Bhutan Visa & Entry Requirements
International visitors need an e-visa, approved before they travel. Indian nationals receive an entry permit instead. The tourist visa costs USD 40 per person and is processed online through Bhutan’s Department of Immigration. As your licensed tour operator (Licence No. 1030023), Drukyul Holidays applies for it on your behalf. Updated October 2026.
Who needs what?
- International visitors: an e-visa, approved before you travel. You receive a visa clearance letter by email, and the visa is stamped in your passport on arrival.
- Indian nationals: no visa. You receive an entry permit, which can be arranged online in advance or on arrival at the port of entry. Travel with your passport or Voter ID card only; no other ID is accepted. Children under 18 can use a birth certificate.
How much does it cost?
- Visa fee: USD 40 per person, paid once per trip. With Drukyul Holidays it is part of our one-time USD 120 per person charge for visa and monument fees.
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): USD 100 per adult per night for international visitors until 31 August 2027. Children aged 6 to 12 pay half, and children under 6 pay nothing. Indian nationals pay Nu 1,200 per night. The SDF is already included in our daily tour rate.
See the full Bhutan trip cost breakdown.
What we need from you
- A clear colour scan of your passport photo page, valid for at least six months from the date you leave Bhutan (Indian nationals may use a Voter ID card instead)
- A recent passport-size photo
- Your travel dates and flight details
- Your full name, date of birth, nationality and occupation, as they appear on your passport
How to get your Bhutan visa: step by step
- Choose your tour or ask us for a custom itinerary.
- Send us your passport scan, photo and travel details.
- Confirm your tour and pay in US dollars by Wise or international bank wire transfer.
- We submit your e-visa application online to Bhutan’s Department of Immigration.
- You receive your visa clearance letter by email, usually within about 5 working days.
- Show the letter when you board your flight and on arrival, where the visa is stamped in your passport.
Travelling beyond Thimphu and Paro
Some districts and restricted areas need a route permit, which is issued after you arrive. We apply for it with your itinerary, and it is usually ready within one working day. Carry your original visa or permit with you, as it is checked at road checkpoints.
Good to know
- Travel with the same passport or ID you used for your visa or permit. If it changes, tell us before you travel so we can amend it.
- A visa or permit lets you travel to Bhutan, but entry is decided by the immigration officer at the port of entry.
- If you want to stay longer, your visa or permit must be extended before it expires. We can arrange this for you.
- Drukair and Bhutan Airlines ask for your visa clearance before confirming a ticket, so we arrange your visa and flights together. Read how to get to Bhutan.
Bhutan visa: quick answers
Yes. International visitors need an e-visa approved before they travel, and we apply for it on your behalf. Indian nationals receive an entry permit instead.
USD 40 per person, paid once per trip. With Drukyul Holidays it is included in our one-time USD 120 per person charge for visa and monument fees.
About 5 working days once the application is submitted with your passport copy and photo.
No. International visitors must have their e-visa approved before travelling; it is then stamped in your passport on arrival. Indian nationals receive an entry permit.
At least six months from the date you leave Bhutan.
A daily fee paid by all visitors. International visitors pay USD 100 per adult per night until 31 August 2027, children aged 6 to 12 pay half, and children under 6 pay nothing. Indian nationals pay Nu 1,200 per night. With Drukyul Holidays the SDF is already included in our daily rate.
Ready to start? WhatsApp us on +975 17909870 or +975 77606162, or email drukyulholidays@gmail.com.
