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.
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Bhutan.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Bhutan.
Visa requirements
You must have a visa to enter and exit Bhutan.
You must apply for your visa in advance, The authorities will pre-approve the visa and issue it when you arrive in Bhutan.
Visas can be arranged through a Bhutanese tour operator, through a Bhutanese hotel or directly through the Department of Immigration’s website. A non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of 40 US dollars is also payable.
If you’re travelling for business or other non-tourism reasons, you must arrange your visa through your sponsoring organisation in Bhutan.
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 via air through the international airport in Paro, or via the land entry point in Phuentsholing
Vaccine requirements
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Bhutan guide.
Sustainable development fee
All visitors must pay a daily sustainable development fee (SDF) of 100 US dollars per night (per adult; concessionary rates apply for children)
More information about the SDF can be found here.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Bhutan (PDF). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
It is illegal to export antiques. 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 asked to when you are in possession of the products.
Taking money into or out of Bhutan
You can take up to 30,000 Bhutan ngultrum into or out of Bhutan.
You must declare foreign currency worth 10,000 US dollars or more if you plan to take it into or out of Bhutan and get clearance from the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan.
Indian rupees are widely accepted in Bhutan.