Special Information for Indian Travellers
- Indians do not require a VISA to travel to Bhutan but need a permit. ...
- Travel time from Phuentsholing to Thimpu is around 7 hours by road depending on traffic jams.
- Travel time from Bagdogra Airport to Phuentsholing / Jaigaon by road takes around 5-6 hours.
- The entry gate from India closes at 20:30 (IST). ...
Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?
With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all other visitors travelling to Bhutan need a visa. 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)).
How can I enter Bhutan from India?
Indian citizens can obtain entry into Bhutan by air and land, and may use any of the acceptable documents mentioned below to enter Bhutan: Indian Passport. Voter ID card with photograph. Identification Slip issued by the Indian Consulate Office in Phuentsholing upon presenting proof of Indian citizenship.
Can I travel from Bangladesh to Bhutan?
Instead, Bangladesh citizens are required to have a transit visa, which allows them to travel overland to Bhutan. Indian tourist visas are not permitted for traveling overland to Bhutan, even if you have been visiting India beforehand. You will still need to obtain the transit visa before traveling.
Can a permanent resident of India enter Bhutan with voter’s ID?
Indian nationals living permanently in another country will also not be able to use the Voter’s ID for entry into Bhutan, and the standard requirement states that the passport is the only allowable document. Q: Is Bhutan visa required for OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India)?
How long can an Indian stay in Bhutan?
Processing entry permits for Indian tourists visiting Bhutan With the entry permits, Indian tourists can stay up to 15 days in Bhutan with possibility of extension subject to approval by the Immigration.
How long can an Indian stay in Bhutan without a visa?
Visa free. Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa and a booking with a licensed tour operator to visit Bhutan for visits up to 14 days, provided they have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
What are the charges for Bhutan visa for an Indian?
The Bhutan government on Monday passed legislation imposing an entry fee on tourists from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, according to media reports. The fee will be charged from July 2020. Tourists from India, Bangladesh ad Maldives will have to pay a ₹1,200 fee for entering the country.
Is Bhutan visa on arrival?
The visa will by stamped upon arrival at the Paro International airport or any other port of entry by Immigration authorities. But those carrying ordinary passports need to process Bhutanese visa in advance.
Can I enter Bhutan with my Aadhar card?
2. Only above mentioned three “Travel Documents' are admissible, as proof of Indian Citizenship, to enter Bhutan. Other documents such as 'Aadhaar Card', 'PAN Card', 'Driving License'. 'Ration Card' etc are not accepted by the Immigration Authorities of Bhutan for this purpose.
Is Bhutan open for Indian tourists in 2022?
Is Bhutan open to tourists? Bhutan will start welcoming tourists from September 2022.
Can Indians go to Bhutan free?
The Permit issued by the Bhutan Immigration Department to allow entry to Indian citizens is absolutely free of cost.
Is Bhutan costly for Indians?
Bhutan trip cost for Indians, Bangladeshis, and Maldivians (regional travelers) Indians, Bangladeshis, and Maldivians used to be exempt from the daily fee requirements, due to reciprocity demands between governments. However, starting July 2020, they will have to pay 1,200 Rs per day (roughly $16) to visit Bhutan.
Can Indians travel freely in Bhutan?
Indian nationals intending to visit Bhutan are required to carry any of the two valid 'Travel Documents' (a) Valid Indian Passport having validity of minimum 6 months; and/or (b) Voter Identity Card, issued by the Election Commission of India. No Visa is required to visit Bhutan.
Which country is visa free for Indian?
List of Countries where Visa is not Required for Indian CitizensBhutanNepalIndonesiaSeychelles (permit on arrival)JamaicaSenegalSerbiaTrinidad and TobagoHaiti (for up to 90 days)Micronesia6 more rows
Is Bhutan expensive?
Yes, Bhutan is an expensive travel destination and considerably more expensive than some of the other destinations we offer but if you can stretch to it, the extra cost is well worth the reward of relatively exclusive access to one of the world's most beautiful destinations.
Does Bhutan stamp Indian passport?
