Entry & Visa

Tourism in Bhutan: Exclusivity, Sustainability, and the Pursuit of Happiness

Bhutan, known as one of the most exclusive travel destinations in the world, impresses with authenticity, seclusion, a well-preserved cultural heritage, and an intact natural environment. In this context, the tourism sector has evolved into a dynamic industry with significant growth and development potential.

The Royal Government of Bhutan has a clear vision: "To promote Bhutan as an exclusive travel destination based on the values of Gross National Happiness (GNH)." This vision is reflected in the policy of "High Value, Low Volume" tourism, aiming to give Bhutan an exclusive and lucrative image.

Bhutan's tourism industry is based on the principle of sustainability. This means that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable, and economically viable. The Royal Government acknowledges the global influence of tourism as a means of socio-economic development, especially for a developing country like Bhutan. It sees tourism as an opportunity to foster deeper understanding among people, based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and ways of life.

To achieve these goals, the Royal Government adopts a cautious approach to the growth and development of the tourism industry. Bhutan's indigenous industry and the country's unique advantages are compelling reasons to promote Bhutan as a high-quality travel destination. This is done in accordance with the principles of Gross National Happiness to ensure a sustainable and authentic travel experience.

Welcome to Bhutan - entry and visa made easy

Before you can enter the country of Bhutan, you need valid travel documents. These should consist of at least a valid passport for each person traveling with you, a corresponding visa letter and a travel plan. It is also advisable to carry an up-to-date vaccination certificate and international health insurance for health protection.

Your travel documents for entry into Bhutan

To enter the Asian inland country, you need valid passports. You must ensure that they are valid for at least another 6 months. Children also need their own children's passport.

This must also be valid for at least another six months after the period of your trip and must have a photograph. You also need the international passports to apply for a visa. Without this, you cannot enter Bhutan.

We take care of it: Applying for your visa for Bhutan

Visas in Bhutan are only issued to tourists or guests of the government. Individual travelers or couples (private trips) can also form such a group, including a local guide and driver. We would be happy to plan your trip through the land of the thunder dragon - as a group or as an individual tourist with a guide and driver.

In order to apply for your visa, the travel route and accommodation must already be set. We will of course work out such a travel plan with you before you apply, so that you can easily apply for a visa for Bhutan. Bhutan trips can only be booked through an official tour operator.

We also need a biometric photo. We will then prepare the application, photo and color copy of your still valid passport as an application for your entry into Bhutan. We will then forward your complete documents to the responsible Ministry of Tourism in Bhutan and take care of all other matters relating to your trip. We also pay the government fees of USD 100 per person/per night (as of September 2023) to the government before the trip and then receive the Bhutan visa.

Around 2-3 weeks before your departure and after all the necessary fees have been paid, you will receive your approved letter from the Ministry of Tourism. You must present this in writing upon entry, along with your travel plans and your identification documents.

Upon entry, you will receive a corresponding stamp in your passport upon arrival at the airport in Paro or at the border post at the Phuentsholing crossing or in Sandrup Jongkhar. With this visa you are entitled to stay and travel in Bhutan.

Many paths lead to Bhutan: Entry in Various Variants

You can enter Bhutan by land or by air. There are four airports in Bhutan, but only the one in Paro is used for commercial flights. The other airports serve domestic flights and connect various regions of the country. The capital, Thimphu, has the only helicopter landing pad in the entire country.

The Bhutan airport in the Paro Valley is located at an altitude of 2236 m and is operated by the state-owned airline "Druk Air." The daily flights to Bangkok, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Singapore, and Kathmandu are also operated in equal parts by the private carrier "Bhutan Airlines."

The connections are extremely reliable. We are happy to organize your entry into Bhutan via an international intermediate airport of your choice.

Entry into Bhutan by Land

There are border crossings in Phuentholing, Samdrup Jongkar, and Gelephu.

Please note that when entering and exiting by land, complete visa documents must always be available. In addition, when crossing the border, documents such as travel plans and tickets must be presented in full.

There are bus connections between the border crossings and the various major cities. Of course, we will plan your transfer to your destination with you before your trip.

Formalities upon Entry into Bhutan

Regardless of the entry method you choose, you must complete the appropriate entry forms to enter Bhutan. On these forms, you must declare your luggage brought with you, especially valuables, alcohol, and cigarettes. Your personal travel needs can be brought in duty-free. This contrasts with cigarettes and tobacco, which are heavily taxed. Keep in mind that Bhutan has had a smoking ban for several years. So you can only smoke in open areas or in your hotel room.

Note: If you want to exit overland towards India, you need a valid visa beforehand, as visas are not issued at the border crossings.