Here’s the latest Bhutan visa and
entry information
Who Needs Visa to travel in Bhutan
- All international visitors (excluding citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) must obtain a Bhutan visa in advance.
- Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals do not require a visa but must obtain an entry permit upon arrival or beforehand.
How to Apply
- Tourist visas are processed by the Department of Immigration in Bhutan, usually through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or hotel.
- It’s also possible to apply online directly via the official immigration portal.
- Bhutanese embassies/consulates abroad do not issue tourist visas.
Documents Requirement
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
- Recent passport-style photograph
- Confirmed travel dates
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) payment confirmation and visa fee evidence.
Fees, Levies & Tour Cost
- Visa fee: US$40 (non-refundable) for most visitors.
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF):
- US$100 per adult per night (standard rate).
- 50% discount for children 6–12 years; under 6 years are exempt.
- Regional visitor SDF rates (e.g., Indian visitors pay INR 1,200/night; Bangladesh and Maldives pay US$15/night).
- Tour Cost (Logistics cost) extra applicable depending on the type of services availed
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
The SDF is a daily charge required for all visitors and supports Bhutan’s sustainable tourism and development programs.
Introduced when Bhutan reopened to tourism in September 2022, the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) supports the country’s high-value, low-impact tourism model and promotes sustainable, premium travel. Initially increased to USD 200 per person per night under the Tourism Levy Bill 2022 and later reduced to USD 100 by the end of 2023, the SDF replaced the Minimum Daily Package Rate and allows greater travel flexibility.
The policy enables direct bookings and offers a flexible 90-day visa, while SDF revenues are reinvested in tourism quality, infrastructure, guide training, and environmental protection. By managing visitor numbers and reducing pressure on culture and the environment, the SDF ensures tourism remains beneficial to local communities and Bhutan’s natural heritage. Exemptions apply to day visitors in border towns, children under five, and children aged six to twelve, who receive a 50% concession.
E-Visa Issuance
- Once approved and paid, you receive an e-Visa clearance letter—you must present this on arrival, where the visa is stamped into your passport.
Travel Permits
- Indian nationals, Bangladeshis, and Maldivians receive permits rather than traditional visas.
Travel Within Bhutan
- No additional route permits are needed to visit regions beyond main cities
Other Visa Types
- Bhutan also issues:
- Employment visas
- Student visas
- Business visas
- Dependent visas
- Official and Diplomatic visas
Travel Insurance
The tariff we charge does not include travel insurance; travelers are therefore strongly advised to obtain a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover unforeseen events such as accidents, travel or baggage delays, and medical emergencies. As many insurance providers do not typically cover adventure activities such as trekking, biking, or rafting, it is highly recommended to secure additional coverage for any specific activities planned in Bhutan. Please note that emergency evacuations in Bhutan can be costly.
There are also insurance options with either of the two Insurance companies in Bhutan:
- Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan Limited (RICBL)
- Bhutan Insurance Limited (BIL)
Filming in Bhutan: Permits and Guidelines
Commercial filming requires prior approval from the Bhutan Info-Comm and Media Authority (BICMA) and the payment of fees as outlined in the Bhutan Filming Regulation, 2007. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days in advance and include:
- Film synopsis and objectives
- Planned locations and activities
- Duration of filming
- Crew list and equipment details
- Recommendation letter from the sponsoring agency
- Any additional information requested by BICMA
Filming in Bhutan – Official Fee Structure
- Documentary@ US$ 3,000
- Commercial Film@ US$ 10,000
- Advertisement@ US$ 5,000
- Music Video@ US$ 3,000
- TV Series (per episode) @US$ 3,000
- Security deposit @US$ 2,000 (refundable)
