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Bhutan eVisa

Purpose: The Bhutan eVisa is for international travelers (excluding Indians, Bangladeshis, and Maldivians) visiting for tourism, holidays, and cultural tours.

When to apply: It’s recommended to apply at least two weeks in advance.

Duration and extensions: The visa allows stays of up to 90 days. Extensions are processed by the Department of Immigration.

Entries: It's issued as a single-entry visa. Multiple-entry permits are generally reserved for business or official purposes and require specific justification.

Ports of entry: Holders can enter through Paro International Airport (PBH) or the land borders at Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar.

Delivery format: Approved applicants receive the eVisa via email.

Personal Guest Visa*

This is for foreigners invited by a Bhutanese citizen or a long-term foreign resident for a private visit. It’s limited to a maximum of two guests per host per year. It’s valid for a stay of up to 30 days and isn't intended for general tourism.

*We currently don’t offer this visa.

Business and Employment Visas*

These are grouped for individuals entering for commercial or professional reasons. The Business Visa is for those conducting negotiations, attending meetings, or exploring investment opportunities with government approval. The Employment Visa is for foreign nationals with a valid work permit from the Department of Labour. Both are generally valid for up to one year and require a local counterpart's recommendation.

*We currently don’t offer these visas.

Student and Dependent Visas*

These visas are for academic or family purposes. The Student Visa is for individuals enrolled in recognized Bhutanese educational institutions or exchange programs for the duration of their course. The Dependent Visa is issued to the spouse and children of individuals holding valid work or professional permits. Validity is strictly tied to the length of the primary holder’s assignment or study program.

*We currently don’t offer these visas.

Diplomatic and Official Visas*

These are for foreign government officials, diplomats, or members of international organizations traveling on official business. They’re issued to holders of diplomatic or official passports and require a recommendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade. These visas are valid for the duration of the official mission or posting.

*We currently don’t offer these visas.

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Most foreign nationals, including US citizens, must obtain a visa before traveling to Bhutan for tourism, business, study, work, or other purposes. Bhutan offers a Visa on Arrival (VoA) service exclusively for citizens of Bangladesh and the Maldives. Citizens of India do not require a visa but must obtain an entry permit before or upon arrival.

All international travelers (excluding Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) must pay a mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) as part of the visa application process.

General Bhutan visa requirements are:

  • Passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and at least one blank page

  • Recent digital passport photo

  • Travel details (including confirmed itinerary and proof of SDF payment)

  • Additional supporting documents depending on visa type (e.g., business invitation letter or employment permit)

Bhutan eVisa

Prices starting from $79.99

Valid for 3 months after issued
Single entry
Stay up to 90 days per entry
Get it as fast as 6 days

Fast facts

iVisa approval rate:

99%

Main reason for denials:

Invalid tour confirmation or unpaid SDF

Average time it takes to apply:

10 mins

Why choose iVisa?

Applying for a visa on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. iVisa simplifies the process, reduces errors, and gives you peace of mind

FAQs

Once approved, the eVisa remains valid for up to 90 days, this is the time frame in which you must enter Bhutan. Upon entry, you’re permitted to stay for the duration of your pre-arranged tour.

If you’re unclear, you can contact us on WhatsApp – we're available 24/7.

No. Bhutan’s tourism policy requires all foreign nationals (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) to travel on a guided, pre-booked itinerary through a licensed tour operator.

You can apply for your eVisa through the government or iVisa (or download our mobile app).

For other visas, you’ll need to complete the application process on the government platform, pay the visa fee, and in some cases, schedule an interview at a Bhutan embassy or consulate.

Supporting documents like your passport, photo, and purpose of travel are required.

Visa extensions are only granted under highly exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies. Your tour operator must submit the extension request to the Bhutanese authorities before your visa expires.

The SDF is a mandatory government fee of USD 100 per adult per day. It funds conservation and tourism infrastructure in Bhutan. It must be paid before the eVisa is issued.

Yes. Entry is allowed at approved land border checkpoints such as Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar. These must be specified in your itinerary and approved in your visa clearance

Indian nationals do not require a visa, but they must register through the online travel portal and pay the SDF. A passport or voter ID card is required for entry. An Entry Permit is issued on arrival.

Our team of iVisa experts will review your documents to make sure you have the best chance of being approved.

We then send it to the government for processing on your behalf.

Once your eVisa is approved, we’ll then email you your document.

In the meantime, download the iVisa app, so you can access your travel documents while you're on the go.

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