With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives,
all other visitors travelling to Bhutan need a visa. (still to be revise by the Goverment)
Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a permit at the port
of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity
(Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)).
All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior the travel to Bhutan.
Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour
operator directly or through a foreign travel agent.
You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your tour
operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the
Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday
(including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the
TCB bank account. Once received, the visa clearance will be processed within
72 working hours.
At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance
letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.
Online Regional Permit System
In order to streamline and facilitate smooth visitation by tourists from
Bangladesh, India and Maldives, the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home
and Cultural Affairs and the Tourism Council of Bhutan have launched the Online
Permit System. The system facilitates the online processing of permits for
regional tourists through registered Bhutanese tour operators and TCB certified
hotels. The facility is offered as an optional channel to process permits for
visitors from the region and is applicable for entry from Paro and
Phuntsholing. Visitors who use this facility will be able to obtain their
permit clearances and route permits ahead of their arrival in Bhutan similar to
international tourists.