To visit Bhutan, all foreign nationals (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian citizens) require a visa. The Bhutan visa must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or their international partners. Visitors need to book a tour package, which includes a visa application.
The application process requires a copy of the passport, and the visa is approved within 72 hours of receiving payment for the tour. Upon approval, travellers receive a visa clearance letter, and the visa itself is stamped upon arrival in Bhutan. The visa fee is USD 40 and is generally included in the package cost.
Visitors must pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 200 per person per night, which supports Bhutan’s environmental conservation and sustainable tourism efforts. This fee is also collected during the booking process.
To obtain a visa for Bhutan, the following documents are generally required:
Passport Copy: A clear, coloured scan of your passport’s photo page, valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel dates.
Passport-Sized Photograph: A recent passport-sized photograph.
Completed Visa Application Form: This is usually handled by us, who will submit it on your behalf.
Travel Itinerary: This is a confirmed itinerary for a quick overview, as all tourists must book a guided tour package to visit Bhutan.
Payment Proof for Tour and Visa Fees: Proof of payment for the tour package, which includes the visa fee (USD 40) and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), currently USD 200 per person per night.
Once these documents and fees are submitted, the visa is processed, and a visa clearance letter is issued within 72 hours.
The Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a mandatory fee imposed by the Bhutanese government on foreign tourists to promote sustainable tourism and protect Bhutan’s environment and cultural heritage. The SDF is currently set at USD 100 per person per night for most international travellers. For visitors from India, the SDF is lower, at INR 1,200 per person per night.
This fee supports Bhutan’s efforts in environmental conservation, infrastructure development, free healthcare, and education, helping the country maintain its low-impact, high-value tourism model. The SDF is collected in advance as part of the tour package booking process, along with the visa fee and other tour costs.
By charging this fee, Bhutan aims to manage tourism sustainably, minimizing environmental impacts and preserving its unique cultural and natural landscapes.
The Bhutan visa fee is USD 40 per person for all foreign tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian citizens, who are exempt from needing a visa). This fee is usually included in the total cost of the tour package, which must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or their international partners.
In addition to the visa fee, tourists are required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night for most international travellers (and INR 1,200 per night for Indian tourists).
Once the visa application is submitted along with the payment for the tour and SDF, a visa clearance letter is issued. The visa itself is then stamped upon arrival in Bhutan.
Booking a trip to Bhutan offers a myriad of compelling reasons to explore this unique and captivating destination. Here are some key points highlighting why Bhutan should be on your travel list.
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