Bhutan Visa

All visitors or tourists, except Indian passport holders, require a visa to enter Bhutan. Indian citizens can obtain a travel permit instead of a visa.
A Bhutan visa must generally be obtained in advance, except for the following cases where a visa can be issued upon arrival:
Citizens of Bangladesh and the Maldives (all types of passports).
Holders of diplomatic or official passports from Thailand and Switzerland.
Official Guests has to obtain advance visa through the inviting host organization.

In addition to the visa, tourists are required to pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).

Bhutan’s tourism model is truly one-of-a-kind, intertwining the concept of “Gross National Happiness” with environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. The country follows a ‘High Value, Low Volume’ approach to tourism, aiming to maximize the economic benefits from tourism while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and local culture.
This unique approach translates into visitors paying a fixed daily fee, the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which directly supports Bhutan’s development initiatives and its commitment to sustainability.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE SDF?

Funds collected through the SDF flow to the national exchequer and are utilized for numerous projects that foster long-term, sustainable opportunities that benefit the Bhutanese people. Key areas where SDF funds are allocated include:
Healthcare: Enhancing free healthcare services across the nation.
Education and Training: Supporting initiatives to improve educational standards and vocational training.
Tourism and Hospitality Development: Up skilling individuals working in the tourism sector to ensure high-quality service.
Infrastructure Improvement: Upgrading roads, transportation, and other critical infrastructure.
Environmental Preservation: Initiatives aimed at maintaining Bhutan’s renowned forest cover and ensuring carbon neutrality.
Cultural Preservation: Programs and activities to safeguard Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage.
Support for Local Economies: Funding initiatives that empower local businesses and stimulate economic growth in communities.

WHY IS THE SDF CRUCIAL?

The SDF is crucial, firstly, for the sustainable development of Bhutan and secondly, for maintaining the tranquility and unique experiences that visitors seek. It helps ensure that Bhutan remains a pristine carbon negative destination known for its exceptional natural beauty and hospitality, while allowing future generations to enjoy these resources as well.

HOW MUCH IS THE SDF?

The SDF is US$100 per night for adults from all countries except India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu.1,200 per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu. 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

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IS A VISA COMPULSORY TO ENTER BHUTAN?

Yes, all travelers, with the exception of Indian citizens, are required to obtain a visa before entering Bhutan. For the majority of visitors, including those from countries with the exception of Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved prior to travel.
Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also need a visa, but they have the option to apply either in advance or upon arrival in the country.
Indian nationals can apply for a permit, but they must present a valid Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card for entry. For Indian nationals under 18, either a passport or a birth certificate may be used, and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Additionally, nationals from Switzerland and Thailand who hold diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible to acquire a visa at their port of entry.
While it is possible to apply for a permit or visa upon arrival for some of visitors at the point of entry, be aware that the wait time may vary significantly based on the number of applicants at that moment. To ensure a hassle-free experience, we strongly recommend arranging your permit/visa in advance.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A VISA?

You can apply for a visa online through the official Bhutanese visa application portal. If you’re traveling with a tour operator, it is much easier to use the tour operator to apply on your behalf.
For more detailed information about the visa application process, you can contact Wind Horse or your local tour operator.

HOW MUCH IS THE BHUTAN VISA FEE?

Visa fee is US$40 for each applicant irrespective of age. This is payable at the same time as your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), as part of the process of submitting your visa application.

WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR A BHUTAN VISA?

To apply for a visa you will need:
• A copy of a valid passport
• A recent passport size photo
• Arrival and departure dates
• Visa and SDF payment.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO OBTAIN BHUTAN VISA?

A visa application can take up to five days to process. However it could take longer sometimes and therefore it is always better to apply and obtain visa one month prior to arrival time

HOW LONG DOES MY VISA ALLOW ME TO STAY IN BHUTAN?

The visa allows you to remain in Bhutan for the duration of SDF payment with maximum of 90 days. Say for example, your tour is for 10 days, which is 9 nights, you have to pay SDF for 9 nights and the visa is also valid for that period.

CAN I EXTEND MY BHUTAN VISA DURING MY STAY?

Yes, you can extend your visa, once you are in Bhutan, provided the extension is applied for before the original visa or permit expires. You have to pay an visa extension fee (which is around Nu. 600/- and you also have to pay SDF for the period of extension.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF EXTENDING THE STAY FOR GUESTS ALREADY IN BHUTAN?

Extensions must be made in person at the Department of Immigration and must be paid in US Dollars. For Indian Nationals, extensions can be made in person at the Department of Immigration and must be paid in INR.

WHAT IS THE SDF REFUND POLICY FOR CANCELED TRIPS?

If you cancel your trip to Bhutan or shorten your stay, the SDF will be refunded by the Department of Immigration. However, please note that any bank charges incurred will be deducted from the total refund amount. This refund process could take any number of days.

HOW CAN I REQUEST A REFUND?

Requests for SDF refunds must be submitted online through the visa portal or through your tour operator. Please note that refunds will be processed after visitors have left Bhutan. This policy ensures that travelers are accommodated in the event of cancellations, making it easier to manage trip changes while adhering to Bhutan’s tourism regulations.

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.

WHAT IS THE 24-HOUR SDF WAIVER IN BORDER TOWN?

Beginning April 14, 2023, tourists visiting the border towns of Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrupjongkhar for a duration of 24 hours or less are exempt from paying the SDF. This waiver will remain in effect for one year.
The SDF waiver applies only to tourists who do not travel beyond the designated zones within these border towns.
The Designated Zones are as follows:
Samtse: Visitors must not go beyond Gurung Basti.
Phuentsholing: Visitors must not travel beyond the Rinchending Checkpost.
Gelephu: The designated zone is at the Aipoli Bridge.
Samdrupjongkhar: Visitors must remain within the limits of the Pinchinna Checkpost.
Tourists who travel beyond these designated zones will be required to pay the SDF. This waiver is aimed at encouraging short visits and boosting tourism in these border towns while allowing for a convenient experience for travelers.
However please note that above rules may change without advance notice