Table of Contents
About Bhutan
Bhutan is a South-Central Asian country located on the eastern ridges of the Himalayas. Bhutan became more vibrant in the second half of the twentieth century, and as a result, changes happening in Bhutan. The land area is covered by Bhutan approx 38,394 km2, which is slightly smaller than Switzerland and roughly half the size of the US state of Indiana. Dzongkha is the official language of Bhutan. The population (in 2015) of Bhutan is 760,000. The Tshanglas are the indigenous people of eastern Bhutan, while the Ngalops are Tibetans who migrated to Bhutan, and the Lhotshampas are a group of Nepali language-speaking Bhutanese people. Bhutan has a holistic approach to progress, success and places equal emphasis on non-economic aspects of happiness. They believe in happiness. Bhutan is the last stronghold of Vajrayana Buddhism, and Buddhism is very much alive in the country. Bhutan is popular and famous for hosting some of the world’s most vibrant and colorful festivals. There is no traffic light in Bhutan. Bhutan is the only country in the world that outright prohibits the sale and production of tobacco and tobacco products.
How to apply for Visa and Permits?
Only the Department of Immigration issues Bhutanese visas and entry permits, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs in Bhutan after a properly completed visa application form is submitted to the Department for verification and issuance of the visa.
However, there is some exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, all other visitors to Bhutan must obtain visas prior to their visit.
Requirements of Visa
- Nationals of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives can obtain a visa at the port of entry by presenting a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months.
- If Indian nationals do not have passports, the entry permit will be issued upon production of a Voters Identity Card (VIC).
- After obtaining an entry permit from the Department of Immigration, Indian nationals who wish to drive their cars to Bhutan must obtain a “Route Permit” from the Road Safety and Transport Authority office in Bhutan.
The Ministry of Finance may also process visa applications for foreign donors. Other relevant agencies will be in charge of verifying and recommending visas for other foreigners.
You can fill the application here
Types of Visa
1. Diplomatic visa
- There is one condition which is Only individuals with diplomatic passports are eligible to apply for a diplomatic visa when visiting Bhutan for official purposes and postings/assignments.
Requirements
- Copy of passport
- Recommendation from the Royal Government of Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Must have a valid passport for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
- Form of visa application duly completed
- If necessary, the Department may request additional documents during the assessment process.
2. Official Visa
- Individuals who are visiting Bhutan on official business may apply for a visa.
Requirements
- Recommendation from the appropriate agency
- Must have a valid passport for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
- Form of visa application duly completed
- If necessary, the Department may request additional documents during the assessment process.
3. Tourist visa
The other tourist visitors’ visas, excluding Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals, are processed online by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) website contains a list of tour operators.
Requirements
- Bhutan Tourism Council’s endorsement
- Passport copy
- Must have a valid passport for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
- Route of the Tour
- If necessary, the Department may request additional documents during the assessment process.
4. Gratis Visa
This visa may be issued to holders of diplomatic passports, official passports, UN passports, government delegations recommended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and those covered by the Royal Government of Bhutan’s Memorandum of Understanding.
5. Visa on Arrival
Citizens of Bangladesh and the Maldives don’t require visas to enter Bhutan and they can obtain a Visa on Arrival stamp on their passports upon arrival.
Immigration authorities will issue a Visa on Arrival to Thai and Swiss nationals with Official and Diplomatic passports at the point of entry. Thai and Swiss nationals with ordinary passports, on the other hand, must apply for a Bhutanese visa in advance.
Requirements:
- Letter of recommendation from a localhost/counterpart
- Passport copy.
- Must have a valid passport for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
- The form must be completed along with all supporting documents for obtaining a visa on arrival
6. Employment visa
- A work visa enables a foreign national to work in Bhutan.
- Individuals with an employment visa may stay and work in the Kingdom for a maximum of one year.
Requirements
- Approval from the Department of Labour, the Ministry of Labour, and the Ministry of Human Resources
- a copy of a current passport
- Must have a valid passport for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
- Form of visa application duly completed
- If the employer is a business holder, a copy of a valid trade license is required.
- In certain conditions, the Department may request additional documents during the assessment process.
7. Student Visa
Individuals who wish to study in Bhutan must apply for a student visa.
A person seeking permission to enter the Kingdom as a student will be admitted for an approved period of time, which will be determined by the length of his course of study.
Requirements:
- Recommendation from the appropriate agency
- a copy of a current passport
- Must have a valid passport for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
- Admission offers from a Bhutanese academic institution
- Form of visa application duly completed
- Form of means of subsistence duly completed
- Purpose Statement
- Memorandum of Agreement (Student exchange program)
- The institute’s project (Student exchange program)
- In certain conditions, the Department may request additional documents during the assessment process.
8. Business visa
A business visa holder can do business in Bhutan and may be issued along with documentary proof of government approval for the establishment of a business within the kingdom.
Requirements:
- Recommendation from the Royal Government of Bhutan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs
- a copy of a current passport
- Must have a valid passport for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
- Form of visa application duly completed
- a copy of a current trade license
- In certain conditions, the Department may request additional documents during the assessment process.
9. Dependent visa
A dependent visa may be issued to the dependents of a person who is in Bhutan on a work permit.
