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?
- Pick a local tour operator
- Confirm your travel dates and itinerary
- Book hotel, flights, transport and guide
- Complete payment (visa fee + SDF + trip cost)
- Tour operator will apply for your visa
- Department of Tourism verifies and approves your visa
- You receive your visa copy
