All foreign tourists around the world must obtain a visa when traveling to Bhutan except for the cases of visa exemption. If you are planning a tour to Bhutan, it is essential to understand the visa policy of Bhutan. , to preserve the traditional culture as well as minimize the impact of tourism on the country’s environment, the government has issued a policy that follows the slogan ‘High Value, Low Impact’. Hence, it is impossible to personally obtain a tourist visa to travel alone, this procedure is carried out through the travel agency only. Here is detailed information that provides you a look to help you manage to get an insight into Bhutan visa requirements.
How To Obtain a Bhutan Visa – Visa Required Information
Unlike many other countries in the world where you can apply for a visa in the embassy, the visa to Bhutan is examined only when you travel to the country. To apply for a visa, you must directly contact in advance to the travel agency before arrival.
As soon as you book a tour to Bhutan, be sure that your passport is at least six months validity to make sure your visa will be issued. You may not need to fill in the form of a special visa application. Just need to provide the specific information as below and remember to check it carefully to ensure nothing will be mistaken:
- Personal photo
- Full name (as in your passport)
- Date and Place of Birth
- Contact number and permanent address
- Nationality
- Occupation
- A scanned copy of your passport
Note: If you are a student, you should provide a copy of your student ID.
Bhutan Visa Process
The application for a Bhutan visa will be approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thimphu and this procedure takes at least 10 days to be processed. The tour operator first submits your application enclosing a copy of your passport online to the Tourism Council of Bhutan. After making sure that you have paid US40$ for the visa fee, the tour operator will make the final application with the approval letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and it takes up to three days to be approved.
Discounts for Bhutan visa
There will be surcharges for groups with less than 3 members while large groups always receive a discount.
My wife and I are interested in visiting Bhutan. Do we have to get a Bhutan visa on our own?
Dear Steve Fahkin!
Don’t worry too much. Your travel agency will obtain Bhutan visa and all other stuff for you once you’ve confirmed your booking. All you need to do are just to well prepare and enjoy your trip when all things have been under the careful organization. Anyway, feel free to contact us if you aim to go to Bhutan.
Cheers.
I’m a UK citizen and I would like to travel to Bhutan to visit my friend there. So, is it possible for me to get a Bhutan visa and go to Bhutan myself without a travel agency, tour guide, and other formalities?
Hi Jenny!
Unfortunately, it’s impossible. You can be provided a guest visa; however, they will see you as a previous refugee and then, you will lose your flight tickets.
Kind regards.
If I hold an Indian passport, do I need to pay a minimum tariff ($200/ $250)?
Hi Vihaan!
No need to pay; however, you still need a Bhutan visa.
Cheers.
Is a visa in Bhutan easy to obtain?
Hi Jenifer!
Yes, it is easy to obtain visa in Bhutan if you follow our guide in the article. Or, if you are interested in visiting Bhutan, you can contact to a travel agency you trust and they will help you to obtain Bhutan visa and other formalities.
Kind regards.
Can I get a Bhutan visa and then, stay in there for a year?
Hi Jannet!
It is impossible, unfortunately, to stay in Bhutan so long because of the incurring huge costs since tax on tourism is high in Bhutan.
Kind regards.