Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions and Answers
Q. Do I need visa to enter Bhutan?
A. Yes, all visitors need a visa to enter Bhutan, except for visitors from India, who require a permit.
Visitor from Bangladesh and the Maldives are eligible for a visa on arrival at their port of entry
Visitors from India will need a permit to enter Bhutan and are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. Indian nationals under the age of 18 may enter with a
birth certificate or passport and must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Indian nationals are eligible for permit on arrival, but it is recommended that a permit is obtained in advance,
to reduce the processing time at the port of entry.
Q. How long does it take to issue my visa?
A. It may take up to five working days to process a correctly input visa application.
Q. How Do I apply for Visa/permit?
A. Visitors can apply for their visa or permit through this TCB website bhutan.travel or if you are travelling with a tour operator, they may apply on your behalf to process their visa or permit.
Although visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives can process their visas on arrival at their port of entry and visitors from India can process their permits on arrival, it is recommended that these be applied for online instead in order to reduce the wait time at the port of entry.
Q. How long can a foreigner stay in Bhutan as a tourist?
A. Foreigners can stay in Bhutan as a tourist for a maximum of 90 days.
Q. How much is the SDF?
A. With effect from September 2023, Government of Bhutan has announced a 50% discount on the SDF for US Dollar paying tourists. Under this incentive, the SDF is USD 100 per person
per night. This is a time limited incentive valid until 31 August 2027. For guests from India (who have an Indian passport or Indian voter ID card), the SDF is 1,200 ngultrum, or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees, per person, per night.
Q. Is Bhutan safe to Visit?
A. Yes, it is a safe destination to visit.
Q. How should I dress in Bhutan?
A. Tourists are advised to cover arms and legs with long-sleeved clothing especially in Dzong.
Q. How many days are enough for Bhuta Trip?
A. A trip duration of 4 to 5 days is the perfect duration to cover major attractions like Thimphu, Paro, and Tiger's Nest Monastery. Extension of the tour may depend on
several factors, including other treks and activities.
Q. What is the best time to visit Bhutan?
A. Spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September, October, November). During these
months the weather tends to be pleasantly dry and mild with beautiful scenery.
Q. Is travel insurance mandatory?
A. Yes, all visitors must have full, valid travel insurance for the duration of their stay in Bhutan. It is required to be in place when you make your visa application, except visitors
from India, Bangladesh and Maldives have the options to purchase domestic travel insurance at their port of entry.
Q. Do you need a guide for Bhutan?
A. Yes, it is suggested to get in touch with a tour guide for necessary solutions.
Q. Is alcohol allowed in Bhutan?
A. Yes it is allowed. Furthermore, it is much cheaper in the local Bhutanese alcohol shops.
Q. Is Uber available in Bhutan?
A. The Uber concept is simple in Bhutan: you order from your Smartphone a kind of taxi, and it is the nearest free car that will be sent to you.