Bhutan's visa system is simpler than it looks: you don't apply at an embassy and you can't get a visa independently. Instead, your licensed tour operator arranges everything, and the visa is issued on arrival. Here's exactly how it works.
Who Needs a Visa for Bhutan?
All international visitors require a visa except nationals of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, who enter with a permit instead. Everyone else — from the US, UK, EU, Australia, and beyond — needs a tourist visa arranged in advance through a registered operator.
How the Visa Process Works
| Step 1 | You book your trek with a licensed Bhutanese operator (that's us). |
|---|---|
| Step 2 | We apply for your visa through the Department of Tourism and pay the visa fee and Sustainable Development Fee on your behalf. |
| Step 3 | You receive a visa approval letter by email before you fly. |
| Step 4 | Airlines require the approval letter to let you board your flight to Paro. |
| Step 5 | The visa is stamped into your passport on arrival at Paro International Airport. |
What You Need
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates
- At least one blank passport page for the visa stamp
- A clear colour scan of your passport photo page
- A passport-style photograph
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking (mandatory)
✅ Good news: You don't need to visit an embassy, queue, or fill in complex government forms. We handle the entire visa application as part of your booking — you just bring your passport and approval letter.
Visa Fee and the Sustainable Development Fee
There is a one-time visa fee, plus Bhutan's daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) — currently USD 100 per person per night for most international visitors, set by the government and subject to change. The SDF funds free healthcare, education, and conservation. For a full breakdown, read our guide to Bhutan trek costs.
Getting to Bhutan
Most travellers fly into Paro International Airport — the only international airport — on Drukair or Bhutan Airlines, via hubs like Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, or Singapore. Overland entry is also possible at Phuntsholing (near Bagdogra, India) and Samdrup Jongkhar (near Guwahati). See more travel detail in our practical information.
Once your visa is sorted, the fun begins — read about the best time to trek and what to pack.
We handle your visa — you handle the adventure
Visa processing is included in every Trek Bhutan booking. Start planning today.
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