Table of Contents
🏳️ Country Overview
Country Name - Bhutan
Planning a trip to Bhutan? You’re in for a serene experience filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the Bhutan visa process for Indian citizens.
Indian passport holders do not require a traditional visa to enter Bhutan. Instead, a Bhutan visa takes the form of an Entry Permit, which must be obtained along with payment of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). This policy helps promote sustainable tourism while preserving Bhutan’s natural and cultural heritage.
📝 Visa Types & Basic Requirements
Types of Visas Available
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Entry Permit: Required for all Indian travelers.
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Route Permit: Necessary for visiting restricted areas beyond Thimphu and Paro.
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Dependent Permit: For family members accompanying a work permit holder.
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Trader Permit: Issued to Indian nationals for trade purposes in southern border towns.
Age Requirement
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Children below 6 years: Exempt from paying the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
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Children aged 6–12 years: Eligible for a 50% concession on the SDF.
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Children above 12 years: Required to pay the full SDF.
Passport Validity
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Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
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Voter ID: Accepted as an alternative travel document.
Visa Validity
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Entry Permit: Valid for a maximum of 15 days.
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Route Permit: Valid for specific restricted areas; duration varies.
Stay Duration Allowed
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Entry Permit: Up to 15 days.
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Route Permit: Duration depends on the specific area; typically up to 30 days.
Number of Entries
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Entry Permit: Single entry.
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Route Permit: Single entry for the specified area.
💸 Fees & Processing for Bhutan Visa
Visa Fee
| Category | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| Entry Permit | Free |
| SDF (per person per night) | 1,200 |
| SDF for children (6–12 years) | 600 |
| SDF for children (<6 years) | 0 |
Processing Time
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Entry Permit: Instant issuance at the border or airport.
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Route Permit: Processing time varies; apply in advance.
When to Apply
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Entry Permit: Apply at least 1–2 days before travel.
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Route Permit: Apply 7–10 days in advance.
📄 Documents & Proof
Documents Required
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Valid Passport or Voter ID.
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Recent Passport-sized Photograph.
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Valid Travel Insurance covering the duration of stay.
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Sustainable Development Fee Payment Receipt.
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Birth Certificate (for children traveling without a passport).
Financial Proof
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Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): INR 1,200 per person per night.
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Children aged 6–12 years: INR 600 per night.
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Children below 6 years: No SDF required.
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Payment: Can be made online or at the entry point.
Translations Needed?
Documents: All documents should be in English or Dzongkha.
Visa Photo Specifications
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Size: 35mm x 45mm
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Background: White
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Expression: Neutral, mouth closed
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Head Position: Centered, facing forward
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Clothing: Dark-colored, no uniforms
👩⚖️ Interviews, Biometrics & E-Visa
Interview Required
No: Interviews are not required for Indian travelers.
Biometric Requirement
Yes: Biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) are collected upon arrival at the entry point.
E-Visa Available?
No: E-Visas are not available for Indian citizens.
📌 Application & Tracking
Application Process
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Prepare Documents: Gather passport/Voter ID, photograph, and travel insurance.
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Pay SDF: Make the Sustainable Development Fee payment.
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Submit Application: Apply online or at the entry point.
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Biometric Collection: Provide biometric data upon arrival.
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Receive Permit: Obtain the Entry or Route Permit.
👨👩👧👦 Dependents & Work
Dependents Info
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Entry Permit: Dependents can accompany the main applicant.
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Documents: Each dependent requires a valid passport or Voter ID, photograph, and SDF payment.
Working Rights
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Entry Permit: Not permitted to work.
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Work Permit: Required for employment; must be obtained separately.
Visa Extension Info
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Extension: Not applicable for Entry Permits.
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Route Permits: Can be extended at the Department of Immigration before expiry.
🌍 Embassy & Support
VFS/Global Partner Centers
VFS Global: Currently, there are no VFS centers for Bhutan in India.
Embassy Locations
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Royal Bhutanese Embassy: New Delhi
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Address: 2/50E, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021
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Website: https://www.mfa.gov.bt/rbedelhi/
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Royal Bhutanese Consulate: Kolkata
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Address: 2/2, Alipore Road, Kolkata – 700027
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🦠 Health & Rejections
Covid-19 Guidelines
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Testing: No mandatory COVID-19 testing.
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Random Testing: Random RT-PCR tests may be conducted at the point of entry.
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Quarantine: Not required.
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Vaccination: Not mandated.
Common Rejection Reasons
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Incomplete or incorrect documentation.
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Failure to pay the Sustainable Development Fee.
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Traveling without valid travel insurance.
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Attempting to enter restricted areas without a Route Permit.
💡 Final Notes
Important Tips
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Travel Insurance: Ensure it covers the entire duration of your stay.
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SDF Payment: Keep the payment receipt handy.
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Permits: Carry both Entry and Route Permits when traveling to restricted areas.
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Tour Operators: Engaging a certified Bhutanese tour operator can simplify the process.
FAQs
Can I get a visa on arrival in Bhutan?
No, Indian travelers do not need a visa on arrival. Instead, you get an Entry Permit at the border or airport after paying the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
Is Bhutan visa free for Indians?
Yes! Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Bhutan. You only need an Entry Permit and to pay the SDF.
Can I apply for Bhutan visa online?
No, there is no traditional Bhutan visa for Indians to apply online. You can apply for the Entry Permit online or get it directly at the border or airport.
Can I enter Bhutan with my Aadhaar card?
No, an Aadhaar card is not accepted for travel to Bhutan. You must carry a valid Indian Passport or Voter ID card.
Is a 500 rupee note accepted in Bhutan?
No, 500 rupee notes are generally not accepted in Bhutan. It’s better to carry smaller denominations and USD for transactions.