa only after your trip to Bhutan is certain.
Documents required to process a Bhutan Visa
You need the following documents to process a Bhutan Visa:
- A copy of your Passport – Passport should be valid for six months from the intended date of your departure from Bhutan
- A recent digital passport photo (Passport Sized Photograph)
Along with the above documents, make sure to keep your arrival and departure dates and payment method ready. You must pay the Bhutan SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) and the Visa Application Fee during the visa application process.
A step-by-step guide to applying a Bhutan Visa online
To apply for your Bhutan Visa online, follow these steps after preparing all the necessary documents.
- Create an Account at the Department of Immigration Website
- Enter your Travel details
- Make SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) and Visa Fee Payments
- Wait for your Visa
If you can't finish your Bhutan Visa application in one go, you can save it and return to complete it later. This way, you can take breaks and complete the application at your own pace.
Once you submit your visa application, the Immigration office reviews and processes your visa in about 5 working days. So, your average visa application processing time is about one week. Once approved, you will receive the visa clearance letter (e-visa) in your email.
You can bring either a printed or digital copy of your e-visa when traveling to Bhutan. Immigration officers will stamp your visa on your passport upon your arrival at the port of entry.
The Bhutan e-visa comes with a 3-page pdf document. This first page is your main visa while the other two pages contains some useful information about your visa and Bhutan.
APPLY YOUR VISA/E-PERMIT ONLINE
Bhutan Visa Requirements for Indian, Maldives, and Bangladesh Citizens
Indian citizens visiting Bhutan do not need a Visa, but they do need a permit. You can obtain this permit at the entry point or before traveling to Bhutan.
Visitors from Bangladesh and Maldives must have a visa to enter Bhutan. However, they can obtain one upon arrival at the entry point.
Swiss and Thai nationals with diplomatic or official passports can get a visa when they arrive at the entry port. Applying at the port of entry may lead to delays and inconveniences depending upon the number of applicants. Thus, its best to apply beforehand for a seamless travel.
How to apply a Bhutan Visa at the Port of Entry? [Documents required – only for countries eligible for Bhutan Visa on arrival]
If you plan to apply for a visa upon arrival, make sure you have these documents ready when you apply:
For Indian Nationals:
- One passport Photo (Passport size photograph)
- You must have a valid passport or voter ID card when traveling to Bhutan. The document must have at least six months of validity from your departure date.
- Children under 18 need a birth certificate or passport with at least 6 months validity. They must be with a legal guardian when traveling from Bhutan.
- The applicable Bhutan SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) in INR (Indian Rupees)
For other Nationals eligible for Bhutan Visa on Arrival (Maldives, Bangladesh…)
- One passport Photo (Passport size photograph)
- Original Passport (with minimum validity of six months from your intended date of departure from Bhutan)
- The applicable Bhutan SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) in USD
How long can I stay in Bhutan with a Bhutan Visitor/Tourist Visa/Entry Permit?
With a Bhutan Tourist Visa or an entry permit, you are eligible to stay in Bhutan for a maximum of 90 days. Your e-visa or entry permit will clearly mention the details of your eligible entry and exit dates. For more information about other types of Visa, visit the link here.
Can I renew my Bhutan Visa or E-Permit while I am in Bhutan?
You can renew or extend your Bhutan Visa or E-permit while you are in Bhutan. The Department of Immigration will process the application after you make your Bhutan SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) payments. Apply early to avoid delays, as the process can consume up to five days. Starting as soon as possible is best to prevent any issues.
Can I bring an Indian-registered Vehicle to Bhutan? [Requirements]
Indian-registered vehicles can travel in Bhutan within the designated zones without any charges. The designated zones are only within the border towns of Phuentsholing, Samtse, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar. Indian vehicles must pay a Green Tax of INR 4,500 per day if they leave the designated zones. Note the following points if you plan to bring your own car for your trip to Bhutan:
- Green Tax of INR or Ngultrum Four Thousand Five Hundred (4500.00) per day.
- Original Driving License.
- Original Registration Certificate (Vehicle Registration Certificate) – Vehicle should be lesser than 10 years old.
- Vehicle Insurance Papers
- Vehicle Emission and Road Worthiness Certificate
- If you are not the owner of the Vehicle, you need to produce an authorization letter from the owner.
- Register Online on CPMS (Check Post Management System) to cross the RBP (Royal Bhutan Police) checkpoints.
Do I need a Bhutan Visa or Permit if I Intend to visit the border towns only?
You do not need a Visa or an entry permit to visit the bordering towns for a period of 24 hours or less.
To stay overnight or pass checkpoints, you need a permit from the Immigration Department or Regional Immigration Office. The Bhutan SDF is also applicable for visitors planning to stay overnight or cross the certain checkpoints. This is necessary for overnight stays or traveling beyond certain checkpoints in Bhutan.
If you are a day visitor wanting to visit nearby towns, use this guide. You can enter through the pedestrian terminal at Phuentsholing. The terminal is open 24/7.
- Apply Pre-registeration for Entry Online
- After you successfully register, the system will generate a QR Code.
- Show the QR code and your ID (like a passport or voter ID) at the immigration counter.
- Bhutan charges an entry fee of Nu 10 or INR 10 per person. There is no exit fee when you leave Bhutan.
Conclusion
Your Bhutan Visa brings you one step closer to your journey to Bhutan. All visitors except for Indian Nationals require a visa to Visit Bhutan. Indian citizens need an entry permit to enter Bhutan. You can get it before your trip or when you arrive in the country.
People from Maldives and Bangladesh must have a visa to enter Bhutan. However, they are able to obtain one upon arrival at the entry point. Swiss and Thai diplomats can get a visa when they arrive in the country. However, it is best to get your Visa or entry permit before traveling to Bhutan for a smoother trip.
