Bhutan entry requirements for Belgium passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Belgian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. Apply online before your trip — there is no visa on arrival. This rule applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Bhutan e-Permit | Apply for a Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before you travel. You need a confirmed tour booking with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator — independent travel is not allowed. The e-Permit costs $40 USD per person per day (high season) or $40 USD per person per night (low season), plus a $65 USD visa fee.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Belgian passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your departure date from Bhutan. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Paro Airport ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. If you arrive without one, you may be refused entry and put on the next flight out. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Your tour operator arranges all accommodation as part of your package — you do not need to book hotels separately. Carry a copy of your tour itinerary showing hotel names and dates in case immigration asks. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | You pay the daily tariff ($40 USD per person per night) upfront to your tour operator, which covers accommodation, meals, and transport. Carry a credit card or cash for extras — ATMs are scarce outside Thimphu. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
You cannot enter Bhutan without an approved eVisa. Apply well in advance — processing can take several days.
Sustainable Development Fee
All tourists must pay a daily SDF of $100 USD per night. This is separate from the eVisa fee and is usually collected by your tour operator or at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa website and complete the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive an eVisa confirmation via email. Print it or save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
Paro is the only international airport in Bhutan. After landing, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There are no additional checks unless you're carrying restricted items. Then you're free to enter Bhutan.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist eVisa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days (subject to approval)
Validity90 days from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37) + $100 USD/night SDF
Standard option for tourism; must have pre-booked tour or guide.
Long-term visa (work/study)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostVaries; typically $100–$500 USD
Requires employer or educational institution sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$100–$500 USD
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 annually
~$50–$200 USD
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeNon-refundable, paid online during application. | $40 USD (approx. €37) |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per dayMandatory for all tourists, paid before arrival. | $100 USD per night (approx. €92) |
| Tourist visa single entryeVisa covers single entry for the approved stay. | Included in eVisa fee |
| Tourist visa multiple entryBhutan does not offer multiple-entry tourist visas. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; must be paid before departure. | $50 USD per day (approx. €46) |
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
Belgium passport holders transiting through Bhutan's only international airport (Paro) do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Many areas are above 2,500m; acclimatize gradually and consider medication.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food to avoid illness.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Risk is low but present in lower-altitude areas; use repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low, mainly in southern border areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travelers.
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, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs
Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit formalities and some visa issues.
Practical information for BE 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 = 96.38 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
Yes, you need an eVisa. There is no visa on arrival for Belgian citizens. Apply online before your trip.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
The eVisa fee is typically around $40 USD, but check the official website for current rates. You'll also need to pay a daily sustainable development fee (SDF) of $100 USD per night.
Extensions are not available for the eVisa. You must leave by the date approved on your visa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application is incomplete or your passport is invalid. You can reapply after fixing the issue. Contact the Bhutanese immigration office for guidance.
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Keep a screenshot of your return or onward ticket on your phone.
Not strictly required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical care can be expensive, and insurance covers unexpected costs.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.