Bhutan Visa Requirements
- Every vistiors to Bhutan reqires a tourist visa. Exception are India and Bangladesh passports holders.
- Visas are only issued to tourists whom booked tour packages with local tour operators, directly or through a foreign travel agent.
- Visa application is submitted by tour operator on behalf of visitors.
- Visa is issued by Tourism Council of Bhutan in Thimphu, Bhutan.
- The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices for packages to Bhutan and this must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival in Bhutan.
Daily Tariff
The minimum tariff for tourist visiting in a group of 3 persons or more are as follows:
High Season Tariff:
USD 250/person/night halt (March, April, May, September, October & November)
Low Season Tariff:
USD 200/person/night halt (January, February, June, July, August & December)
The minimum price includes:
- All internal Taxes and charges (including the royalty)
- Accommodation
- All Meals
- All travel with a licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide
- All internal Transport
- Camping Equipment and Haulage for Trekking
Tariff Exception
Surcharges Individual tourist and smaller groups of less than three persons shall be subject to surcharge, over and above the minimum daily rates applicable, as follows:
Single Individual: USD 40 per night
Group of 2 persons: USD 30 per person per night
The surcharge will not be applicable to representatives of foreign travel agents on business study or promotional visit duly approved and cleared by TCB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guaranteed Visa Issuance for our travellers
How and where do I apply for Visa?
Your Visa to Bhutan can only be applied and processed by an authorized and registered travel agent such as us. The Visa will come together with your travel package to Bhutan. You can’t apply Visa yourself and Bhutan embassy does not have travel visa services.
What does my tariff pay for?
USD 65 per night (frequently termed as royalty) actually goes toward a development fund for free health care, free education and road building in Bhutan. The remainder of the tariff goes to accommodation, meals, and services such as tour guides, transportation, drivers and entrance fees to places of attractions.
Drukair departs early in the morning during my last day and I won't be visiting any attractions, will I be exempted from the tariff on the last day?
Yes. Drukair generally departs Paro by 10 am everyday. Travelers departing by Drukair will be exempted from daily tariff on the last day when departing Bhutan.
How long does it take to get my Bhutan Visa?
Visa is usually released about 1 – 2 weeks before your arrival in Bhutan. This is to accommodate travelers who have to make last minute change of plan. We can arrange for your Visa within a one week period. So it is possible to book your trip this week and be in Bhutan in 7 day.
I would like to travel alone, backpack style and free-and-easy. How can I just the Visa without the accompanying tour package?
It is not possible to separate Visa application from tour package. Having said so you can still travel alone and free-and-easy. A guide and driver will be accompanying you and the activities within the day is really up you. You don’t have complete the tourism circuit.
Is there a tourist quota to the number of people who can visit Bhutan every year?
There is no tourist quota set by the Royal Government of Bhutan. Tourist number is about 29,000 per year (2010) largely because of the limited flight capacity and shortages of good hotels currently.
Can I stay at exclusive resorts like Uma and Amankora?
Visitors who opt for more exclusive resorts like Uma Paro, Taj Tashi and Amankora will have to pay for their accommodation on top of the daily tariff specified.
I can't find embassy of Bhutan in my country. How do I apply for the Visa?
Your Visa will be applied by your travel agency or tour operator. You would not need to make an appointment with Bhutan embassy. Embassy of Bhutan does not provide tourist Visa services.
I travel frequently and I can't send my passport for Visa application. How can I get the Visa?
We don’t need your physical passport to apply for tourist Visa. We simply need a color scanned copy of your passport to make the Visa application.
Reference
1. Tourism Council of Bhutan