International Tourists (All Nationalities Except India, Bangladesh, Maldives)
Visa Requirement
- You must obtain a visa clearance letter before traveling.
- Applications are submitted by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator on your behalf.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- A mandatory USD 100 per day applies for visits through August 2027.
- 40 USD Visa Fee ( One Time ).
Passport & Photo Requirements
- At least 6 months validity required, plus a recent passport‑style photo.
Arrival Points
- By air: only through Paro International Airport.
- By land: from India via Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samtse, or Samdrup Jongkhar.
Pre‑booked Tour Package
- Independent travel is not permitted; you must travel with a prepaid tour booked through a licensed operator.
Indian Tourists
Indian citizens enjoy visa-free entry, but must follow specific rules:
No Visa, but Entry Permit is required
- On arrival, you can present either a valid Indian passport or voter ID card to get the permit.
Permit Coverage
- Standard entry permit allows travel within Paro and Thimphu only.
- For other regions, obtain a Special Area Permit from Thimphu immigration.
Fees
- The Entry Permit plus a small fee of around INR 1 200/day.
- No USD 100 SDF applies to Indian tourists for border town visits, but it does for extended stays.
Entry Points
- By air: arrive via Paro Airport with permit issued on arrival.
- By land: enter through Phuentsholing (Jaigaon), Gelephu, Samtse, or Samdrup Jongkhar.
Tips Before You Go
- Booking: International tourists must plan through a licensed Bhutan operator-this is how your visa is processed.
- Permits: Indian visitors should get the Special Area Permit if exploring beyond Paro/Thimphu.
- Documentation: Carry photograph IDs, like passport/voter card, especially for Indian tourists.
- Budgeting: Include SDF or INR permit fees in your travel budget.
- Respect Local Practices: Bhutan is culturally rich-dress modestly, follow temple etiquette, and always travel with your guide.
