Bhutan Visa Information
Start your Bhutan journey with complete peace of mind. At Sokshing Travel, we handle the entire visa process for you, making it seamless, simple and stress-free.
General Visa Requirements
All visitors to Bhutan require a visa prior to arrival, except nationals of India, Bangladesh and the Maldives. Further details for these nationalities are provided below.
When you book with Sokshing Travel , we manage your full visa application. All you need to provide is:
- A clear digital scan of your valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining
- A recent digital passport-sized photograph with a white background
We take care of the rest, with no complicated forms or online navigation required.
Required Fees
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Sustainable Development Fee:
US$100 per adult per night
Concessionary rates apply to eligible children. - Visa Application Fee: A one-time, non-refundable fee of US$40 per person
Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian Nationals
Indian nationals require an entry permit rather than a standard Bhutan visa. We strongly recommend arranging the permit in advance to help avoid delays. It may also be obtained on arrival at designated entry points.
No visa pre-payment is required. The applicable Sustainable Development Fee is paid during the permit application process.
Travellers applying on arrival should carry a passport-sized photograph.
Nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives require entry approval, but the process differs from the standard international visitor visa procedure. Sokshing Travel can manage the application and applicable Sustainable Development Fee payment on your behalf.
Special Tourism Incentives
The Royal Government of Bhutan currently offers reduced Sustainable Development Fee rates to support sustainable tourism while maintaining Bhutan’s “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy.
Current SDF Rates
The following rates apply from 1 September 2023 until 31 August 2027:
-
International visitors paying in US dollars:
US$100 per person per night
A 50% reduction from the standard US$200 rate. - Children aged 6 to 12 years: US$50 per child per night
- Children aged 5 years and under: Exempt from the Sustainable Development Fee
These reduced rates currently apply until 31 August 2027 and may be amended by the Royal Government of Bhutan.