Planning a trip to Bhutan is exciting in itself—the lush valleys, sacred monasteries, and prayer flags whispering in the wind—but before you pack your bags, there’s one important step to take: sorting out your visa. Unlike many countries, Bhutan has its own unique visa process, and knowing how it works will save you time, money, and confusion.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Bhutan visa in 2025—step by step—so your journey into the Land of the Thunder Dragon begins as smoothly as possible.
Most travelers visiting Bhutan need a visa, except for:
Indian nationals – They don’t need a visa but must carry a valid passport or voter ID card to enter Bhutan.
Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals – They can obtain a free visa on arrival.
Everyone else—from the U.S., Europe, Australia, and beyond—needs to apply for a Bhutan visa in advance.
The visa process may sound a little different than other destinations, but it’s actually quite simple once you know the steps:
Book with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator
Bhutan visas are not issued independently. You must book your trip through a licensed tour operator (like us at Namgay Adventure Travels) or an international partner agency.
Submit your documents
You’ll need:
A clear copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months from your travel date)
A recent passport-sized photo
Completed visa application details (usually handled by your operator)
Pay the visa fee and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Visa fee: USD 40 per person
SDF: USD 100 per person, per night (For Indian travelers, it’s INR 1,200 per night)
Visa approval
Once everything is submitted and processed, the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) issues your visa clearance letter. This usually takes about 5–7 working days.
Entry at immigration
Present your visa clearance letter at Paro International Airport or the land border entry point. The actual visa will be stamped into your passport on arrival.
Indian Nationals: No visa needed. Just carry your passport or voter ID.
Regional Entry Points: If you’re traveling overland from India, you can enter through Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, or Gelephu.
Extensions: If you wish to stay longer than your original plan, you can apply for a visa extension in Thimphu (fees apply).
Apply at least 2–3 weeks in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Check your passport validity—it must be valid for 6 months from your entry date.
Carry a printed copy of your visa clearance letter (digital copies are fine too, but paper is always handy).
Remember the SDF—it directly supports Bhutan’s sustainable tourism model, helping preserve our culture and environment.
Unlike most countries, Bhutan has a “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy. The visa process and nightly SDF are part of Bhutan’s commitment to keeping tourism sustainable—protecting our sacred monasteries, pristine forests, and living traditions while ensuring travelers have a meaningful, crowd-free experience.
As one of our local guides often says, “Bhutan is not a place to be consumed quickly—it’s a place to be experienced mindfully, like butter tea in the morning.”
Sorting your Bhutan visa for 2025 might feel unusual at first, but once you understand the steps, it’s straightforward. Whether you’re entering by air or road, the process is designed to keep Bhutan welcoming yet sustainable.
If you’re planning your journey, make sure your visa and documents are ready—and then let Bhutan do the rest. From the moment you step into the valleys, you’ll see why the extra effort is worth it.
Ready to begin your Bhutan adventure? We at Namgay Adventure Travels are here to guide you gently through the process, making sure your first step into Bhutan is as smooth as the prayer flags waving in the breeze.
