Visa and Entry
All international tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) require a visa to visit Bhutan.
Your visa is processed through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Once your tour is confirmed, we handle the entire visa application process for you. There is a non-refundable government fee of US$40 per person, regardless of your nationality or length of stay.
Travelers must also pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) as per government regulations.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a key component of Bhutan’s unique “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy. It’s a daily levy paid by all visitors on a tourist visa and plays a crucial role in supporting the country’s sustainable development goals.
From 1 September 2023 till 31 August 2027, the SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
Indian nationals do not require a visa but need a valid passport or voter ID to obtain a travel permit on arrival. The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night.
We ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry process so you can focus on enjoying your Bhutan journey.
Getting to Bhutan
Bhutan can be reached by both air and road.
By Air:
Bhutan has two national airlines: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Direct flights to and from our international airport in Paro connect you to Bangladesh (Dhaka), India (Bagdora, Gauhati, Kolkata and New Delhi), Nepal (Kathmandu), Singapore, and Thailand (Bangkok).
By Road:
There are four official entry points by road from India: Samtse and Phuentsholing (in western Bhutan), Gelephu (in central Bhutan), and Samdrup Jongkhar (in eastern Bhutan).
We assist with travel planning, including entry procedures, permits, and transportation to ensure a smooth arrival into Bhutan.
Best Time to Visit Bhutan
Bhutan can be visited throughout the year, but the best seasons are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).
Spring offers pleasant weather with blooming flowers, while Autumn provides clear skies and is the best time for festivals and trekking.
Winter (December to February) is colder but ideal for experiencing fewer crowds and visiting western Bhutan. Summer (June to August) brings greenery but occasional rainfall.
We can help you choose the best time based on your travel interests and preferred experiences.
Food
Most hotels serve Continental, Indian and Chinese dishes, a typical Bhutanese staple food is rice, ema datsi (Chilli and cheese curry) and Suja (butter tea). While visiting Bhutan, we expect our guests to try Bhutanese dishes. You can also try out MOMOs, the Tibetan dumplings.
Currency
Bhutan’s official currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.). Indian Rupees are also widely accepted in the country. For convenience, bring US Dollars and exchange them for Nu. upon arrival at the airport ATM. ATMs dispensing Nu. are also available in major towns, accepting Visa and Mastercard. While credit cards are an option in high-end hotels and handicraft stores, having cash is always handy.