How to obtain Bhutan Visa?

You will require a valid travel visa prior to entering Bhutan. Lodging visa application is the first step to obtain a Bhutan visa. You can lodge the visa application through a tour operator. Once the application is filed, it will be sent to the Tourism Council of Bhutan. The council reviews your application and ensures that the payment of the trip is made in full. Once the payment is made, your application will be approved. You will be notified regarding your visa status and a confirmation number is sent to your tour operator and airline company (Bhutan / Druk airlines). Finally, your air tickets will be approved and visa endorsement shall be stamped on your passport upon your arrival in Paro airport or any other border crossings.

The travelers with Maldives, Bangladesh and Indian passports aren’t required to obtain a visa. They can easily enter into Bhutan without visa.

What are the documents that should be submitted to obtain a visa to Bhutan?

For obtaining a visa to Bhutan, you will require following documents:

1. a valid passport
2. identification document
3. passport sized photo
4. hotel confirmation, itinerary and visa fees (in cash)

Fill up the visa application form and attach all these documents with the application form.

Through which entry points can we enter into Bhutan?

If you are wondering about the entry points to enter into Bhutan, there are four legal entry points to get into Bhutan. One of the entry points is Paro International airport. If you enter Bhutan via air, the flight will drop you at the Paro International airport.

The remaining three entry points might be the best choice if you are entering into Bhutan via roadways. Phuentsholing is a border town in the west, Gelephu is the border entry point in the south while Samdrup Jongkhar is the border entry point in east.

What are the visa fees to be paid for obtaining visa?

The visa fees for Bhutan is USD 40. However, you will have to pay in full for your trip to the tour operator prior to obtaining a visa. Bhutan has a unique visa policy and regulation. There is a minimum spending threshold requirement for a person traveling to Bhutan. The minimum spending threshold varies with the time of your travel. If you are traveling to Bhutan at any time in between December to February, the minimum expenditure threshold is USD 200 per night per person and if your travel time is between June to August, the minimum expenditure threshold is USD 250 per night per person

*Note – only US Dollar is acceptable as visa fees.

What currency is used in Bhutan?

The currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum (Nu)

1 Ngultrum (Nu) = 100 Chetrum (Ch)

The notes of Ngultrum are denominated as Nu 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. The coins are denominated as 1, 50, 25 and 20 Chetrum.

Note: US Dollars are widely accepted in Bhutan.

What are other general information that you must know while travelling to visa?

1. Like in other countries, you cannot apply for tourist visa by yourselves. You will have to apply through an authorized travel agent.
2. Majority of locations in Bhutan except Paro and Thimpu are restricted to the foreign travelers. The travelers require a special travel permit to travel to those restricted locations.
3. The travel policy of Bhutan is very strict.
4. There is a minimum spending threshold for travelers travelling to Bhutan.
5. You are restricted to enter inside the temple on a festival day. If you are visiting the temple in any other days, you cannot enter into the temple alone. You should have a guide to accompany you for the visit.