Frequently Asked Questions About Visa Requirements for Bhutan
1. How and where do I apply for a Visa?
Our Team will process your visa on behalf of you, you all just need is to submit the Document as requested.
2. How much is the visa fee and how long does it take to issue?
A non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of US $ 40 is also payable.
3. How long does it take to issue my visa?
A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.
4. How long does my visa allow me to stay in Bhutan?
The visa allows you to remain in Bhutan for a maximum of 90 days from the date of entry.
5. Can I extend my visa while I’m in Bhutan?
Yes, provided the extension is applied for before the original visa or permit expires. Visitors can extend their stay via the online visa application portal with the help of tour agent. The fees for processing your extension application, and daily SDF for the duration of your extended stay.
6. Is travel insurance mandatory?
No. The requirement for mandatory travel insurance was lifted on April 23, 2024. However, it is strongly recommended that all guests to Bhutan have travel insurance before visiting the Kingdom as a precaution in case of unforeseen situations.
7. How do I get to Bhutan?
The country has one international airport located in Paro. Flights operated by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines arrive and depart from destinations including Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati and Singapore. Private jets or charters can fly into Bhutan after obtaining the relevant approvals.
There are also domestic airports in Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan.
8. What are the current covid-19 regulations in Bhutan?
Although we recommend all visitors stay up to date with vaccinations against covid-19 to help stop the spread of the disease, there are now no covid-19 vaccination requirements for adults or children to enter Bhutan from September 23rd, 2022. There is no quarantine requirement either.
No random covid-19 testing will be undertaken at any port of entry into Bhutan; however, this may be done if a guest is showing symptoms or asks for a test.
If a guest tests positive for covid-19 during their stay in Bhutan, they will be admitted entry into the country without any quarantine period, however, will be required to always wear a face mask and maintain other precautionary measures until they test negative again.
There will be no covid-19 protocols to leave Bhutan unless the country the guest is travelling to requires them.
9. Do I need a guide or a route permit to travel around Bhutan?
Guests no longer require a Route permit to travel around the country, so long as they are accompanied by a guide certified by the Department of Tourism.
10. Is it safe to travel in Bhutan?
Bhutan is a very safe place to visit, even if you’re travelling alone. There is very little crimes experienced by locals or visitors, although we advise you to take care of yourself and your belongings. In some areas you may encounter stray dogs – please be cautious around them as they are not domesticated. They normally keep their distance, but please stay away from them as much as possible, especially if travelling with children. Please don’t feed or pat these or any other wild animals.
Bhutan’s physical environment presents occasional safety hazards, including flooding and landslides. From June to September the monsoons can affect transport and services. Check with your hotel or tour operator for possible disruptions.
11. If I cancel my trip will my SDF be refunded?
Yes, the SDF will be refunded by the Department of Immigration for any cancelled or shortened trips; any bank charges will be deducted from the total refunded. Requests for SDF refunds should be submitted online using the visa portal. The refund will be processed after visitors leave Bhutan.
12. If a guest decides to leave Bhutan earlier than planned, are they eligible for an SDF refund?
Yes, the SDF will be refunded for any nights that are not spent in the kingdom
13. Where can I exchange currency?
You can change your local currency for ngultrum upon arrival at Paro International Airport or at banks, larger hotels and authorized currency exchange businesses in Thimphu.
14. How much cash can I bring into Bhutan?
You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.
15. Can I use my credit card and ATM card in Bhutan?
ATM and banks accept Visa and Mastercard. International credit cards are widely used in urban areas of Bhutan. However this service may not be available in other parts of the country. Visitors can download the digital wallet app goBoB launched by the Bank of Bhutan, which can be used with a local SIM card and is widely accepted throughout the country. Another option is the MyPay digtal wallet app launched by Bhutan National Bank. Both apps can be connected to international credit cards and used widely.
Cash in US dollars and Indian rupees is also widely accepted. We advise bringing some cash in either of these currencies, or in Bhutanese ngultrum.
16. Where can I get a visitor SIM card?
SIM cards can be purchased from the Paro International Airport’s visitor information centre on arrival, or from branch offices of Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell, or from authorised agents in towns.
17. Are there any restrictions on dress?
There are no rules about what visitors should wear. However if you are planning to visit places of religious significance, respectful smart-casual clothing that covers your body from shoulders to knees is appropriate and appreciated
18. Do I need a guide to enter monuments and Dzongs in Bhutan, and are they chargeable?
Yes, a guide is required to enter monuments and Dzongs in Bhutan. While some of the monuments and Dzongs have no entry fee, others have a fee on arrival, which can be paid in cash or via the GoBob app.
19. Where are good places to buy handicrafts and gifts?
There are plenty of places to shop for special objects, from high-end pieces to small mementos. Many visitors enjoy shopping at the Cottage and Small Industries (CSI) Market and the Centenary Farmers’ Market. The Textile Museum shop has a wonderful selection of artisan-made textiles and homewares, as do the nearby Tarayana and Craft galleries. Our OGOP shops are also excellent places to find food, drink and handcrafted products sourced directly from the country’s artisans and farmers
20. Can I use a drone for photography while in Bhutan?
A permit, which must be applied for in advance, is required to fly a drone either recreationally or commercially in Bhutan. Please email media@tcb.gov.bt to find out more about the regulations.
21. If I drive my own car into Bhutan, do I still need a guide?
Yes. A guide is required at all times for all guests who drive their own cars to Bhutan. It is highly recommended to pre-book guides before arriving at the borders. If you need help with arranging a guide, please contact our host services team here.
22. Are there any fees to enter monuments or other sites in Bhutan?
While most monuments in Bhutan are free, some are chargeable. For the full list of monument fees, please click here for more information. Children below 18 years will have a 50% concession and children aged five years and below will be exempted. Most monuments are open from 9am - 5pm each day. In June 2023 it was announced that foreign visitors can now visit monuments whenever they are open to the general public, without any restrictions.