Bhutan Travel Requirements

Bhutan Travel Requirements

For purchase of Drukair tickets, a visa is NOT required. However, it is a requirement for travel into Bhutan. You may be denied check-in at the airport if you do not have a prior e-visa clearance from the Department of Immigration, except for Indian, Bangladeshi, Maldivian nationals, or holders of diplomatic or official passport of Thai or Swiss nationals.

To help you prepare for your trip, we have outlined below the travel requirements for a foreigner entering Bhutan.

Travel Document
  • Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity), or
  • Valid Voter ID for Indian nations.

Visa

  • Nationals of Bangladesh and Maldives, and Diplomat and Official passport holders of Thai and Swiss nationals are eligible for visa on arrival.
  • Nationals of India are eligible for an Entry Permit at the port of entry.
  • All other nationals must obtain an e-visa clearance from the Department of Immigration prior to their entry to Bhutan.
  • All nationals visiting for the purpose of business or as officials must have prior entry approval from the Department of Immigration.
  • Foreign workers (new hires) of Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationality must obtain prior approval from the Department of Labor and produce it at the Immigration counter at Paro International Airport.

To learn more about Bhutan's tourist e-Visa/e-Permit, visit the Bhutan Travel website at bhutan.travel or the Department of Immigration Website (to apply) at visit.doi.gov.bt

Note: Department of Immigration will levy an applicable Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).

Permit Holders (Resident/Employment)
  • Valid Special Resident Permit (for marriage case) or Employment Permit
  • Those also requiring a visa must have valid visa documents and valid entry endorsements (single, double, triple, or multiple, as applicable).

Note: Special Resident Permit holders do not require a visa to visit Bhutan. However, they must carry their national passport along with this card. Immigration at Paro International Airport will facilitate their entry based on their passport.

While we try to keep the requirements up to date, they may change from time to time. It is important to make your own independent inquiries of the requirements to ensure that you have the most accurate and current information.

For more information, please visit the Department of Immigration website at www.doi.gov.bt.