Bhutan Visa for Tourists

Bhutan Visa Information – Wonderful Expeditions

1. Visa Information for All Foreign Tourists

• Who Needs a Visa?
  All international tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) require a visa to enter Bhutan.
• How to Obtain a Bhutan Visa?
  Bhutanese visas are not issued on arrival. All visas must be applied for in advance through an authorized Bhutanese tour operator, such as Wonderful Expeditions. Independent travel is not permitted.

2.  Bhutan Visa Application Process

Step 1: Book a Tour with a Licensed Bhutanese Tour Operator

Bhutan follows the “High-Value, Low-Impact” tourism policy, which means all tourists must book a pre-arranged tour with a registered tour company like Wonderful Expeditions.

Step 2: Submit Required Documents
Tourists must provide:

•  A scanned copy of their passport (valid for at least six months from the date of arrival).
• Recent passport-size photo (as per government requirements).
• Travel itinerary (provided by the tour operator).

Step 3: Visa Processing by Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB)

• Once the tour payment is received, your tour operator will submit the visa application to the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB).

Step 4: Receive Your Visa Clearance Letter

• Once approved, travelers will receive an e-Visa clearance letter via email.
• This document must be presented at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival in Bhutan.

Step 5: Enter Bhutan

• Travelers must carry a printed or digital copy of their visa clearance letter.
• The actual visa will be stamped on arrival in Bhutan.

3. Visa Fees & Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Visa Fee:

• USD $40 per person (non-refundable).

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF):

• USD $100 per person per night.
• The SDF is a mandatory government fee used for environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and social development.

Discounts on SDF:

• Children under 5 years: Free.
• Children aged 6-12 years: 50% discount on SDF.4.

Visa Processing Time

• Standard Processing: 5-7 business days after full tour payment is received.
• Express Processing: May be available at an additional cost.5.

Entry & Exit Points for Foreign Tourists

By Air (Paro International Airport)

• Bhutan is accessible by Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines, with flights from:
• India (Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati)
• Nepal (Kathmandu)
• Thailand (Bangkok)
• Singapore

By Land (India-Bhutan Border Points)
Foreign tourists can enter Bhutan only through Phuentsholing (from India). Other land entry points require special permits.

6. Important Travel Notes

• A valid visa clearance letter is required before boarding a flight to Bhutan.
• Travel insurance is highly recommended.
• Visa validity is only for the duration of the booked tour (extensions require approval).
• Bhutan maintains strict tourism policies to preserve its cultural and environmental integrity.