Bhutan is a unique destination that has strict rules when it comes to tourism. One of the key things you need to sort out before heading there is your visa. For most travelers, it’s not as simple as booking a flight and showing up. Here’s everything you need to know about Bhutan’s visa process, including different types, how to apply, and some helpful tips to make the trip smoother.
Tourist Visa for Bhutan
Bhutan operates under a “high value, low impact” tourism policy. This means you can’t just apply for a visa directly. Instead, you will need to book your trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or an international partner. They handle the visa application for you.
When you book a tour to Bhutan, you’ll pay a mandatory daily tariff. This covers accommodation, meals, a guide, and transportation, as well as a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $200 USD per day.
The visa costs $40 USD. This will also be added to the total package price from your tour operator. Keep in mind that the visa process is usually smooth and handled entirely by the tour company, but processing can take anywhere from a few days to a week.
How to Apply for a Bhutan Tourist Visa
Once you’ve booked your tour, your tour operator will ask for a scanned copy of your passport. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel dates.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Book a tour with a licensed Bhutanese operator or their international partner.
- Provide your passport details and personal information for the visa application.
- Wait for the tour operator to submit the visa application on your behalf. They will pay the visa fee and daily tariff directly to the Bhutanese government.
- Once approved, your visa clearance letter will be sent by email.
- Print out this clearance letter because you’ll need it when boarding your flight to Bhutan (only Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate international flights to the country).
After arriving in Bhutan, you will receive the actual visa stamped into your passport.
Business Visa for Bhutan
If you’re visiting Bhutan for business purposes, you will need a business visa. However, this type of visa is a bit more complex. You’ll need an invitation from a Bhutanese organization or company.
The application process is similar to the tourist visa, except your local business contact will need to assist in submitting the visa application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You’ll still have to follow Bhutan’s policies on daily tariffs unless your visit is fully sponsored by the Bhutanese government or organization.
It’s important to note that the business visa is not that common, and your local organizers will be responsible for handling the application with the Bhutanese authorities.
Visa Exemptions
There are very few countries that are exempt from Bhutan’s visa requirements. In fact, only citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives can visit Bhutan without a visa. However, this doesn’t mean they can arrive without any formalities.
- Indian citizens: Indian passport holders can enter Bhutan without a visa. However, they must carry their passport or Voter ID card to gain entry.
- Bangladeshi and Maldivian citizens: These nationals are also visa exempt, but they need to have a passport with at least six months of validity.
Even if these countries are exempt from visa requirements, they will still need to pay the daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) but at a discounted rate of $15 USD per day for Indians and $65 USD for Bangladeshi and Maldivian travelers.
Special Visas for Government Officials and Diplomats
Diplomats and officials traveling on state or embassy business can apply for special visas through their relevant government channels. These visas are facilitated by the Bhutanese Embassy or via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the respective government institution.
Their visa applications are usually fast-tracked, and these individuals are typically exempt from having to pay the daily tariff or SDF.
Visa-On-Arrival: Does It Exist in Bhutan?
Bhutan does not offer visas on arrival for any kind of traveler, including tourists and business visitors. You need to have your visa approved in advance, before you board any flight headed to Bhutan.
This means you cannot arrive in Bhutan without pre-arranged documents. Make sure your visa is organized ahead of time, or you might be turned away at the airport.
Transit Visa for Bhutan
Bhutan doesn’t have an official transit visa category for layovers. However, transit passengers on a connecting flight who do not leave the airport do not need a visa. That said, there are very few flight services to Bhutan, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be spending long hours waiting in Paro airport, which only serves a few regional routes.
E-Visa: Is It Available?
While Bhutan doesn’t have a traditional e-visa system that travelers can apply for themselves online, the visa process is handled electronically by your tour operator. After submitting your passport details, the tour company applies for the visa electronically. You will be notified by email once your visa is approved.
This is essentially an e-visa process, but it’s not something you control directly. Always make sure your tour operator handles these arrangements as part of your package.
Additional Tips and Advice
Make Sure Your Passport Is Valid
Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your expected departure date from Bhutan. Also, ensure that you have enough pages in your passport for the visa stamp.
Don’t Forget to Have Extra Copies of Your Documents
Always bring printed copies of your visa clearance letter and passport. It’s also a good idea to have digital backups stored in your email or cloud storage just in case you lose them.
Check Flight Availability
Bhutan has a limited number of flights per day through two airlines: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. Book your flights early, especially if you plan to travel during the peak seasons from March to May or September to November.
Visit a Bhutanese Embassy If Necessary
If you’re applying for a business or diplomat visa, it may be necessary to visit a Bhutanese embassy in your home country for additional processing. Always check with your local Bhutanese embassy for specific instructions.
Final Thoughts on Bhutan Visas
The visa process for Bhutan might seem complicated at first, but it’s straightforward once you understand that everything revolves around booking through a licensed tour operator. Just remember: no visa-on-arrival and no self-applied e-visas. Let your tour company handle all that for you.
If you’re from India, Bangladesh, or the Maldives, make sure you bring the right identification to avoid any issues. For everyone else, follow the steps, be aware of how the daily tariff works, and you’ll be all set for your Bhutan adventure.
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