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Find the right Bhutan visa for your trip. Apply online with iVisa and skip the hassle.

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Our Bhutan visa application process

How to apply for your Bhutan eVisa with iVisa

Complete your online application

Answer a few simple questions to find out whether you need a Bhutan eVisa or another Bhutanese document. Then, upload your documents and pay securely. You can save your progress and come back anytime. Most people finish in less than 10 minutes.

We’ll guide you through any unclear questions during the application process.

We review your application

The Bhutan eVisa system is known for being strict – your photo must be the right size, and your passport scan must be clear.

Don’t worry – we review your whole application to catch anything that might cause delays. One of our experts checks everything for errors or missing information to make sure it’s ready to go. This review is quick but thorough.

We submit it for government processing

We’re not the government, but we submit your application to them and are here for you along the way if there are any problems.

Get your Bhutan eVisa

We’ll email your approved eVisa and let you know how to use it for your trip.

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Visa types needed for Bhutan

Bhutan eVisa
Personal Guest Visa*
Business and Employment Visas*
Student and Dependent Visas*
Diplomatic and Official Visas*

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.

Bhutan visa policy

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 visa prices

Bhutan eVisa

Prices starting from $79.99

Valid for 3 months after issued

Single entry

Stay up to 90 days per entry

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

Benefit	Applying by yourself
Simple, easy forms	Not included	Included
24x7 support from visa experts	Not included	Included
Error detection to prevent rejections	Not included	Included
World's easiest passport scan	Not included	Included
Multiple payment methods	Not included	Included

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Certified customer reviews

Travelers to Bhutan rated this product a 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 reviews.

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Peter A.

December 7, 2024

"Very quick approval, I had no issues at all, and the process was well explained!!"

FAQs

How long is my Bhutan eVisa valid for?

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.

Can I visit Bhutan without booking a tour?

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.

How do I apply for a Bhutan eVisa?

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.

Is the eVisa extendable if I want to stay longer in Bhutan?

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.

What is the Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?

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.

Can I enter Bhutan by land with the eVisa?

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

Do Indian passport holders need a Bhutan visa?

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.