Embarking on a journey to Bhutan requires thorough preparation and respect for its unique culture and environment. You must arrange visas, obtain comprehensive travel insurance, and pack appropriate clothing and gear. With a surge in regional tourists flocking to Bhutan, navigating the country's permit system can be perplexing. This article aims to demystify the process, providing a simplified guide covering every intricate detail.
Permits for Bhutan
For citizens of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives, collectively known as Regional Tourists, visiting Bhutan is a visa-free experience, albeit with a web of permits required for various regions. With a surge in regional tourists flocking to Bhutan, navigating the country's permit system can be perplexing.There are primarily two types of permits: the Entry Permit and the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
Entry Permit
The Entry Permit is necessary upon entering Bhutan and is valid for travel within or up to Thimphu and Paro districts. It can be obtained from three designated places: the Border Immigration Office, Paro Airport Immigration Office, and through authorized Bhutanese Tour Operators for an Online Permit.Border Immigration Office
Jaigaon – Phuentsholing border entry point is commonly used. Jaigaon is the Indian bordering town, and Phuentsholing is the Bhutan bordering town. Stays in Phuentsholing are permitted without permits.
Location: Bhutan Immigration Office /Kharbandi Check Post, Phuentsholing
Open Hours: Closed on weekends and Bhutan Govt. holidays. Weekdays operational from 9AM to 5PM with a one-hour lunch break from 1PM to 2PM.
The main gate typically opens between 8:00 to 8:30 AM, with document acceptance starting at 9:00 AM. During peak seasons or long weekends, it's advisable to allocate ample time, especially considering that the introduction of biometrics has lengthened the process duration. Underestimating the time needed for the procedure can lead to delays.
Paro Airport
Immigration Office open all days, including weekends and holidays; ideal for weekend or holiday travel to Bhutan.
Open Hours: Paro Airport Immigration Counter operates daily.
Timezone: BST is +6:00 from GMT and 30 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time (IST).
Online Permit
Currently not available to the public; travelers must contact Authorized Bhutanese Tour Operators in advance to arrange permits. If opting for Online Permit, booking the entire package (hotels, vehicle, and tour guide) through them is mandatory for permit processing.
To acquire the permit, travelers must present:
- a valid Passport with a minimum of six months validity
- or an Original Voter ID card.
- For children below 18 years, a birth certificate (in English) or passport is required, accompanied by a legal guardian.
- Additionally, two passport-size photographs are necessary.
- It's advisable for tourists to have travel insurance for the duration of their stay, which can be purchased from Bhutanese insurance providers at the Pedestrian Terminal.
Inner Line Permit (ILP)
An ILP, or Inner Line Permit, for Bhutan is a document required for travelers who wish to visit areas beyond the Thimphu and Paro districts. It grants permission to explore regions such as Haa, Punakha, Phobjikha/Gangtey, and others. The ILP can be obtained from the Thimphu Immigration Office and is essential for travelers looking to venture into these restricted areas within Bhutan.How to Apply?
For destinations beyond, like Haa or Punakha, apply for ILP at Thimphu Immigration Office. Open on weekdays from 9AM to 5PM, closed on weekends and holidays. Provide a photocopy of Entry Permit for ILP.
Important Points to Note:
- The Pedestrian Terminal at Jaigaon-Phuentsholing border operates 24/7. Daily visitors to Phuentsholing don't need an entry permit; an online pre-registration system generates a QR code for presenting at immigration, but staying beyond 24 hours incurs SDF.
- Other entry/exit points on the southern Indo-Bhutan border include Samtse, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Sarpang/Gelephu.
Please note that TCB prioritizes families, so solo travelers, unrelated groups of friends, or single groups may face more inquiries. However, if your documentation is accurate and complete, your permit should not be denied.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and Minimum Daily Package Rate (MDPR)
Bhutan levies fees depending on the number of nights you plan to stay there and your home country. In Bhutan, the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a component of the Minimum Daily Package Rate (MDPR). The MDPR includes various costs such as accommodation, meals, transportation, guide services, and the SDF.For citizens of India
You need to pay Rs. 1200 (approximately 15 USD) per night. Before the pandemic, Indians were exempted from this fee.For citizens of Bangladesh & Maldives
You need to pay USD 100 per person per night, but the process of applying for a visa is both online or in person at the time of arrival. Before the pandemic, these nationals were also exempted from this fee.For citizens of all other countries worldwide
You must pay the following amounts to get the visa. And you must apply for the visa beforehand, either online or through a local travel agency.- Organized groups: 375 to 475 USD per person per day
- Couples: around 475 to 500 USD per person per day
- Solo travelers: 450 to 600 USD per day
Note: Non-citizens of India, Bangladesh, or Maldives must arrange their Bhutan trip through an authorized Bhutanese Tour Operator. This regulation applies to NRIs without an Indian Passport or Voter ID Card as well, necessitating coordination with a tour operator for travel to Bhutan.
Vehicle Permit
If you intend to drive your own vehicle, you must obtain a Vehicle Permit at P/Soling RSTA in addition to the Entry Permit. You'll need to submit your Entry Permit, Driving License, and Vehicle Documents. If you're planning to drive a rental vehicle or one belonging to someone else, you must also provide an authorization letter. The permit fee is Rs. 200/-.Indian vehicles enter zones free but face Nu 4,500/day Green Tax beyond Rinchending Check Post; must register on CPMS with original driving license, registration, insurance, and emission certificates.
To obtain the vehicle permit, you must submit the following documents: Registration Certificate, Insurance Paper, Pollution Control Certificate, Driving License, and Entry Permit. If the vehicle is not registered under your name, you'll also need to provide an Authorization Letter.
Read more about India to Bhutan by Road
Note that it's important to familiarize yourself with Bhutan's hilly driving rules, which differ from those on plains. Additionally, Bhutan has unique policies such as No Honking, so ensure you're aware of them to avoid fines, although there's minimal traffic police presence outside Thimphu.
