DO I NEED A VISA TO ENTER BHUTAN?
Greetings everyone,
My name is Kinga & in this blog I will cover precisely about visa requirements as a visitor intending to visit Bhutan.
Basically the visa to Bhutan especially for tourist are of two types based on the country.
Type 1: For all nationalities except India, you will need an approved visa prior to your arrival into Bhutan. You can choose to apply it yourself at this link https://bhutan.travel/visa or if you can't be bothered with the hassle, then whichever tour operator you are coming through, we or they will apply it on your behalf and get the visa arrangements done. Here at CUDIS vacations, we ensure in making the journey as smooth as possible by taking care of all the administrative works. All visa processing will be done at zero cost but the SDF(sustainable development fee is payable so feel free to get in touch. The SDF for all nationals is USD 100pp/night. Children's/kids have a reduced SDF depending on the age. Until 5 years, no SDF is payable, 6-11; USD 50 per child per night & same USD of USD 100 applicable for kids over 12 years.
Documents required:
1. E-copy Passport size photo
2. E-copyPassport bio page
Whether you as traveller choose to apply the visa yourself or you let us or any tour operator apply your visa, please be advised that the SDF is payable at the time of visa lodgement. So if you're applying yourself, then make sure you've a working debit/credit card to make the payment. If a tour operator is applying visa on your behalf, then you will have to remit the money in advance for onward payment.
Type 2: For nationalities of India, you will not require a visa but you will require a permit which you can get it on arrival at the checkpoint or you can apply it online prior to your arrival. For both the arrangements, you can choose to pay it upon reaching at the border or at the airport or it can be paid in advance while applying for your permit. For more information, get in touch and clarify all your queries.
Documents required:
1. E-copy Passport size photo
2. E-copy Passport bio page OR
3. E-copy Voter ID card
4. E-copy Birth certificate for kids
If you are planning to get your permit on arrival, make sure to bring the original copies. If you're getting your permit online, keep these e-copies ready before starting with the application. If a tour operator is applying on your behalf, send us the doscuments and we apply it on tour behalf at zero cost. For nationals of India, the permit fees is Rs/INR 1200 per person per night. Kids of upto 5 years do not have to pay the SDF. 6-11 years are payable Rs/INR 600 per child per night & above 12 years are payable the same adult fee of Rs./INR 1200 per child per night.
While this may sound a little confusing as to why a visitor needs to pay such an amount to visit a country, Bhutan has this policy of "High value Low Volume" which simply translates to attracting high value visitors who are genuinely looking for an authentic travel experience. Bhutan is a high end destination and at the same time tiny, landlocked and developing. Tourism is a very important sector for the country which is why the vision is to create and design a sustainable path which will keep Bhutan as a sought after destination for a long time. Not having such a policy would mean that the last shangrila as we call it will be overcrowded for a few years ultimately leading to waste pollution, nature degradation, loss of spiritual sanctity and many more! Though such a policy does tend to affect certain section of travellers, the initiative has been undertaken keeping in mind the long term vision of our King, Country & its people.
Any questions/queries relating to tourist visa to Bhutan, we are here to assist!
