Indians do not require a vise to travel to Bhutan. However, they require an Entry Permit. Indian citizens travelling to Bhutan must carry valid Travel Documents to obtain a permit. If travelling by air the permit is issued at Paro International Airport and if travelling by road the permit is to obtained from the Immigration Office of Royal Government of Bhutan at Phuentsholing, located on the Indo-Bhutan border opposite Jaigaon, West Bengal. This entry permit allows Indian citizens to visit Paro and Thimphu only. If you want to visit any other places in Bhutan, it is mandatory to be accompanied by a guide certified by the Department of Tourism of Bhutan. Also, you can only stay in accommodation approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
Indian citizens can visit Bhutan by planning their own trip or choose one of the local operators approved by the government of Bhutan. You need to apply for the Entry Permit before visiting Bhutan. If you choose a local tour operator or stay at the government approved hotels, they can apply the Entry Permit on your behalf. You can also apply for the permit on arrival in Bhutan but there may be a long waiting period depending on the number of applicants at the time. Indian tourists also need to pay a sustainable development fee to visit Bhutan.
Travel Documents Required for Bhutan Entry Permit
- Valid Indian Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity or Original voter ID card
- For children below 18 years - Original birth ceritifcate in English language or valid passport. The child must be accompanied by a legal guardian
- 2 passport size photographs
- Travel insurance either purchased in India or on arrival from Bhutanese insurance providers at Pedestrian Terminal at Phuentsholing
Indian Tourists Planning Their Own Trip
In the past, it was mandatory to plan the travel to Bhutan through an accredited tour operator. However, Indians can now enter Bhutan by planning their own trip. The following are mandatory if visiting Bhutan on your own:
- Entry Permit (which can be obtained by applying at https://visit.doi.gov.bt/)
- A tour guide if visiting beyong Thimphu and Paro
- Travel insurance
- It is mandatory to stay in an accommodation certified by the Department of Tourism for the whole duration of the trip
- Transportation around Bhutan (it is not possible to hire a self drive car in Bhutan)
Bhutan Sustainable Development Fees
A sustainable development fees have to be paid by everyone visiting Bhutan which is:
Adults: INR 1200 per person per night
Children between 6 and 12 years: INR 600 per child per night
Children below 6 years: Free
If visiting Samste, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar for less than 24 hours, you do not need to pay the Sustainable Development Fees
How to Apply for Bhutan Entry Permit for Indian Citizens
- An entry permit is mandatory to visit Bhutan. It is to be shown at the Pedestrian Terminal at Jaigaon-Phuentsholing border which remains open 24*7.
- Entry Permit allows an Indian citizen to visit Thimphu and Paro only
- If visiting any other place in Bhutan, you need to be accompanied by a certified guide
- You can apply for pre-registration of Entry Permit at https://bms.doi.gov.bt
- Once you reigster, you will recieve a QR code which needs to be shown at the immigration counter along with the travel documents (mentioned above)
- Entry permit can also be obtained on arrival at the Phuentsholing checkpost. However, the waiting time may be long depending on the number of applicants at the time
- If travelling to Bhutan by air, the Entry Permit is granted at Paro International Airport
Indian Vehicles in Bhutan
Indian registered vehicles are only allowed in Bhutan within Rinchending Check Post in Phuentsholing, without any charges. For travelling to any other place, there is a Green Tax of Nu. 4,500 per car, per day. A guide is also mandatory for which there is an additional charge. You need to register at n Check Post Management System (CPMS) [https://1010.bt/epass/apply/] to cross the check point in Bhutan. The following documents are mandatory:
- Original driving license
- Original vehicle registration certificate not more than 10 years from the date of registration
- Vehicle emission and road worthiness certificate
- Vehicle insurance
- If driver and owner of the vehicle are different, an authority letter from the owner of the vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions
How much currency can I carry into Bhutan?
Indian citizens are allowed to carry Indian currency only upto INR 25000. The currency cannot be of denominations more than INR 500. If carrying more than INR 25000, the currency must be of denomination INR 100 and below.
What is the 24 hour SDF border town waiver?
Tourists visiting boreder towns of Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrupjongkhar in Bhutan for less than 24 hours do not need to pay the Sustainable Development Fees (SDF). SDF will be charged if going beyond Gurung Basti in Samtse, and beyond Rinchending Checkpost in Phuentsholing.
Do I need a guide to enter monuments and Dzongs in Bhutan, and are they chargeable?
Yes, you need a certified guide to enter monuments and Dzongs in Bhutan. Some of these monuments and dzongs have an entry fees while others are free.
Are Route Permits required for guests to move around between areas in Bhutan?
Route Permits are no longer required for visiting Bhutan. However, you must be accompanied by a certified tour guide if visiting any place apart from Thimphu and Paro.
