Entry Procedures
Visa and entry requirements depend on the country that issued your passport. The information here is general guidance. Always confirm the requirements for your own nationality with the official source.
This information is for general guidance only. Please verify with the embassy or official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Types of visas required and their conditions
Most foreign visitors to Bhutan must apply for a visa online through the official government portal before arrival and pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). Many travellers arrange this through a licensed local tour operator. Nationals of India, Bangladesh and the Maldives are treated differently. Rules depend on your nationality and can change, so check the official sources before you travel.
- Visa
- Apply online in advance
- Fee
- Sustainable Development Fee
- Check
- Official sources
- Most travellers apply online and pay the SDF before arrival
- India, Bangladesh and the Maldives have different arrangements
Passport Conditions
Required validity period and blank pages
Your passport should generally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry into Bhutan and have blank pages for stamps. As visa and Sustainable Development Fee details are usually tied to your passport, make sure the passport you travel on matches the one used in your application. Check your specific requirements before you travel.
- Validity
- 6 months recommended
- Pages
- Blank pages needed
- Match
- Same as application
- Passport should be valid at least six months beyond entry
- Travel on the same passport used in your visa application
Required Documents & Pre-registration
Arrival cards, health declarations, and other preparations
On arrival you may be asked to show supporting documents alongside your passport. These typically include your approved visa or visa clearance, proof of the paid Sustainable Development Fee, confirmed accommodation, and any tour itinerary if you booked through an operator. Keep printed and digital copies ready to speed up entry at Paro.
- Visa
- Approved visa/clearance
- Fee
- SDF payment proof
- Stay
- Accommodation/itinerary
- Carry your visa clearance and SDF payment confirmation
- Keep both printed and digital copies of key documents
Pre-arrival procedure — Bhutan visa/permit & SDF: tourists must apply online for a visa/permit on the official Department of Tourism portal (visit.doi.gov.bt) and pay the Sustainable Development Fee (reported USD 100 per person per night, with different rates/waivers for some visitors). After payment and document submission you receive an e-visa clearance letter to show on arrival. Beware paid look-alike sites.
Official Bhutan Department of Tourism (visit.doi.gov.bt)- Surname
- SMITH
- Given name
- MICHAEL
- Nationality
- Your nationality (e.g. a representative country)
- Passport number
- A1234567
- Arrival date
- 2026-04-10
- Entry city
- Paro
Steps
- 1 On visit.doi.gov.bt check whether your nationality needs visa/permit or is visa-free/exempt
- 2 Complete the application and upload the passport page/photo as required
- 3 Pay the official fee and save the approved visa/permit (print or keep on your phone)
- 4 Present it at check-in and immigration together with your passport
Eligibility, fees, processing time and validity can change; for accurate details we recommend checking with the official government portal before you travel.
Last updated: 2026-08-30
Cash Import Limits
Declaration-free limits and procedures for excess amounts
Bhutan sets a declaration threshold for currency brought in or out. If you carry cash above the set limit, you must declare it to customs on arrival or departure. Declaring is straightforward and helps avoid problems when you leave. Check the current threshold with official sources before you travel, as amounts can change.
- Rule
- Declare above threshold
- When
- Arrival and departure
- Check
- Current limit
- Declare cash above the set limit to customs
- Confirm the current threshold before travelling
Duty-Free Allowances & Restricted Items
Limits on tobacco, alcohol, food, and other goods
Personal effects for your trip are generally allowed, but some goods are restricted or taxed. Tobacco and tobacco products are limited and taxable, and must be declared on arrival. Camera equipment and other valuables may need to be recorded so they can be taken out again. If in doubt, declare items rather than risk a penalty.
- Personal
- Generally allowed
- Tobacco
- Limited and taxed
- Valuables
- May be recorded
- Tobacco products must be declared and may be taxed
- When unsure, declare items to customs
Prohibited Items
Items that are strictly forbidden from import
Bhutan strictly regulates the export of religious relics, antiques and objects of cultural or historical value; taking them out is generally prohibited without official clearance. Illegal drugs are banned and penalties are severe. Restrictions also apply to protected wildlife products. Do not attempt to remove antique or sacred items, and follow official guidance if buying handicrafts.
- Antiques
- Export restricted
- Drugs
- Banned; severe penalties
- Wildlife
- Protected products limited
- Export of antiques and religious relics is tightly controlled
- Illegal drugs are prohibited with severe penalties
Medication Import Rules
Rules for bringing prescription and over-the-counter drugs
Bring enough of your regular prescription medicine for the whole trip, kept in original packaging with a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s letter. Some medicines that are common elsewhere may be controlled in Bhutan, so check before travelling. Pharmacies exist mainly in towns, and supplies of specific brands can be limited, especially in remote areas.
- Supply
- Bring enough
- Proof
- Prescription/letter
- Check
- Controlled items
- Keep medicines in original packaging with documentation
- Specific brands may be hard to find outside towns
Vaccinations & Health Requirements
Required and recommended vaccines for entry
No specific vaccines are required for most travellers, but a yellow fever certificate may be requested if you arrive from a country where the disease is present. Routine vaccinations should be up to date, and travel health advice often covers hepatitis and other precautions. Much of Bhutan sits at high altitude, so allow time to acclimatise. Consult a travel clinic well before departure.
- Required
- Generally none
- Yellow fever
- Certificate if from risk area
- Altitude
- Acclimatise
- Yellow fever proof may be needed if arriving from a risk country
- Plan for high altitude and consult a travel clinic
Immigration Process
Step-by-step guide from arrival to clearing immigration
Most air travellers arrive at Paro International Airport (PBH), the country’s main gateway, while some enter overland from India at designated border points. At immigration you present your passport and approved visa, and officers check your Sustainable Development Fee payment. The process is usually calm and orderly. Have your documents ready and follow staff instructions.
- Airport
- Paro (PBH)
- Land entry
- Designated points from India
- Checks
- Visa and SDF
- Paro is the main air gateway; land entry is via set border points
- Officers verify your visa and SDF payment
Tips for Smooth Entry
Practical advice for a hassle-free arrival
Bhutan drives on the left, uses 230V power with plug types C, D, G and M, and the country code is +975. Days can be warm while evenings are cold, especially at altitude, so pack layers. Dress modestly when visiting temples and dzongs. Roads are winding and journeys take time, so plan a relaxed itinerary and carry some cash for smaller places.
- Driving
- Left side
- Power
- 230V, C/D/G/M
- Dress
- Modest at temples
- Country code +975; pack layers for cold evenings
- Winding roads mean journeys take time; carry some cash