Entry Requirements
Passport validity, where you can enter Bhutan by air and land, permits for Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals, and customs rules.
Passport
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival. All visitors except citizens of India, Bangladesh and the Maldives need a visa before travelling.
Where can I enter Bhutan?
By air, all international flights land at Paro International Airport. By land, visitors enter from India through the border towns of Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar. See getting to Bhutan for routes.
Indian nationals
Indian citizens do not need a visa. Instead they receive an entry permit, which can be applied for online or at the point of entry. Only two documents are accepted: a valid Indian passport or a Voter Identity Card issued by the Election Commission of India. Aadhaar cards are not accepted.
The entry permit covers Thimphu and Paro. Travel to other districts needs a further permit, arranged as part of your itinerary. Indian nationals pay a Sustainable Development Fee of INR 1,200 per person per night.
Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals
Citizens of Bangladesh and the Maldives do not need a visa. Like Indian nationals, they apply for a permit, online or at the point of entry, and pay the Sustainable Development Fee.
Travel insurance
Proof of travel insurance is not required for a visa, but we strongly recommend a policy that covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation, especially if you plan to trek.
Customs and tobacco
Visitors may bring a limited quantity of tobacco for personal use, which must be declared at customs and is subject to duty. Smoking is not allowed in most public places in Bhutan, indoors or outdoors. Ask us before you travel if you have questions about items you plan to bring.