I have planned to visit Bhutan in October 2018. I have my passport and Voter ID, Will the Bhutan immigration stamp my passport of entry when I enter Bhutan through Paro Airport. Yes they will. You can use voter ID if you want to save your passport.
Can an Indian get citizenship in Bhutan?
Conditions Required for the Grant of Citizenship: KA 1. In the case of government servants an applicant should have completed 15 years of service without any adverse record. 2. In the case of those not employed in the Royal government, an applicant should have resided in Bhutan for a minimum period of 20 years.
Do OCI holders need visa for Bhutan?
However, holders of an OCI card, without an Indian passport, are not eligible for visa-free entry into Bhutan, and will be required to apply for Bhutan visa by booking a tour with a registered Bhutan tour operator, the same as any other non-Indian passport holder.
Does Bhutan stamp Indian passport?
I have planned to visit Bhutan in October 2018. I have my passport and Voter ID, Will the Bhutan immigration stamp my passport of entry when I enter Bhutan through Paro Airport. Yes they will. You can use voter ID if you want to save your passport.
How much does Bhutan visa cost?
The cost of the Bhutan visa itself is US$40 per person. This is a non-refundable fee. However, in addition to the visa fee, you also have to pay for the tour .
Do I need a visa for Bhutan from India?
The Indian nationals intending to visit Bhutan need to carry any of the two valid Travel Documents and valid Indian Passport having validity of a m...
How long can an Indian citizen stay in Bhutan?
Indian travelers can stay in Bhutan for upto 7 days after getting the entry permit. You need to carry the Passport which is having the validity of...
Is Bhutan visa on arrival?
All the international visitors need VISA to enter into Bhutan except the Indian, Bangladesh and Maldives citizens. All the visitors need a valid pa...
Is Bhutan expensive?
The government has placed a minimum fee of around USD 200 per day per person in low season and USD 250 per day per person during high season for vi...
Can I use Indian rupees in Bhutan?
Bhutan’s unit of legacy is called Ngultrum (BTN). It has the same value as Indian rupee which is also legal in Bhutan. The INR 100, INR50 rupee den...
Is Indian vehicles allowed in Bhutan?
Yes, Indians who want to travel by their vehicles can by getting the relevant documents like the registration papers. You need to have all the vehi...
✓ Can I visit Phuentsholing without any visa or permit?
You can visit Phuentsholing without any visa or permit. You can even venture in Bhutanese territory up to a limit of 5 kilometres during the day ti...
✓ Is it safe to drive in Bhutan?
It is quite safe to drive through Bhutan, especially if you are adept on mountain roads. You should keep it in mind to obtain Travel Permits while...
✓ Why do I need to produce my hotel accommodation details to obtain Entry Permit?
You have to provide your hotel accommodation details to obtain the Entry Permit since the Royal Government of Bhutan requires to keep track of your...
How to Apply/Get a Permit to Bhutan?
To obtain the permit to enter Bhutan you will need to visit the Immigration Office of the Royal Government at Phuentsholing. Located at the Indo-Bhutan border, you must produce the documents required for Bhutan permit at this office. Subsequently, you will be issued an “Entry Permit” which allows you to enter and travel through the country. Important to note, even if you are to enter Bhutan by air, you must obtain this permit at the Paro International Airport.
How to get a permit to enter Bhutan?
To obtain the permit to enter Bhutan you will need to visit the Immigration Office of the Royal Government at Phuentsholing. Located at the Indo-Bhutan border, you must produce the documents required for Bhutan permit at this office. Subsequently, you will be issued an “Entry Permit” which allows you to enter and travel through the country. Important to note, even if you are to enter Bhutan by air, you must obtain this permit at the Paro International Airport.
What is the kingdom of Bhutan?
Officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, this country is situated on the Silk Road. Along with the serenity and beauty of its mountain setting and dazzling views of nature, it also offers palaces, museums, etc. to its visitors.
Is it safe to drive through Bhutan?
