Want to visit Bhutan? If you are Indian traveler, you do not need Bhutan visa. But you must follow Bhutan’s entry rules. Bhutan controls tourism to protect its culture and nature. Because of this, Indian citizens need Entry Permit before traveling. In this guide, you will learn how to apply for Bhutan Entry Permit, how long you can stay, fees you need to pay, and other important details for your trip.
Do Indians need Visa for Bhutan
You do not need visa to visit Bhutan if you hold Indian passport. But, you must get Entry Permit to enter country. With this permit, you can travel to Thimphu, Paro, and Phuentsholing without visa.
If you want to explore districts other than these three, you must apply for Restricted Area Permit (RAP) or Special Area Permit (SAP). These permits extend your travel rights and allow you to visit places like Punakha, Haa Valley, or Bumthang.
Stay Period and Validity
When you enter Bhutan through border points like Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar, or Paro Airport, your permit is usually valid for 7 to 14 days. With this permit, you can only visit Thimphu, Paro, and Phuentsholing.
| Permit Type | Initial Stay | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Permit | 7–14 days | Up to 90 days (with extensions) |
| Business Permit | 30 days | Based on approval or invitation |
If you want to stay longer, you don’t need to exit and re-enter. You can apply for extension at Department of Immigration office in Thimphu. Apply at least 2 days before your permit expires.
When to Apply for Bhutan Visa
Official processing of Bhutan entry permits takes 2 – 5 working days, but best time for you to apply is 15 – 30 days before trip. If you plan travel during Tshechu festivals, spring months (March – May), or autumn months (September – November), apply at least one month before journey. If you prefer last-minute plan, you can apply for permit on arrival at Paro International Airport or border gates like Phuentsholing or Gelephu. Keep in mind that during peak months, biometric queues can take 3 – 5 hours.
Bhutan permit cost for Indian
When you travel to Bhutan, you don’t pay any separate visa fee. Instead, you pay daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to keep your entry permit valid. This fee supports Bhutan’s focus on sustainable tourism and helps maintain facilities for visitors while protecting culture and environment.
For adults aged 12 years and above, fee is ₹1200 per person for each night of stay. Children between 6 and 12 years pay half of that amount, which is ₹600 per person per night. Young children under 6 years are completely exempt.
How to apply for Bhutan visa
You have three main options to get permit:
- You can apply through official Bhutan Immigration Services Portal.
- Authorized partners like Itzeazy handle document upload, payment, and application.
- You can also apply for Bhutan entry permit on arrival. Available at Paro International Airport or Phuentsholing Pedestrian Terminal.
Here is the step-by-step guide to applying for Bhutan visa online:
- Visit Bhutan Immigration Services Portal: immi.gov.bt
- Sign up with your email and create login credentials.
- Log in and select Entry Permit option.
- Enter personal details (name, passport or voter ID, date of birth).
- Upload required documents:
- Pay fee for Bhutan visa
- Review your details carefully and then submit application online
Bhutan Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
The following documents are required for obtaining a Bhutan Visa for Indians:
- Passport or Voter ID (Adults)
- Birth Certificate (If minor without passport)
- Travel Insurance
- Hotel Booking Confirmation
- Travel Itinerary
- SDF Payment Receipt
- Passport Size Photos
Bhutan visa photo requirements
For your Bhutan visa application:
- Size: 35mm x 45mm
- Taken within last 6 months
- White background
- Full face clearly visible
- No glasses or headgear (except for religious reasons)
Bhutan visa processing time
Bhutan visa processing usually takes 4 to 5 working days after you submit your application. This is an estimated time and may vary depending on type of permit and application process. To avoid delays, make sure you submit all required documents and fill out the application form correctly.
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