Visa Entry/Permit
With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all other visitors travelling to Bhutan need a visa.
Indian, Bangladesh and Maldives nationals can obtain a permit at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with minimum six months’ validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voter Identity Card(VIC)
All other tourist must obtain a visa clearance prior the travel to Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese Tour Operator directly or through a foreign Travel Agent.
You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your Tour Operator who 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 and received in the TCB bank account. Once received, the visa clearance will be processed within 5 working days.
At your point of entry, you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.
Online Regional Permit System
In order to streamline and facilitate smooth visitation by tourist from Bangladesh, India and Maldives, the Department of immigration, Ministry of Home and Culture Affairs and the Tourism Council of Bhutan have launched the online Permit system. The system facilities the online processing of permits for regional tourist through registered Bhutanese Tour Operator and TCB certified hotels. The facility is offered as an optional channel to process permits for visitors from the region and is applicable for entry from Paro and Phuntsholing. Visitors who use this facility will be able to obtain their permit clearances and route permits ahead of their arrival in Bhutan similar to international tourist.
Minimum Daily Package
The minimum daily tariff of the tourist is set by Tourism Council of Bhutan and the Royal Government of Bhutan. The latest amendment for tariff from Department of Tourism, Press Release 25th August 2023 states:
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF):
- All the tourist visiting Bhutan should pay SDF of USD 100 per person per night.
- The SDF for Indian Nationals is INR 1200 per person per night.
Daily Tour Rate during Peak-Season (March, April May, September, October & November)
- Rate for individual person USD 430 Per Person Per Night
- Rates for 2 person USD 415 Per Person Per Night
- Rate for group of 3 person USD 385 Per Person Per Night.
Daily Tour Rate during Off-Season (January, February, June, July, August & December)
- Rate for individual person USD 375 Per Person Per Night
- Rates for 2 person USD 365 Per Person Per Night
- Rate for group of 3 person USD 335 Per Person Per Night.
The minimum daily package covers the following services.
- A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium).
- All meals
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay
- All internal transport (excluding internal flights)
- All sightseeing’s specified in itinerary.
Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours also include:
- All internal taxes and charges
- A sustainable development fee of $200.
This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.
The minimum package doesn’t cover the following services.
- Visa fee USD 40 (one time)
- Round trip Air-fares
- Travel insurance (recommended but not available in Bhutan)
- Tips to Guide, Driver & Hotel staffs.
- Any personal expenses
- Single room supplements USD 40 per room per person.
Sustainable Development Fee
A regional Leisure tourist shall be liable to pay concessional tourism levy of Nu: 1,200/ (one thousand two hundred only) per night halt as Sustainable Development Fee.
Regional Leisure Tourist means Nationals of.
- India
- Bangladesh
- Maldives
However, it will not include those who come for business, construction work and employment as per existing rules.
This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure. This Act comes into force on the 11th Day of the 5th Month of the Iron Male Rat Year corresponding to the 1st July 2020.
Discounts on Tour Prices
- There shall be no charge for children up to the age of 5 years. However, those between the age of 6 – 12 years accompanied by elders/guardians shall be give 50% a discount on daily rates.
- Full time student below the ae of 25 years holding valid Identity cards from their academic institutions shall also be given 25% discount on daily rates.
- A discount of 50% on daily rates shall be given to 1 person in a group of 11-15 persons.
- A 100% discount shall be given to 1 person exceeding 16 persons.
- A discounts of US $32.5 per person/night from 9th night and a discount of US $65 per person/night from 15th