It is quite safe to drive through Bhutan, especially if you are adept on mountain roads. You should keep it in mind to obtain Travel Permits while entering the country. While driving in the mountainous terrains, it is also important that you follow the traffic rules cautiously and avoid any incident of speeding. You should also keep in mind that weather conditions can get challenging in Bhutan while landslides are also an occasional menace.
Is Bhutan a good place to visit?
It comes as no surprise that Bhutan being one of the closest neighbours of India is also one of the most popular destinations for Indians going on vacations. While being nearby is a major contributor to being a common choice, it is also vital to remember everything else this country offers.
Do you need a hotel reservation to enter Bhutan?
You should carry your hotel reservation confirmation slips and receipts with you while going to Bhutan.
Do Indians need a visa to visit Bhutan?
No, Indian passport holders do not require a visa to travel to Bhutan. India is one of the few countries which shares a border with Bhutan and is on very good terms. As a result, Bhutan visa for Indians is not necessary like the citizens of a few other countries. Instead, as an Indian citizen, you have to carry other credentials to gain entry ...
How to travel to Bhutan?
All foreigners (except for citizens of Bangladesh, India, and Maldives) must obtain a visa before visiting Bhutan and may only enter Bhutan through Phuntsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar if coming by land or Paro if coming by air. If approved, they are given a visa clearance letter, and must present it at the port of entry. The visa is then stamped into their passport. Foreign tourists must use a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners to pre-arrange their visa and book their holiday. A daily fee is also charged for every day of stay. For most foreign tourists, it amounts to $250 a day during tourist high season, and $200 a day for low season.
How much does Bhutan charge for a day of travel?
A daily fee is also charged for every day of stay. For most foreign tourists, it amounts to $250 a day during tourist high season, and $200 a day for low season.
Why is Bhutan regulated?
Travel to the Kingdom of Bhutan is highly regulated under the policy "High Value, Low Impact Tourism " in order to minimize the impact on the country's unique society and environment. Bhutanese policy ensures that only a limited number of tourists enter the country at any one time, preventing it from being overwhelmed by mass tourism and thus altering its character, and that the tourists who do come get the most out of their visits.
What company did Bhutan hire to re-assess its tourism policy?
In 2009, the government of Bhutan hired the consulting company McKinsey to re-assess its policies on tourism. McKinsey ’s plan to de-regulate tourism and allow an unlimited number of foreign tourists to enter the country was preliminarily approved by the Prime Minister and the cabinet, but finally rejected due to widespread opposition in the country. According to Canadian scholar Kent Schroeder, “the reversal of McKinsey ’s liberalization proposal represented a significant triumph for many within the private sector and civil society.”
Simple steps to get a Bhutan Visa
Akbar Travels has been a part of more than one million travel dreams. We offer quick and hassle-free Bhutan visa assistance. With a highly professional and dedicated team of Visa Experts, we are here to cater to all your Bhutan visa application requirements. Read more
Bhutan travel guide
Nicknamed as the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon', Bhutan is a tiny nation in Southern Asia, sharing borders with India, Nepal, and Bangladesh nestled gently in the Himalayan region. At least 60 per cent of the nation remains under forest cover at all times. Read more
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How to get to Bhutan from Kolkata?
We started our journey from Kolkata. The cheapest option to reach Bhutan from Kolkata is by train. Kanchankanya Express is a decent train which leaves Kolkata at 8:30 PM and arrives at Hasimara at around 10: 30 A.M. Hasimara is the closest Indian railway station from Bhutan. After reaching Hasimara, ask a local where you can get an auto to Phuentsoling/Jaigaon. Jaigaon and Phuentsoling are adjacent towns and the auto will drop you right at the border. There will be taxis in Hasimara station that will try to persuade you to go by taxi. Taxi charges around ₹300-₹500 while the auto takes ₹25 per person.
Do all foreigners need a visa to travel to Bhutan?
All foreigners except for citizens of India, Bangladesh and Maldives must obatin a visa for travelling to Bhutan.
Is Bhutan a cheap country?
