Bhutan Visa Information

Bhutan like Tibet welcomes an unlimited number of foreign visitors to its territory but at the same time has also implemented a strict tourism policy with the aim of protecting its natural beauty, culture, and authenticity.

The monarch here embraces the motto of Low Impact and High Cost policy with regard to Western tourism which requires you to sign a pledge of preserving the country’s heritage and environment.

So before going on any Bhutan tour, trek and trip, you need to be aware of several details. Such as like in Tibet, independent traveling is not permissible here. Any trip must be booked through a travel and tour agency recognized by the Bhutanese government.

Likewise, any foreign nationals must have a Bhutan tourist Visa before arriving inside the kingdom except for the nationals of Bangladesh,  India, and Maldives.

Unlike other countries, this tourist visa in Bhutan is attainable only through the authorized tour agency and cannot be obtained from consulates or embassies, nor can it be acquired upon arrival at the airport, like in Nepal.

Also note that the Bhutan tourist visa will not be granted outside the country rather it will be stamped on your passport at the Paro Airport at the payment of $40 upon arrival.

You also need to be aware of the daily fee that you have to pay during your stay throughout your time in Bhutan. This fee is called the SDF or the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) whose cost is set at $100 per tourist.

Until 2023, it was double the amount ($200 per traveler) which was reduced to stimulate tourism in the country after it was hit by the pandemic of COVID.

Children below 12 and above 6 will get a 50% discount on the SDF, while those under 6 are exempt from this charge.

Process to Procure the Bhutan Tourist Visa

For the Bhutan travel, choose any trip you like and confirm the trip. Once it’s done, you will then have to send the digital or scanned copy of your passport along with two digital photos.

Once received, your documents will be forwarded to the travel or tour operator in Bhutan collaborated with us who will then submit them to the Tourism Department of Bhutan.

Once the travel program has been approved, the concerned authorities will issue your visa when you arrive at Paro Airport with a validity of 15 days. The extension of the time of the tourist visa is also possible by another 15 days at an additional cost.

Online Application for the Bhutan Tourist Visa

Bhutan Government has also initiated the online application of the tourist visa facilitating the hassle-free service. You can open the official website of the Immigration Department of Bhutan and then sign up with your account.

An online form will be in front of you where you have to enter all your information as asked. Then, you will have to post your documents, sign the friendship pledge, pay for the fee and SDF and submit your application. Your application will be processed within five orifice days.