Bhutan
Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Bhutan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Bhutan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, see the Bhutan government’s visa entry page or contact the Bhutanese Embassy in Brussels.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Bhutan.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You must have a visa to enter and leave Bhutan.
Applying for a visa
You must apply for your visa in advance. The authorities will pre-approve the visa and issue it when you arrive in Bhutan.
You can arrange a visa through a Bhutanese tour operator, through a Bhutanese hotel or directly through the Department of Immigration’s website. You will need to pay a non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of 40 US dollars.
If you’re travelling for business or other non-tourism reasons, you must arrange your visa through your sponsoring organisation in Bhutan.
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
Make sure the border control officer stamps your visa in your passport.
Permits
You must have permits to travel to some states in Bhutan. Your tour guide will help to get these.
If you want to extend your stay in Bhutan, go to the Department of Immigration in Thimphu to make a request.
Entry and exit points
You can enter or exit Bhutan by air through the international airport in Paro, or by the land entry point in Phuentsholing.
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bhutan guide.
Sustainable development fee
All adult visitors must pay a daily sustainable development fee (SDF) of 100 US dollars per night. There is a lower daily charge for children. Read more information about the SDF.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Bhutan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
It is illegal to take antiques out of Bhutan. Customs officials may inspect items that appear to be antiques.
Taking tobacco into Bhutan
You can bring a small supply of tobacco for personal use. You will need to pay taxes and duties and be able to show proof of tax and duty payments if the authorities ask you to at any point during your visit.
Taking money into or out of Bhutan
You can take up to 30,000 Bhutan ngultrum into or out of Bhutan.
If you plan to take foreign currency worth 10,000 US dollars or more into or out of Bhutan, you must declare it and get clearance from the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan.
Indian rupees are widely accepted in Bhutan.