Bhutan Visa Requirements
With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all other visitors travelling to Bhutan need a visa.Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a permit at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)). All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior the travel to Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by us directly. You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to us and we will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred Once received, the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours. At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.
How to get your Bhutan Visas?
It Is mandatory that all tourist other than India, Maldives and Bangladesh to obtain Visas before their arrival to Bhutan. Get in touch with a local tour operator such as Amedewa Tours and Trek and a full tour payment which includes visa fees must be made in advance in order to get your visas approved by the Immigration and Tourism Council of Bhutan. Upon approval of the visa, we will mail an E visa which can be shown at the check-in counter either at Paro International Airport or if entering by road from Gelephu, Samdrup Jonkhar or Phuntsholing and your actual visa will be stamp on passport at the counter upon arrival Bhutan.
E Visa Sample Image
Document required
Email a clear scan copy of Passport having minimum 6 months validity to your Tour Operator in Bhutan.
How to Transfer Tour Payment to Bhutan?
To get your visas approved you must remit the tour payment in USD to the tour operator having beneficiary account of USD with Bhutan National Bank. To transfer the payment to Bhutan National Bank from any place outside India and Bhutan, please request your bank to remit through Bhutan National Bank Ltd, Correspondent Bank as follows .
Bank Address: Standard Chartered Bank Ltd (Correspondent Bank) One Madison Avenue, New York
NY 10010-3603
Swift Code: SCBLUS33
CHIPS ABA:0256
FED ABA: 026002561
Beneficiary Bank account: 358-202-171-9001 (USD A/C)
Beneficiary Bank: Bhutan National Bank, P.O BOX 439, GPO Building, Chang Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Swift Code: BNBTBTBT
Beneficiary/Ultimate Beneficiary: Amedewa Tours and Trek maintained with BNBL (Bhutan National Bank limited)
After receiving the payment, it usually takes a week to get your visas approved which also includes the route permits and entry permits to Dzongs, Monasteries, Museums and other sightseeing spots mentioned in the itinerary.
Major festivals in Bhutan offer unique Bhutan festival experiences, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the spiritual and cultural essence of the country. Each festival, while sharing common religious and cultural themes, has its own distinct character and set of traditions, often reflected in the elaborate costumes and masks worn by the performers.
The 2024 festival calendar will undoubtedly showcase these significant cultural spectacles, providing locals and tourists alike with opportunities to experience the rich tapestry of Bhutanese culture and spirituality.
FAQ
1. ) Is it possible to travel alone in Bhutan, without the minimum spending / tariff (USD 250 for high and USD 200 for low). Can we arrange our tour in private?
That’s not possible. Your visa is tied to you purchasing or spending the minimum spending above.
2. ) When is the best time to travel to Bhutan?
You can travel to Bhutan all year round, but the best months are March to May and September to November. For more information please visit Best Time To Visit Bhutan
3. ) I would like to travel alone, backpack style and free-and-easy. Can I apply just the Visa without the accompanying tour package?
It is not possible to separate Visa application from tour package. Having said so you can still travel alone and free-and-easy. A guide and driver will be accompanying you and the activities within the day is really up you. You don’t have complete the tourism circuit.
4. ) I travel frequently and I can’t send my passport for Visa application. How can I get the Visa?
We don’t need your physical passport to apply for tourist Visa. We simply need a color scanned copy of your passport to make the Visa application
5. ) I can’t find embassy of Bhutan in my country. How do I apply for the Visa?
Your Visa will be applied by your tour operator. You would not need to make an appointment with Bhutan embassy. Embassy of Bhutan does not provide tourist Visa services.
6. ) Can I stay at exclusive resorts like Uma and Amankora?
Visitors who opt for more exclusive resorts like Uma Paro, Taj Tashi and Amankora will have to pay for their accommodation on top of the daily tariff specified.
7. ) Is there a tourist quota to the number of people who can visit Bhutan every year?
There is no tourist quota set by the Royal Government of Bhutan. Tourist number is about 29,000 per year (2010) largely because of the limited flight capacity and shortages of good hotels currently.
8. ) How long does it take to get my Bhutan Visa?
Visa is usually released about 1 – 2 weeks before your arrival in Bhutan. This is to accommodate travelers who have to make last minute change of plan. We can arrange for your Visa within a one week period. So it is possible to book your trip this week and be in Bhutan in 7 day.
9. ) Drukair departs early in the morning during my last day and I won’t be visiting any attractions, will I be exempted from the tariff on the last day?
Yes. Drukair generally departs Paro by 10 am everyday. Travelers departing by Drukair will be exempted from daily tariff on the last day when departing Bhutan.
10. ) What does my tariff pay for?
USD 65 per night (frequently termed as royalty) actually goes toward a development fund for free health care, free education and road building in Bhutan. The remainder of the tariff goes to accommodation, meals, and services such as tour guides, transportation, drivers and entrance fees to places of ttractions.
11. ) My Bhutan travel visa is issued on my old passport which was close to expiring. Will there be any problems when I reach the immigration in Bhutan?
If your Bhutan travel visa is issued on your old passport, you will have to bring along your old passport with you to Bhutan. The Department of Immigration will need to verify your details on your old passport too. A fine of up to 10,000 Nu will be imposed if traveller fail to present both the traveller’s old and new passport. Alternatively, please inform your Bhutan travel agent to update your visa if there’s still a week to go before your trip.
12. ) How and where do I apply for Visa?
registered travel agent such as us. The Visa will come together with your travel package to Bhutan. You can’t apply Visa yourself and Bhutan embassy does not have travel visa services.