Bhutan is probably the cheapest international destination for an Indian. With a bit of frugality, a five day trip to Bhutan can easily be done in ₹4,500- ₹5,000. I, along with my two friends, Piyush Bansal and Shamsul Arfeen, went for a five-day Bhutan trip in May, 2016. We tried to execute our plan well, but some of our decisions didn’t go well. In this answer, I will explain how to plan a perfect trip to Bhutan in the cheapest possible way.
Is Bhutan a low impact country?
Travel to Bhutan is highly regulated under the policy "High travel, Low Impact tourism" to minimize the impact on country's society and environment. The Bhutanese government ensures that only a limited number of tourists enter Bhutan at any given time.
How to travel from India to Bhutan?
For travel from India to Bhutan, the easiest option is to take a flight to Paro International Airport. Flights to Bhutan run from five cities across India, including Delhi, Bagdogra, Kolkata, Gaya, and Guwahati, and run daily from most airports. The cost of India to Bhutan flights is from around US$ 165 from Delhi, US$ 224 from Kolkata, and around US$ 125 from Bagdogra.
What if foreign tourists get to Bhutan from India or Bangladesh?
International tourists from other locations around the world will need to have visas for both Bhutan and either India or Bangladesh, depending on which country you are traveling through.
How long does it take to get a visa for Bhutan?
The Bhutan visa application process usually takes around 3-5 working days, and a Letter of Invitation (LOI) will be issued to the tour operator, the Tourism Council of Bhutan, the immigration desks at both Paro International Airport and the Phuentsholing border crossing, and to both national airlines. The LOI will be forwarded to you by the tour operator, and will be needed to book your flight to Bhutan, which can only be done with one of two Bhutanese airlines, as no other airline is permitted to fly into Bhutan.
How to get to Bhutan from Bangladesh?
The easiest way to get to Bhutan from Bangladesh is by flight, and there are flights from Bangladesh’s Dhaka International Airport daily to the kingdom in the Himalayas. Flights take around an hour to reach Paro International Airport, and cost from around 11,000 rupees, or about US$ 156 per person for an economy one-way ticket.
Which country has visa free travel?
Only one other country in the world has the option for visa-free travel into Bhutan , which is the Maldives. A small island nation set far out in the Laccadive Sea, part of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives lies around 1,000 kilometers to the southwest of the Indian sub-continent.
Can I travel to Bhutan without an Indian passport?
However, holders of an OCI card, without an Indian passport, are not eligible for visa-free entry into Bhutan, and will be required to apply for Bhutan visa by booking a tour with a registered Bhutan tour operator, the same as any other non-Indian passport holder.
Is Bhutan a direct route from Bangladesh?
If you are planning an overland trip, then you will need to plan carefully, as there is no direct route to Bhutan from Bangladesh. The simplest and easiest route is to take the train from Dhaka to Kolkata, and then book a ticket up to Hasimara, in West Bengal. From there, you will need to use the local bus to get to Phuentsholing, and once across the border, you will need a private car or taxi to take you to Thimphu.
How to get a visa stamp for Bhutan?
At your point of entry, show your visa clearance letter to get a visa stamp on your passport. The visa will be arranged for the exact number of days you have planned to stay in Bhutan. In case you want to extend, you can ask your tour operator to do so.
How long does it take to get a Bhutan visa?
Your Bhutan visa would be enclosed as an electronic document and will be received 3-10 days prior to your departure. A print out of that needs to be taken out and shown at DrukAir flight check-in counter and at the immigration checkpoint in Paro International Airport.
Is a tourist permit valid in Thimpu?
This permit is valid only for Paro and Thimpu. For travelling beyond these two cities, the tourists will require a 'special area permit' that will be issued by RGoB Immigration office in Thimpu between Monday and Friday.
Where can Indians travel to Bhutan?
Indians coming to Bhutan by road are required to obtain an 'Entry Permit' on the basis of valid Travel Document from the Immigration Office of Royal Government of Bhutan at Phuentsholing, located on the Indo-Bhutan border opposite Jaigaon, West Bengal.
When to avoid visiting Bhutan?
