Bhutan is a small country between India and China. It is known for its natural beauty and Buddhist culture. The popularity of Bhutan as a tourist destination is increasing recently. If you are from India, and looking forward to visiting Bhutan, you will have many questions in mind about Bhutan visa. We will clarify all those doubts through this guide.

Do Indians need visa for Bhutan?

Yes, Indian citizens need a valid visa to enter Bhutan. There is no visa-free entry for Indians. Bhutan has a restricted entry policy for all foreign nationals, including those from India, in order to control tourism and maintain the ecological balance.

Types of Bhutan Visas for Indians

There are three main types of Bhutan visas available for Indian passport holders – Tourist Visa, Business Visa, and Official/Diplomatic Visa. The visa can be applied for online through the Bhutan immigration website or through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Valid passport, return tickets, hotel bookings, funds proof etc need to be submitted. Let’s learn more about these three types of visas.

Tourist Visa

The tourist visa allows Indians to visit Bhutan for tourism purposes. Indians can enter Bhutan with a tourist visa and stay for up to 30 days. If an Indian tourist wants to extend their stay beyond 30 days, they can apply for a visa extension. This extension allows them to stay for another 7 days in Bhutan. With the extension, the maximum duration allowed on a tourist visa is 37 days. Any further extensions are not permitted on this type of visa.

Business Visa

The business visa is for Indians traveling to Bhutan for work-related purposes. This includes conferences, business meetings, company visits, and other official trips. The initial duration of the business visa is 30 days. If an Indian businessperson needs to stay longer in Bhutan for completing their work, they can apply to extend the business visa. The maximum duration up to which a business visa can be extended is 90 days. With extensions, Indians can stay in Bhutan for a maximum of 90 days on a business visa.

Official/Diplomatic Visa

The official or diplomatic visas are issued to Indians who are traveling to Bhutan on official governmental visits. This includes bilateral delegations between India and Bhutan, those traveling for diplomatic missions or postings, and central or state government officials on duty. The duration of official visas is fixed as per the specific purpose and duration of the official trip. There is more flexibility in the duration allowed on these types of visas, as they are handled on a case by case basis depending on the governmental level of the visits.

Visa Eligibility for Indians

To be eligible for Bhutan visa, Indians need few documents. Below mentioned are those documents.

• Valid Indian passport. Must be valid for at least 6 more months from travel date.
• Confirmed return tickets to and from Bhutan.
• Enough funds. $50 per day for tourists, $70 per day for business.
• Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter (for business).

How to Apply for Bhutan visa

There are 2 main ways Indians can apply for Bhutan visa. Depending on your preferences, you may pick the best method to proceed with your application.

Applying for Bhutan visa online

• Go to www.bhutanvisa.bt and click eVisa.
• Fill the online form with all details.
• Upload scanned passport, photo, letter (if any).
• Pay visa fee online by card.
• Print the visa approval email.

Applying for Bhutan visa through a tour operator

• Contact a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
• They will handle the visa process for you.
• May have to pay additional charges.
• Print visa approval letter given.

Bhutan visa cost for Indian

The cost of Bhutan visa for Indians would vary depending on the type of visa. Here’s an overview of the visa costs.

• Tourist Visa: Rs. 100 per day for Indians (minimum Rs. 1200 for 7 days). Plus Rs. 700 service fees.
• Business Visa: Rs. 250 per day (minimum Rs. 1500 for 7 days). Plus Rs. 700 service fees.
• SAARC Visa: Free for Indians.

Validity and Duration

• Once issued, tourist visa is valid for 3 months from approval date.
• Allowed duration is 30 days from entry date.
• Business visa initial duration is 30 days. Can extend up to 90 days maximum.

What documents do I need to apply for Bhutan visa?

You should be ready with following documents when applying for Bhutan visa. Make sure to double check before submitting, so that you can avoid refusals.

• Passport – must be valid for minimum 6 more months.
• Printed visa approval letter.
• Roundtrip air tickets.
• Hotel booking confirmations.
• Enough funds proof – forex card or traveller’s cheques.
• Extra passport photos – 2 copies.
• Invitation letter (for business).

FAQ

What are the immigration formalities in Bhutan for Indians?

• Submit arrival/departure card on landing or at border.
• Get visa formalities completed and visa stamped.
• Photo and fingerprint scanning done.
• Hire registered local guide (mandatory on tourist visa).
• Display permit at checkpoints in Bhutan.

What are the entry points for Indians with a valid Bhutan visa?

There are 2 entry points to Bhutan by air for Indians. They include below:

• Paro International Airport
• Bathpalathang Airport, Bumthang

For road entry, Phuentsholing is the only entry point. Jaigaon is the border town on Indian side.

How long before travel should Indians apply for a Bhutan visa?

It is recommended that Indian citizens apply for their Bhutan visa at least 1 month in advance, but not earlier than 3 months. The visa application processing can take around 7 to 10 working days once all required documents are submitted. Planning in advance provides sufficient time for obtaining the visa approval letter before travel dates.

Is visa on arrival available in Bhutan for Indian tourists?

No, Indian tourists cannot get a visa on arrival in Bhutan. All Indian nationals must obtain a proper tourist visa approval letter before boarding their flight to Bhutan. Without this pre-approved visa, Indians are not allowed to enter Bhutan. The visa formalities are completed, and actual visa is stamped in your passport on arrival in Bhutan only after presenting the visa approval letter.

Final words

Following this guide will help Indians apply smoothly for Bhutan visa. With right documents and completed formalities, you can visit amazing Bhutan!