Requirements
- Recommendation from the Work Permit holder’s employer
- a copy of a current passport
- Must have a valid passport for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
- Copies of marriage certificates that have been notarized (spouse)
- A copy of the birth certificate that has been notarized (children below 18 years)
- Form of visa application duly completed
- In certain conditions, the Department may request additional documents during the assessment process.
10. Personal guest visa
Individuals coming to Bhutan on the invitation of a Bhutanese citizen or a foreign professional (with a Work Permit) or Diplomat residing in the country may be granted a personal guest visa.
A personal guest may remain in the Kingdom for the duration of their visit or for thirty days, whichever is shorter.
Requirements
- Personal guest application form duly completed and signed by the Bhutanese applicant
- Copy of Bhutanese applicant’s Citizenship Identity Card
- a copy of the guest’s valid passport
- Must have a valid passport for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
- Completed and signed visa application form by guest
- The guest’s tentative travel itinerary
- Any additional supporting documentation
- In certain conditions, the Department may request additional documents during the assessment process.
- You can fill the Bhutanese form here.
- You can fill Foreigners form here.
Permit
1. Entry Permit
Only individuals of Indian nationality will be granted entry permits to Bhutan. You can fill the form here.
2. Work Permit
- An employer who wishes to hire a foreign worker in the Kingdom must obtain permission from the Department of Labour.
- Work permit issuance may be subject to clearance from relevant agencies.
- Foreigners (18 years and older) with entry permits and visas who visit the country for the purpose of work or employment will be issued a work permit. The form can be filled here.
Requirements
- Approval from the Department of Labour, the Ministry of Labour, and the Ministry of Human Resources
- Form for obtaining a Work Permit that has been duly completed
- Employer Undertaking duly completed
- Employee Undertaking duly completed
- Copy of a passport or voter identification card, along with an employment entry permit (for nationals of India)
- a copy of your passport with your employment visa (for nationals of other countries)
- Must have Medical Fitness Certificate which is issued by a competent government-certified medical officer in Bhutan.
- Photograph in passport size
- Must present The notarized or original academic certificate (applicable only to Bangladesh/Maldives/India nationals)
- In certain conditions, the Department may request additional documents during the assessment process.
3. Student Permit
This Permit will be issued to a foreigner who is enrolled in an academic institution, school, or college, including shedra and drupdey, for a regular academic course.
A student permit may not be renewed beyond the duration of the student’s course of study.
Requirements
- Application for a Student Permit that has been duly completed
- The Institute has successfully completed its project.
- Moreover, The student must complete his or her assignment
- a copy of one’s passport or voter identification card, along with the relevant entry permit (for nationals of India)
- a copy of your passport with the relevant visa (for nationals of other countries)
- Must have Medical Fitness Certificate which is issued by a competent government-certified medical officer in Bhutan.
- In certain conditions, the Department may request additional documents during the assessment process.
- Fill the form here
4. Route Permit
Foreigners traveling to different parts of the Kingdom for purposes such as work or visits will be issued a route permit.
A route permit shall be issued to a valid immigration permit holder only upon arrival in the country to facilitate travel to restricted areas for a period of no more than thirty days at a time. Fill the form here
Requirements
- Localhost/counterpart application
- Route Permit application form duly completed
- Itinerary for the tour
- In certain conditions, the Department may request additional documents during the assessment process.
5. Dependent Permit
These permits will be issued to the spouse and children of an international organization official, an overseas employee, hydropower projects, Dantak, IMTRAT, and Professional Work Permit holders. Fill the form here
Requirements
- a copy of the principal applicant’s a valid work permit
- Recommendation from the work permit holder’s employer
- Form for a dependent permit, duly completed
- a copy of one’s passport or voter identification card, along with the relevant entry permit (for nationals of India)
- a copy of your passport with the relevant visa (for nationals of other countries)
- Marriage Certificate Copies (for spouse)
- a copy of your birth certificate (for children below 18 years)
- In certain conditions, the Department may request additional documents during the assessment process.
6. Trader Permit
Trader permits will be issued to Indian nationals, particularly in border towns on the southern border.
The Trader Permit will be renewed and transferred based on the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ recommendation.
Processing time of Visa
The maximum number of days required for visa processing is two working days.
Cost of Visa
The Bhutan visa itself costs US$40 per person.
Best place to visit in Bhutan
1. Thimphu
Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, is an intriguing destination. The city, nestled in the Himalayan higher ranges, offers breathtaking views of the emerald forests and the Raidak or Chuu River.
Thimphu
2. Paro
Paro is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bhutan due to its peaceful serene beauty and clean air, which is surrounded by unleveled mountains, lush green fields, and historical buildings.
Paro
3. Punakha
Punakha is another breathtaking destination in Bhutan that is popular with adventure seekers. For those who enjoy the adrenaline rush of river rafting in the two rivers/chhus – Mo and Pho.
Punakha
4. Jakar
Jakar, also known as Chamkhar, is located near the foothills of Choekhor Valley. This region is best known for its trading center, and the Jakar Dzong is its most famous attraction.
Jakar
5. Phobjikha
Phobjikha is a huge U-shaped glacial valley that borders Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. During the winter, the beautiful black-necked cranes can be found in this ever-enchanting land.
Phobjikha