One should avoid traveling during the rainy season (July-September) Places to visit: Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Wangdiphodrang, Bumthang. Special permits are however required to visit towns other from Thimphu and Paro. Please visit the following sites for more information about Bhutan: www.tourism.gov.bt. www.abto.org.bt.
How long do you have to quarantine in Bhutan?
All individuals wishing to travel to Bhutan have to present a negative COVID RT-PCR test certificate not earlier than 72 hours prior to leaving the country of origin, They also have to undergo mandatory institutional quarantine as per the COVID-19 protocols of the Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan.
When is the best time to visit Thimphu?
During winter (November to March) the minimum temperature drops to minus 10 in the Thimphu valley. Summers (April-June) are very pleasant. One should avoid traveling during the rainy season (July-September)
Is Bhutan open to tourists?
Kind attention: All prospective travellers to Bhutan from India. The Kingdom of Bhutan has still not opened its borders for tourism due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and circumstances related to the COVID pandemic. All individuals wishing to travel to Bhutan have to present a negative COVID RT-PCR test certificate not earlier than 72 hours prior ...
What is the most important visa for Bhutan?
Bhutan Visa is the most important entry permit for traveling to Bhutan. According to the Bhutanese government, except for passport holders from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, tourists from other countries need to apply for a Bhutan Visa online in advance, which will be issued by the Department of Immigration Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs in Thimphu. Moreover, tourists must apply through a local travel agency in Bhutan.
How Much Is A Visa To Bhutan?
The cost of cultural excursions and hiking is the same. The total cost can be divided into two parts: a visa fee of 40USD per person and minimum daily consumption.
Does the US have a consulate in Bhutan?
The United States has no diplomatic relations with Bhutan, and Bhutan does not have a US consulate. Consular issues related to Bhutan, including assistance to American citizens, are handled by the US Embassy in New Delhi.
Do Indians need a visa to enter Bhutan?
Indian citizens do not need to apply for a visa to enter Bhutan. This is based on the 1949 agreement between Bhutan and India that allowed the people of the two countries to move freely on the basis of reciprocity. However, an entry permit is required. The entry permit is valid for 7 days, and those who travel to Bhutan by road need to show the permit at each checkpoint for verification. Indians who intend to stay longer than 7 days need to visit the immigration office in Thimphu and apply for an extension of their permit. The permit issued by the Bhutan Immigration Department to allow Indian citizens to enter is absolutely free.
Overview
Visa exemption
Citizens of India do not need a visa to enter Bhutan, because the 1949 Treaty between Bhutan and India allows for free movement of people between the two nations on a reciprocal basis.
Indian citizens can obtain entry into Bhutan by air and land, and may use any of the acceptable documents mentioned below to enter Bhutan:
• Indian Passport
Restricted areas permit
Upon entering Bhutan, all foreigners are issued a 7 or 14 days "Entry Permit" by default, valid for Thimphu and Paro only. The rest of Bhutan is considered a restricted area, and foreigners need a "Restricted-Area Permit" to enter. Immigration checkpoints are located at important road junctions throughout the country, where police check the permits of all foreigners they find. In addition, foreigners wishing to visit Buddhist temples must obtain a "Temple Permit" from the Ministry of …
Visa required in advance
All foreigners (except for citizens of Bangladesh, India, and Maldives) must obtain a visa before visiting Bhutan and may only enter Bhutan through Phuntsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar if coming by land or Paro if coming by air. If approved, they are given a visa clearance letter, and must present it at the port of entry. The visa is then stamped into their passport. Foreign tourists must use a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners to pre-arrang…
Liberalization proposals
In 2009, the government of Bhutan hired the consulting company McKinsey to re-assess its policies on tourism. McKinsey’s plan to de-regulate tourism and allow an unlimited number of foreign tourists to enter the country was preliminarily approved by the Prime Minister and the cabinet, but finally rejected due to widespread opposition in the country. According to Canadian scholar Kent Schroeder, “the reversal of McKinsey’s liberalization proposal represented a signific…
See also
• Visa requirements for Bhutanese citizens