Bhutan entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. You must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival facilities at Paro Airport. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and typically processed within a few working days.
Apply for Bhutan eVisaVisa only through licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel. The process requires a scanned passport, photo, and proof of accommodation. Approval takes 3–5 working days — do not book flights until you receive the permit.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bhutan. Bhutan does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may ask for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Paro Airport checks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Budget airlines flying into Bhutan also enforce this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator or pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 USD per night. Have your hotel confirmation or tour itinerary printed. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no exceptions
Bhutan does not offer visa on arrival for UAE passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Airlines will check this at check-in.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Bhutan, not from your departure date. Double-check before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa website, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the visa fee (around $40 USD). Processing takes 3–5 working days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval letter. Print it out — you'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Paro.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in — expect a quick process if your documents are in order.
4
Collect baggage and exit
Once stamped, collect your luggage from the carousel and walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check for tourists.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 147 AED)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$80 USD (approx. 294 AED)
Allows multiple visits; extension possible per entry.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayVaries by permit
Validity1 year, renewable
CostVaries (approx. $100–$500 USD)
Requires employer or educational institution sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 735 AED)
For foreign nationals employed by a Bhutanese company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 367 AED)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 1,837 AED)
For individuals investing in Bhutan's economy. Minimum investment amount required; approval from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa. | $40 USD (approx. 147 AED) |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)Mandatory fee for all tourists, part of Bhutan's high-value low-impact tourism policy. | $100 USD per person per night (approx. 367 AED) |
| Overstay fineCharged for each day over the authorized stay. | $50 USD per day (approx. 184 AED) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Bhutan
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders transiting through Paro International Airport do not require a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsParo International Airport (PBH)
Health & vaccines for Bhutan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Many areas are above 2,500m; acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Risk is low but present in lower elevations; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Drink bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consult a travel clinic.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Thimphu
Department of Immigration, Thimphu
Kawajangsa, Thimphu, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Paro
Immigration Office, Paro
Paro International Airport, Paro
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Convenient for airport arrivals; limited services.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalThimphu
LanguageDzongkha
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to one year, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBhutanese ngultrum (BTN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.39 BTN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+6
vs New York+11h
vs Los Angeles+14h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,GTypes C (Europlug), D (old British), and G (British three-pin) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Bhutan does not offer visa on arrival for UAE passport holders. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel.
Typically 3–5 working days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
The eVisa fee is around $40 USD. Payment is made online during the application process.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's shorter, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, you need a confirmed onward ticket — either a return flight home or a ticket to your next destination.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from remote areas can be very expensive.
Extensions are not available for eVisa holders. You must leave before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.