Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan. 

Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Upon confirmation that the full payment for your trip's been received, your visa application will be processed by us. You will need to fill out our Visa Application Form and email it to us along with a COLOR COPY of your passport. Visit Happy Trip will apply on your behalf, and after approval, your "Visa Approval Letter" will be emailed to you. This process confirms your visa for Bhutan. Remember to PRINT and save a copy of this approval letter with your passport and NOT pack with your check-in luggage. The actual visa will stamped on your passport on arrival at the Paro International Airport.

A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.

There is a one-off fee of US$40 for the processing of your application. This is payable at the same time as your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), as part of the process of submitting your visa application.

The visa allows you to remain in Bhutan for a maximum of 90 days from the date of entry.

Yes, provided the extension is applied for before the original visa or permit expires. The fees for processing your extension application, and daily SDF for the duration of your extended stay, will be applicable.

No. The requirement for mandatory travel insurance was lifted on April 23, 2024. However, it is strongly recommended that all guests to Bhutan have travel insurance before visiting the Kingdom as a precaution in case of unforeseen situations.

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.

The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.

The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

Extensions must be made in person at the Department of Immigration and must be paid in US Dollars.  

For Indian Nationals, extensions can be made in person at the Department of Immigration and must be paid in INR.

Yes, the SDF will be refunded by the Department of Immigration for any cancelled or shortened trips; any bank charges will be deducted from the total refunded. Requests for SDF refunds should be submitted online using the visa portal or by us. The refund will be processed after visitors leave Bhutan.

There are no direct long-haul flights to Bhutan. The best way to enter and exit Bhutan is by:

Drukair, the national air carrier, which links Bhutan’s only airport at Paro Valley with:
Thailand - Bangkok
India - New Delhi, Kolkata, Gaya, Bagdogra, and Guwahati
Nepal - Kathmandu
Singapore
Bangladesh - Dhaka

Bhutan Airlines, which links Paro airport with:
Thailand - Bangkok
India - New Delhi and Kolkata
Nepal - Kathmandu
Bangladesh - Dhaka

You will have to buy international plane ticket and book hotel room in any of the above gateway cities that you choose to connect to Drukair.