Bhutan Visa for Indians
Bhutan Visa Information
Visa Type:
E-Visa
Visa Type: E-VisaYou will have to take a print-out of your E-visa and present it at the immigration counter.
Length of Stay:
15 days
Length of Stay: 15 daysThe maximum duration that you are allowed to remain in a country after entering with that particular visa.
Validity:
90 days
Validity: 90 daysThe number of days your visa is active after the date of issuance. We ensure your visa is valid based on your travel dates.
Entry:
Single
Entry: SingleYou can enter the country only once during the visa's validity period and cannot re-enter using the same visa once you've exited.
Method:
Paperless
Method: PaperlessApply and receive your visa fully online. No paperwork needed.
Bhutan Visa Rejection Reasons
Factors that can get your visa rejected
Expired Passport
Applying with a passport that has expired or expires within 6 months
Insufficient Funds
Failing to demonstrate enough financial resources to support your stay.
Criminal Record
Having a criminal history that disqualifies you from obtaining a visa.
Previous Visa Violations
Having overstayed or violated the terms of a previous visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indians need a visa for Bhutan?
Yes, Bhutan requires a mandatory entry permit for Indian nationals. The Department of Immigration issues this permit, and it can be processed through their online portal.
What is Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), and how is it used?
Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) represents a daily charge levied on all visitors, playing a vital role in supporting the country’s developmental endeavors. Following the introduction of tourism in 1974, Bhutan has consistently utilized revenue generated from visitors to strategically invest in comprehensive development projects.
The SDF contributes financing to essential sectors including healthcare provisions, educational programs, infrastructural improvements, and ongoing measures for ecological conservation. These investments are crucial to maintaining Bhutan’s distinctive status as a carbon-neutral nation and positively impact the overall visitor experience. Through supporting these conservation and development efforts, tourists directly contribute to Bhutan’s planned sustainable growth strategy.
How much sustainable development fee do I have to pay?
Special Development Fee (SDF) Rates:
- International visitors (excluding residents of India): USD 200 per person per night.
- Indian visitors: 1,200 Ngultrum (or equivalent in Indian Rupees) per person per night.
- A 50% reduction in SDF rates is available for visitors paying in US dollars, applicable up to August 31st, 2027.
Exclusions:
- Individuals under 6 years years of age.
- Short-term visits to Bhutanese border communities.
Deductions:
- Youth aged 6 to 11 years years are entitled to a 50% reduction in the SDF.
- Children aged 12 years and older will be subject to the full SDF.
What does the Bhutan entry permit look like?
Here is a sample of the Bhutan entry permit:

What is the validity of my Bhutan e-permit?
Your Bhutan e-permit’s validity period is 90 days. The authorized duration of your stay will be specified within the corresponding entry permit.
Why to choose VisaFast?
Here are the advantages of selecting VisaFast:
Streamlined Visa Applications: Our intuitive platform simplifies the application process, particularly beneficial for individuals applying for visas for the first time. You can acquire your visa through an uncomplicated process, conducted from the convenience of your residence.
Dedicated Support: We facilitate constant updates regarding the progression of your visa application and offer experienced support staff to manage inquiries or provide reassurance.
Reduced Time and Financial Investment: Our service acts as an integrated solution for all your visa-related questions, offering a financially sensible strategy compared to conventional visa representatives.
Comprehensive Coverage: We extend visa and entry permit services to more than 80 nations, including Bhutan, tailored for Indian citizens, and enable applicants to secure visas for countless international locations across global destinations.
What are the Bhutan entry permit requirements for Indians?
When applying for your Bhutan entry permit, you will require the following documents:
Passport: A digital copy of your passport or voter ID card. Passport copy should be in JPEG or PNG format
Photo: A recent digital passport-size photograph.
Travel insurance: Tourists should have travel insurance for the duration of the trip.
Note: Those under 18 can use a birth certificate or passport and must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
What are the requirements for Bhutan permit application passport-size photographs?
