Bhutan Visa Application Procedures

The Bhutan government is trying to keep the country’s cultural heritage preserved, so it maintains a “High Value, Low Impact Tourism” policy. So most people, except those from a few neighboring countries, will need a visa to visit Bhutan. A visa which you can get only by booking a tour, is at least US$200 per day. Yes, I know, that may seem like a hefty price, but most argue that it is well worth it because you will get accommodation, all your meals and fees transport, and tour guides are included in the price. Below is some information about Bhutan visa application procedures so you can prepare carefully for an exciting trip here.

Who needs a Bhutan visa?

Everyone, except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives need a visa to enter Bhutan. Visas can be obtained on arrival, after applying for visa clearance through a tour operator. Nationals of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives can enter Bhutan with just their passport, as long as it is valid for another six months. They still need to pay a “sustainable development fee” of about US$17 dollars per day during their time in Bhutan. Everyone who is not from the three aforementioned countries pays a US$65 sustainable development fee. This is calculated into the Minimum Daily Package offered by tour operators.

If you are traveling to Bhutan with an invitation from a government body or organization, you are eligible for Official visa clearance. You have to apply for visa clearance from the Bhutan Ministry of Foreign Affairs by submitting an application form and an Invitation Letter from the organization/agency. If you get visa clearance you won’t have to pay the US$200 daily tour cost like tourists do.

Visa requirements

• You have to book a tour with a registered tour operator
• You have to be willing to pay the minimum nightly rate set by the Tourism Council (US$200 – US$250)
• Your passport must be valid for at least another six months starting from the day you enter Bhutan
• You must submit proof of your occupation
• You have to provide your contact information and address

Bhutan visa application procedures

You have to apply for a Bhutan visa through a registered tour operator, who will submit the visa application on your behalf at the Tourism Council of Bhutan. The Bhutan visa application process is as follows:

• Approach a registered tour operator to book your trip. The Bhutan Tourism Council has a list of registered tour operators on its website. There are many of them, so do your scouting and find one that appears most adequate to you. There can also be a tour agency in your country which has tied to a Bhutanese company and will help you with the application process.
• Pay for the tour and send the tour operators the required documents and information.

– Colored scan of your passport. Make sure the passport will be valid for at least another six months starting from the day you enter Bhutan.

– Document proving your occupation. If you are a student, you should submit your student ID as well, because you will get a discount. Children can also get discounts.

– Your contact information and address.

• The tour operators will submit the visa application on your behalf to the Bhutan Tourism Council.
• The Bhutan Tourism Council reviews your application and issues a Visa Clearance Letter. You have to print this letter and bring it with you to the airport.
• Get travel health insurance. This is not included in the tour operator packages.
• Travel to Bhutan and show the visa clearance letter to the immigration officers at the airport. After reviewing it, they will stamp the actual visa on your passport.

Bhutan Visa Application Procedures

Bhutan Visa Cost

The cost of the Bhutan visa itself is US$40 per person. This is a non-refundable fee. However, in addition to the visa fee, you also have to pay for the tour.

The Bhutan Tourism Council has a fixed Minimum Daily Package for all tours to Bhutan:

• US$ 250 a day per person during peak season (March to May; September to November)
• US$ 200 a day per person at other times of the year

This price includes the following:

– Accommodation in a three-star hotel
– Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
– Internal transport in Bhutan
– An English-speaking tour guide
– Entry fees to tourist attractions
– Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
– Government fees, aka the “sustainable development fee”, which is about US$65

Because this is a fixed price, tour operators can offer additional services to make themselves more attractive to clients. Moreover, if you come across a tour that offers a lower rate than above, it is likely a scam so be wary of it.

How Long Will It Take to Get a Bhutan Visa?

The time it takes to get your Bhutan visa depends on when you apply. Usually, the Tourism Council of Bhutan will issue your visa clearance 1-2 weeks before you are set to depart, but they can sometimes take longer than that and issue it at the last moment.

So, it is recommended that you apply for a Bhutan visa at least one week in advance, but it is probably a better idea to apply a couple of months before your intended departure date.