Bhutan Visa – How to Process Your Tourist Visa

Visitors of all nationalities except those from India require a visa to visit Bhutan. Visa upon arrival is only available for visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives.

You can apply for the visa online or through a local travel operator in Bhutan who can apply on your behalf.

What are Bhutan Visa requirements?

• A digital copy of a valid passport
• A recent digital passport photo
• Arrival and departure dates
• Valid travel insurance for the duration of your travel
• Payment details

Your visa application can only be completed once you have paid the one-off visa processing fee and the sustainable development fee (SDF) for the duration of your trip.

How much is the Visa processing fee?

US$ 40 per person as visa processing fee.

What is Sustainable Development Fee and how is it calculated?

All visitors must pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) as part of their visa application. The SDF is a daily fee that supports Bhutan’s development.

• US$100 per day per person for an adult
• Children aged 6 to 12 receive 50% discount on SDF
• Children below 6 are exempt from SDF

Example: A couple with a 6-year-old visiting Bhutan for 4 nights:

(2 adults × US$200 × 4) + (1 child × US$100 × 4) = US$2000

*This does not include travel expenses (accommodation, meals, transport, etc.).

What is the visa application process?

1. Pick a local tour operator
2. Confirm your travel dates and itinerary
3. Book hotel, flights, transport and guide
4. Complete payment (visa fee + SDF + trip cost)
5. Tour operator will apply for your visa
6. Department of Tourism verifies and approves your visa
7. You receive your visa copy