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Dance of the Lord of Death, Paro, Bhutan

© Creative Commons / jmhullot

Bhutan: visa and passport requirements

Passport required Return ticket required Visa required
Australian Yes Yes Yes
British Yes Yes Yes
Canadian Yes Yes Yes
Other EU Yes Yes Yes
USA Yes Yes Yes
Passports: 

A valid passport is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Note: Tourists flying in and out of Bhutan are obliged to use Druk Air - the only airline serving Bhutan. It is also worth noting that the Bhutan government has been know to refuse entry to those wishing to visit for mountaineering, publicity and other research activities.

Passport note: 

There are two ways of entering Bhutan: by air to Paro Airport or by road to the Bhutanese border town of Phuentsholing. Samdrup Jongkhar is used for exits from Bhutan by land.

All travellers entering the country by road must ensure that they have the necessary documentation for transiting through that part of India to Phuentsholing. Visitors are advised to contact the Government of India Tourist Office to check exactly what special permits or other documents may be necessary, as these regulations are subject to change at short notice.

Independent travel is not permitted in Bhutan: visitors are required to book with a registered tour operator, which can be done directly through an affiliated travel agent abroad. Visitors are also required by immigration to bring two passport photos with them for use on arrival.

Visas: 

Visas are required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.

Visa note: 

Air tickets to Bhutan cannot be purchased without visa clearance. Visas are only issued to tourists booked with a local licensed tour operator, or through a foreign travel agent; all applications are submitted through the tour operator. Visas are issued (stamped in passport) on arrival at Paro Airport or at Phuentsholing check post.

Types and cost: 

Tourist: US$20 (£12).

Validity: 

Visas for Bhutan are initially granted for stays of up to 15 days; the Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited (BTCL) can apply for an extension of tourist visas for an additional fee per person.

Working days: 

Visa clearance takes at least 10 days to process and should be applied for at least 60 days prior to arrival in Bhutan.

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