Most visitors to Bhutan require a visa before entering the country. According to the official FAQ, visitors of all nationalities except India require a visa. Bangladesh and Maldives nationals also require a visa, but they may apply in advance or upon arrival. Indian nationals apply for a permit instead and must hold a valid Indian passport or voter ID card.
Visa applications can be made online through Bhutan’s immigration system, and tour operators may also process them on behalf of travellers. The official FAQ states that a correctly completed visa application can take up to five days to process.
The visa processing fee is US$40 as a one-time charge, payable along with the SDF during the application process. The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days from the date of entry, and extensions can be applied for before expiry.
Recommended checklist: