Visa policy of Bhutan

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The visa policy of the Kingdom of Bhutan is strictly regulated under the policy of "High Value, Low Volume" tourism,[1] in order to minimize the effect on the country's unique society and environment. Bhutanese policy ensures that only an acceptable number of tourists enter the country at a time, preventing the country from being overwhelmed by mass tourism and consequently changing its character, and that tourists who do arrive get the best experience and value from their visit.

Visa for Bhutan issued in 2002

Visitors to Bhutan must obtain an e-Visa unless they are citizens of one of the visa-exempt countries or citizens who may obtain a visa on arrival.
All visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months.

Visa policy map[edit]

Visa policy of Bhutan
  Bhutan
  Freedom of movement
  Visa on arrival

Visa exemption[edit]

Freedom of movement[edit]

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.
From 23 September 2022, this freedom of movement is now restricted to travel within the border towns of Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar. Travel beyond these border towns will require a permit, which can be obtained on arrival.
Citizens of India may use any of the acceptable documents mentioned below to enter Bhutan:

Visa on arrival[edit]

Citizens of the following countries may obtain a visa on arrival in Bhutan:[2]

Diplomatic and official passports[edit]

Holders of diplomatic or official passports of the following countries may obtain a visa on arrival at the port of entry:[3]

90 days
30 days

Electronic visa (e-Visa)[edit]

Citizens of other countries must obtain an e-Visa.[4] It is possible to apply for visa independently

Visa clearance letter[edit]

All foreigners (except for citizens of Bangladesh, India and Maldives) may obtain a visa in advance through a licensed tour operator and receive a visa approval before travel.
All visas are approved from Thimphu and are only issued to tourists booked with a local licensed tour operator, either directly or through a foreign travel agent.
Applications for tourist visas are submitted by the tour operator.
If visa is 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.[5][6]
All foreign citizens may only enter Bhutan through Phuntsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar if coming by land or Paro if coming by air.

Entry requirements[edit]

In August 2023, the Bhutanese announced new incentives for tourism:

The incentives and measures shall consist of the following:

  • A 50% discount is provided on the current Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of 200 USD for tourists visiting Bhutan . The current discounted SDF is 100 USD per person per day for tourists paying in US dollars.
  • In addition, children between the ages of 6 and 12 years are also given a 50% discount on SDF at the rates applicable to children traveling as tourists. Children ages of 5 years and under are exempt.
  • Visitors to the Bhutanese towns bordering India are exempt from paying the SDF for up to 24 hours.[7]

The above incentives will come into effect from 1 September 2023 and shall remain effective for 4 years till 31 August 2027.[8]

Visitor statistics[edit]

Most visitors arriving to Bhutan were from the following countries of nationality:[9]

Rank Country or territory 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012
1  India 230,381 191,836 172,751 114,301
2  Bangladesh 13,016 10,450 10,536 7,753
3  United States 11,707 10,561 9,220 7,292 7,137 7,291 6,997 6,102
4  China 7,564 6,878 6,421 9,208 9,399 8,111 4,827 3,816
5  Singapore 4,744 3,886 4,129 3,015 2,587 1,720 2,051 1,611
6  United Kingdom 4,241 3,585 3,246 3,124 2,958 2,680 2,309 2,491
7  Thailand 4,086 3,886 4,047 4,177 3,778 12,105 3,527 3,617
8  Germany 3,375 3,422 2,970 2,297 2,498 2,971 2,770 2,895
9  Australia 3,153 2,739 2,249 1,818 1,833 2,037 2,062 1,950
10  Japan 3,010 2,674 2,744 4,833 2,437 2,707 4,035 7,029
11  Malaysia 2,761 3,140 2,956 1,967 1,546 2,067 2,054 1,312
12  Vietnam 2,072 1,961 1,423
13  France 1,953 1,773 1,545 1,501 1,563 1,636 1,572 1,863
14  Canada 1,870 1,807 1,524 1,110
15  Spain 1,659 1,397 1,142
16  Taiwan 1,496 1,491 1,812
17   Switzerland 1,379 1,352
18  Italy 1,229 978
19  Indonesia 1,033
20  Netherlands 757
Others 20,007
Total 315,599 274,097 237,529 209,570 155,121 133,480 116,209 105,407

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Bhutan revises its tourism policy to redefine High Value Low Volume tourism". Daily Bhutan. Daily Bhutan. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  2. ^ "Visa to Bhutan". Druk Asia. Druk Asia / Tourism Council of Bhutan. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  3. ^ "Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan?". Tourism Council of Bhutan. Tourism Council of Bhutan.
  4. ^ "Bhutan eVisa".
  5. ^ "General information" (PDF).
  6. ^ "Bhutan Visa Application Procedures".
  7. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". Tashel.
  8. ^ "Passport & Visa to enter Bhutan".
  9. ^ "Bhutan Tourism Monitor". Tourism Council of Bhutan. Tourism Council of Bhutan. Retrieved 23 September 2022.