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

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Visa types needed for Bhutan

  • Bhutan eVisa
  • Bhutan Visa on Arrival*
  • Bhutan Business Visa*
  • Bhutan Official or Diplomatic Visa*

Bhutan eVisa

The Bhutan eVisa is a single-entry visa valid for stays of for the duration specified in your tour package (usually 7–14 days). The eVisa is mandatory for most travelers, except Indian, Maldivian, and Bangladeshi nationals.

You must book your trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator to visit Bhutan. The eVisa must be presented at Paro International Airport or at selected land border checkpoints like Phuentsholing.

You’ll need:

  • 🛂 Valid passport: Valid for at least 6 months
  • 🤳 A passport style photo: We’ll guide you through the process of taking a suitable photo
  • 📧 Tour confirmation: From a licensed operator
  • 💵 Proof of full Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) payment: We’ll help you through the process of paying this as it’s separate to the visa (about US$ 100/day per adult)

Bhutan Visa on Arrival*

Bhutan does not generally offer a Visa on Arrival. However, citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives may enter Bhutan without pre-arranged visas, subject to certain conditions.

Indian nationals may enter with a valid passport or Voter ID and obtain an Entry Permit at the border or airport. They must still pay the Sustainable Development Fee and register through an online travel portal beforehand.

Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals can enter visa-free for up to 14 days, but still need to book accommodations and pay the SDF.

All other nationalities must obtain a visa in advance.

*We do not offer this visa.

Bhutan Business Visa*

Business travelers must also go through a licensed tour operator. A business eVisa may be arranged if you're attending a seminar, training, or meeting, but it’s subject to approval from the Bhutan Ministry of Economic Affairs and Immigration.

You’ll need an invitation letter from the Bhutanese business entity, and endorsement from the relevant Bhutanese ministry.

*We currently don’t offer this visa.

Bhutan Official or Diplomatic Visa*

This visa is issued to individuals traveling on official government business or with diplomatic passports. These must be processed through Bhutan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and require direct coordination with Bhutanese embassies or government representatives.

*We currently don’t offer this visa.

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Bhutan visa policy

Bhutan’s visa policy follows the “High Value, Low Volume” tourism model, requiring almost all travelers to obtain a visa in advance through licensed tour operators. Independent travel is not allowed.

The Bhutan eVisa is issued only after booking a tour and paying the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). Instead of a visa sticker, travelers receive a clearance letter to present at entry.

As of 2025, the SDF is USD 100 per adult per day, with discounts for children aged 6–12 and exemptions for those under 6. This fee supports conservation and infrastructure.

Only citizens of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives have visa free or visa on arrival access, but they must also pay the SDF and register online or at entry points.

Visa extensions are rare and must be arranged through tour operators before expiry. Overstays can lead to fines or bans.

All trips must follow a prepaid guided itinerary that includes hotels, transport, and daily programs. Travelers may be asked to show proof of bookings, insurance, and SDF payment. Entry is via Paro International Airport or land checkpoints such as Phuentsholing and Samdrup Jongkhar.

Bhutan visa prices

Bhutan eVisa

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

1.4M happy customers

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98%  visa approval rate

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

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.

The Bhutan eVisa is usually processed in five to ten business days. However, we recommend applying at least two weeks before your trip in case additional documents are needed or processing is delayed, and for the payment of the Sustainable Development Fee.

We’ll process your eVisa as fast as fastest processing speed – you’ll see the exact time during checkout.

No. Bhutan’s tourism policy requires all foreign nationals (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and 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 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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