E-visa clearance is a requirement for travel into Bhutan. You may be denied check-in at the airport if you do not have a prior e-visa clearance from the Department of Immigration (Bhutan) except for travelers from India, Bangladesh, Maldives, or diplomatic/official passport holders Thai or Swiss nationals.
As part of the visa application process, you will be required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$200 per day (per adult; concessionary rates apply for children).
A non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of US$40 is also payable.
To apply for a visa online you will need:
Visitors from India require a permit, and are levied SDF of Rs. 1200/- per person per night, which will remain in effect for 2 years from now (2023), following which time it may be reviewed and revised in keeping with the principle of preferential rate after 2 years. Indian nationals who are casually day-visiting the border towns in Bhutan are exempted from payment of SDF.
It can be applied at your point of entry, but there may be a long wait depending on the number of applicants at the time. If you are applying for a permit on arrival, you will need a passport-size photograph. You must also have insurance for the duration of your visit, which you can prearrange or purchase upon arrival. Your SDF is payable when applying for your permit, either online or in person.
Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives require a visa, but the process is the same as the one outlined above for Indian nationals: you may apply and pay the relevant SDF online and prearrange your travel insurance before travelling, or you can do this in person upon arrival.
It is recommended arranging your permit or visa beforehand.