Here are the specifications for a passport-sized photograph:
Freshness: The photograph must be recent, having been taken within the preceding six months.
Specification: A standard color portrait-style image is mandatory.
Visibility: The image must prominently display the entire applicant’s face, including the eyes, forehead, and ears.
Background: The photograph’s background needs to be entirely white and devoid of borders.
To facilitate the creation of a passport-compliant image that fulfills exacting government stipulations, the VisaFast photo tool is available. Leveraging proprietary technology, the application reliably ensures that image parameters such as dimensions, correct lighting, background coloration, and the visibility of facial details, fully align with official requirements.
Is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) refundable if I cancel my trip?
Yes. A cancellation will result in a complete refund of the Sustainability Development Fee (SDF). Nevertheless, any bank charges related to the cancellation will be subtracted from the refunded sum. Applications for SDF refunds should be directed to the Department of Immigration.
What should I do if my Bhutan e-permit can’t be processed?
If you experience difficulties processing your Bhutan e-permit, you should undertake the following steps:
Validate your application: Thoroughly examine your application form for discrepancies in personal details, passport information, or the travel itinerary. Precise errors can significantly impact processing.
Engage the Bhutanese Embassy or Consulate: Communicate directly with the appropriate Bhutanese diplomatic representation to seek support and direction. They are authorised to offer expert advice and may facilitate accelerated processing.
Submit supplementary documentation: Be prepared to furnish any additional documentation as requested by the relevant authorities. This could encompass confirmations of lodging, evidence of travel insurance coverage, and pertinent supporting materials.
Factor in processing timelines: E-permit issuance is subject to processing durations, particularly during periods of high demand. Application is advisable at an opportune time prior to travel to mitigate any associated pressures.
Can I reapply for a Bhutan e-permit after rejection?
The applicant has the right to reapply within seven days following the issuance of the rejection notice. Subsequent processing of the appeal by the consulate is anticipated to occur within fourteen days of the appeal’s receipt.
Is the Bhutan e-permit fee refundable?
Yes, refusal of your Bhutan e-permit visa application processed through VisaFast will result in a fee refund, provided it aligns with the VisaFast terms and conditions.
How will I receive my Bhutan entry permit?
Upon approval of your entry permit application, the Bhutan entry permit will be dispatched to you via mail. It is recommended that you print and retain a saved digital copy on your mobile device, which facilitates a smoother entry process during immigration procedures.
Can I make corrections to my Bhutan e-permit application after submission?
Important: Once your application has been submitted, it cannot be modified. To initiate a new application, you must complete a new form. Furthermore, the application fee is non-refundable and will not be reimbursed.
How can I apply for Bhutan e-permit through VisaFast?
To initiate your Bhutan e-permit application effortlessly through VisaFast, please adhere to the following procedure:
Begin the Application Process: Commence your Bhutan e-permit application utilizing VisaFast.
Upload or Capture Your Photo: You may upload a photograph previously stored or capture one directly via your smartphone or computer within the website.
Provide Your Details: Ensure all required personal and travel information is accurately entered.
Finalize and Pay: Finalize the application and remit the applicable Bhutan e-permit fees.
Obtain Your Visa: Following completion and processing, you will be able to download and print your e-permit.
Can Indians get a Bhutan permit on arrival?
Yes. To acquire a Bhutan permit, travelers must present a passport that meets the Bhutan Immigration Department’s minimum validity requirement as specified in 6 months. Obtaining an e-permit is recommended to expedite the permit authorization process and minimize potential delays.
Can I extend my e-permit when in Bhutan?
Yes, e-permits for Bhutan are eligible for extension. An extension can be processed in person at the Department of Immigration, requiring payment of both the extension fee and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each day of the extension.
Important: Applicants should submit their extension application prior to the expiration date of their existing permit. Extensions may incur substantial fees; prospective applicants are urged to verify fee amounts before commencing application procedures.