Do we require a passport for entry in 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)).
Is it difficult to get a visa for Bhutan?
Getting a visa to Bhutan is nowhere near as difficult as you may think, and it is a total myth that the government limits how many tourists can visit per year. All tourists visiting Bhutan need a visa, unless you hold a passport from India, Bangladesh, or the Maldives (Indian visitors may also use their Visitors Identity Card).
Do you require a visa to visit Bhutan?
You need a visa to visit Bhutan. Government-licensed tour operators must arrange this. The Tourism Council of Bhutan publishes a list of licensed tour operators. You can't travel by yourself unless you have a long-term visa. Flights to and from Paro Airport only occur in daylight hours and depend on good weather conditions.
How do I get a visa for Bhutan?
Visa for coming to Bhutan
- Forwarding letter from the Head of Organization.
- Approval letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Filled up visa applications. (need to filled up by the guests only)
- Passport photocopy of the visitor
Do I need a visa to go to 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.
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 .
Which countries can visit Bhutan without visa?
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.
Do Americans need visa for Bhutan?
Yes. All US citizens must have a visa to travel to Bhutan, and the visa is required in order to purchase a plane ticket to this destination. However, the only way to obtain this visa is through a licensed tour operator in Bhutan.
Is Bhutan open for tourists in 2022?
Bhutan has finally revealed its reopening date, September 23, 2022, after remaining shut for outsiders for more than two years due to the pandemic. The gorgeous Himalayan nation has been attracting travellers from across the globe since ages now.
Is it worth going to Bhutan?
Unless you're from a select few countries, such as India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, travel to Bhutan is expensive and not easily undertaken. However, the distinctive Buddhist culture, unspoiled scenery, and fresh mountain air make it very worthwhile.
How hard is it to get a visa to Bhutan?
Essentially, the only difficult part about getting a visa to Bhutan is the email correspondence and the money transfer, but even those are of little inconvenience in the grand scheme of things. The $40 USD visa fee will be included in your total tour cost, so you should not have to pay anyone at any airport.
How much does it cost to go to Bhutan?
A: Depending on duration and kind of hotel you stay, Bhutan travel can cost you anywhere between 35,000 to 1,25,000. We recommend you to stay at least 5 nights and visit Thimphu/ Paro and Punakha.
What language does Bhutan speak?
DzongkhaBhutan / Official language*Note: Dzongkha is the official language of Bhutan used mainly in the country's western region. Hindi is the official language of India, but it was previously used in Bhutanese classrooms. Bhutan is a multilingual country where approximately 20 languages are commonly spoken.
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.
Is Bhutan safe for tourists?
Bhutan is a very safe country to visit, crime is uncommon, even petty crime! The country has no traffic lights, there are traffic wardens instead and the locals love it. The production and sale of tobacco are illegal, as are hunting and fishing (except for catch and release).
How can I go to Bhutan from USA?
Tourists from USA can travel to Bhutan by land through India and Nepal. They need to fly to any of the destinations in India or to Kathmandu in Nepal then travel by land to Phuntsholing which is the entry point for visitors over land.
How much does it cost to go to Bhutan?
A: Depending on duration and kind of hotel you stay, Bhutan travel can cost you anywhere between 35,000 to 1,25,000. We recommend you to stay at least 5 nights and visit Thimphu/ Paro and Punakha.
How hard is it to get a visa to Bhutan?
Essentially, the only difficult part about getting a visa to Bhutan is the email correspondence and the money transfer, but even those are of little inconvenience in the grand scheme of things. The $40 USD visa fee will be included in your total tour cost, so you should not have to pay anyone at any airport.
Is Bhutan open for Indian tourists in 2022?
Only arrivals by flight to Paro are entertained right now. Land borders are still closed. Flights are running on reduced schedule. From 23 September 2022 onwards, quarantine should be lifted.
How can I get Bhutan permit online?
All you have to do is submit your passport, hotel booking confirmation, and yes you will need to hire a local guide if you want to process your permit online. the local agent said that they need input guide details as well to process the permit online. 1. Entry permit - to enter into Bhutan.
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 $200 a day for low season.
Why is Bhutan regulated?
Travel to the Kingdom of Bhutan is highly regulated under the policy "High Value, Low Impact Tourism " in order to minimize the impact on the country's unique society and environment. Bhutanese policy ensures that only a limited number of tourists enter the country at any one time, preventing it from being overwhelmed by mass tourism and thus altering its character, and that the tourists who do come get the most out of their visits.
What company did Bhutan hire to re-assess its tourism policy?
In 2009, the government of Bhutan hired the consulting company McKinsey to re-assess its policies on tourism. McKinsey ’s plan to de-regulate tourism and allow an unlimited number of foreign tourists to enter the country was preliminarily approved by the Prime Minister and the cabinet, but finally rejected due to widespread opposition in the country. According to Canadian scholar Kent Schroeder, “the reversal of McKinsey ’s liberalization proposal represented a significant triumph for many within the private sector and civil society.”
