Visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Travelers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
All visitors must respect Bhutanese laws, culture, traditions and environmental regulations during their stay.
Independent backpacking tourism is restricted for most international travelers outside official tourism arrangements.
Visa Information
All international tourists traveling to Bhutan, except nationals of India, Bangladesh and the Maldives are required to obtain a Bhutan visa prior to arrival.
Bhutan visas can only be processed through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator such as A Treasure Door to Bhutan or through an authorized international travel partner affiliated with a Bhutanese operator.
Once your Bhutan tour is confirmed and the required payments are completed, our team will submit your visa application through the official Bhutan tourism and immigration system.
Documents Required
To process your Bhutan visa, travelers are required to provide the following documents and information:
- Clear scanned copy of passport (Passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Bhutan)
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Confirmed travel dates and itinerary
- Full flight details (if flights are already booked)
- Complete personal details as required for immigration processing
Visa Processing Procedure
Step 1: Confirm Your Bhutan Trip
Travelers finalize their itinerary, travel dates, accommodation category and services with A Treasure Door to Bhutan.
Step 2 : Payment Completion
Visa applications are submitted only after:
- Full tour payment, or
- Required advance payment including applicable Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and visa fees
Step 3 : Visa Application Submission
Our team submits your visa application through the official Bhutan tourism system.
Step 4 — Visa Approval
Once approved, travelers receive an official Bhutan Visa Clearance Letter via email prior to departure.
Visa Processing Time
- Standard Bhutan visa processing generally takes 5–7 working days
- During peak travel seasons or festival periods, processing may take longer
- Urgent processing may be possible with additional fee subject to approval and government processing timelines
Note : Travelers are advised to confirm Bhutan trips well in advance to avoid delays.
Visa Approval & Entry
After approval, travelers will receive a Bhutan Visa Clearance Letter which must be carried while traveling to Bhutan.
The actual visa is stamped upon arrival at:
- Paro International Airport, OR
- Approved land entry points
Visitors may be asked to present:
- Passport
- Visa clearance copy
- Travel insurance
- Return/onward travel details
Final entry approval is subject to Bhutan Immigration authorities.
Special Information for Indian Nationals
Indian nationals do not require a Bhutan visa. However, they must obtain an Entry Permit upon arrival.
Indian visitors must carry:
- Valid Passport with minimum 6 months validity, or
- Valid Voter Identity Card
Children below 18 years traveling with parents should carry:
- Valid passport, or
- Original Birth certificate in English
Indian nationals are also required to pay the applicable Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) as per current Bhutan tourism regulations.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a mandatory tourism levy introduced by the Royal Government of Bhutan under the country’s “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy.
The SDF supports Bhutan’s national development goals including:
- Free healthcare and education
- Environmental and biodiversity conservation
- Preservation of Bhutanese culture and heritage
- Sustainable tourism infrastructure
- Community development initiatives
- Carbon-neutral tourism policies
The fee helps Bhutan maintain responsible and sustainable tourism while protecting its unique cultural and natural environment.
Children SDF Policy
International Tourists
- Children below 6 years: No SDF
- Children aged 6–12 years: 50% concession on SDF
- Children above 12 years: Full SDF applicable
Indian Nationals
India Tourists are levied SDF of Nu. /Rs.1,200 per person per night. Children aged 5 years and below are exempted of SDF.However, children between the age of 6 -12 years will be given 50% concession on SDF.
Use of own vehicle to visit Bhutan: Indian tourists can visit Bhutan in their own vehicles including two wheelers.
They will be facilitated upon payment of Nu. /Rs. 4500/- per day at port of entry upon verification and inspection of documents and vehicle. They further need to register on the check post Management system (CPMS) https://1010.bt/epass/apply/ of Royal Bhutan Police to cross check points.
Documents Required:
- Original Driving license
- Original Registration Certificate (Vehicle Registration shall not be more than 10 years from the date of registration)
- Vehicle Insurance
- Vehicle Emission and road worthiness certificate
- Owner of the Vehicle must be the same person. If driver and owner are different, an authority letter from Owner to driver is required.
Current Bhutan SDF Rates
International Tourists
- USD 100 per person per night
Indian Nationals
- INR 1,200 per person per night
Applicable government taxes and processing charges may apply.