1. Regional Tourist (from India, Bangladesh, and Maldives)
Regional Tourists from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives are exempted t pay a Royalty fee of US$ 65 per person and per night. Winter session of winter parliament 2020 decided to levy Sustainable Tourist fund (SDF) minimum of US$16 per person per night.
2. Rest others
Rest other tourists (Except Indian, Bangladesh, and Maldives) must obtain a visa clearance prior to travel to Bhutan through any registered Bhutan Tour Agency. Visas are processed through a Tashel online system by your licensed tour operators of Bhutan or directly through a foreign travel agent of any country.
Visa Policy for Bhutan
Visa Policy for Bhutan is regulated by the Royal Government of Bhutan. Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness implies protecting the environment and maintaining culture and traditions, where the government sets the policy of High-value low impact tourism policy of Bhutan.
Route and Special Permits
All places in Bhutan outside of the Paro and Thimphu districts are under restricted areas. One needs to produce a route permit separately for the places on your travel itinerary. The route permit is checked and endorsed by the immigration officers at checkpoints.
Passports validity for Bhutan Visa
To get Visa for Bhutan you need to have your passport for more than six months of validity. Validity is very important and scan copy in jpeg colour format. Many countries in Asia will not issue visas to persons whose passports are about to expire.
Bhutan Travel cost and Visa fee
Bhutan visa is US$40 per person. This is non-refundable and it directly goes to government revenue for processing Bhutan Visa. However, in addition to the visa fee, you also have to pay for the tour. The Bhutan Tourism Council has a fixed Minimum Daily tariff. The Bhutan Travel cost and Visa fee are not applicable for Regional tourists.
How long does it take to get a visa for Bhutan?
Visa clearance takes at least 7 days to process and airplane tickets to Bhutan cannot be purchased without visa clearance. At your point of entry into Bhutan, immigration authorities will stamp a visa into your passport upon payment of $40 U.S. or Nu.2500. You will also need to provide two passport photos.
How long does a passport need to be valid in Bhutan?
Travelers should contact the Tourism Council for the latest daily tariff. Your passport must be valid for at least six months following the date of your arrival to Bhutan. You need a Bhutanese visa to enter and exit Bhutan.
What is the emergency number for police in Bhutan?
The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line for Bhutan police in Bhutan is 113. The emergency number for ambulance service is 112.
What are the penalties for illegal drugs in Bhutan?
Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bhutan are severe, including long jail sentences and heavy fines, or death.
Where can I get medical care in Bhutan?
U.S. citizens in need of urgent medical care should try to get to the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in the capital city , Thimphu.
Where is the Bhutan consulate in New York?
For the most current information on entry and exit requirements, please contact the Bhutan Mission to the United Nations (Consulate General), 343 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 682-2268, fax (212) 661-0551.
Where are visas approved?
All visas are approved in the capital, Thimphu, and are only issued to tourists who have booked travel with a local licensed tour operator, either directly or through a foreign travel agent. Applications for tourist visas are submitted by the local tour operator.
How to get a visa for Bhutan?
The visa requires you to have a pre-booked tour, arranged through a registered Bhutanese tour operator, who will make the application on your behalf. You need to provide the tour operator with a scanned copy of the photo and information page of your passport, and once received, and your tour is paid for, the visa will be applied for through the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
What documents are needed for Bhutan visa?
The required travel documents for Bhutan Visa are only a scanned copy of your passport’s photo and information page, which is sent to the tour operator. Once the operator has that, and the tour has been paid for, the visa can be applied for on your behalf.
Where to send LoI in Bhutan?
The application is made through the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB), who processes the application with the Immigration Office, and once completed, the Immigration Office send the LoI to the TCB and the immigration desk at Paro International Airport.
How many people visit Bhutan each year?
With more than 10,000 visitors per year traveling to Bhutan from The United States and Canada combined, Bhutan has become a popular tourist destination for the high-end tourists, mainly due to the cost of tours to Bhutan being more expensive than most other countries in Asia.
Which countries are Bhutan tours?
For most of our customers who came from the US and Canada, the popular countries to start a Bhutan tour are India, Nepal, and Thailand. And it is easy for US citizens and Canadian citizens to get the visa of these countries.
Where is the closest railway station to Bhutan?
However, this is relatively simple to arrange, and if you are planning the trip overland to Bhutan through India, there is a direct rail link from Panitanki, on the eastern border of Nepal, to Hasimara, the closest railway station to Bhutan.
Is it easier to travel to Bhutan or Nepal?
Traveling to Nepal to get to Bhutan is easier for many people than traveling through India, as long as you are not planning on traveling overland to Bhutan from Nepal.
Overview
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 touri…
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