Bhutan entry requirements for Brunei passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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

Brunei passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Bhutan. You apply online, and approval usually takes a few days. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a tourist visa.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
e-VisaYou cannot enter Bhutan without an approved e-Visa. Apply well in advance of your trip.
Mandatory for all foreign nationals
All Brunei passport holders must obtain an e-Visa before traveling to Bhutan. Apply online through the official Bhutan e-Visa portal. The visa is processed by a local tour operator or directly via the Department of Immigration. Visa cost and processing time vary; check the portal for current fees.Required
Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of leaving Bhutan to avoid entry denial.
Minimum 6 months beyond departure
Your Brunei passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure from Bhutan.Required
Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the immigration officer to stamp your passport.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp upon arrival.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask for proof that you will leave Bhutan before your visa expires.
Proof of departure
You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket out of Bhutan. This is typically checked at the port of entry.Required
Proof of sufficient fundsYou do not need to show bank statements at immigration, but ensure you have enough money for your trip.
Not required for visa application
No specific proof of funds is required for entry. However, you must be able to cover your stay expenses as per the tour package or self-funded trip.Not required
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival declaration form.
Not required
No arrival declaration form is required for Brunei passport holders entering Bhutan.Not required
Visa extensionPlan your stay carefully as you cannot extend your visa once in Bhutan.
Not available
The e-Visa for Bhutan is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expiry date.Not required
eVisa is the only option
Bhutan does not offer visa on arrival for Brunei passport holders. You must get the eVisa before you travel. No exceptions.
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. If it's close to expiring, renew it first.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa website and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the visa fee (around $40 USD) with a credit card. Processing takes 3–5 working days.
2
Receive approval letter
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa approval letter. Print it out — you'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Bhutan.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
Paro is the only international airport in Bhutan. After landing, go to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa letter, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. They'll stamp you in for up to 30 days.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Brunei Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost$50

Requires invitation from a Bhutanese company; SDF not applicable.

Official/diplomatic visa
Max stayVaries
ValidityVaries
CostFree

For government officials on official duty; arranged through diplomatic channels.

Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (tourist)Non-refundable, paid online during application.$40
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)Mandatory for all tourists; paid before travel.$100 per person per night
Visa extension (per week)Extensions are possible up to 2 weeks; apply at Immigration Office in Thimphu.$20

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete or incorrect application30%
Insufficient funds25%
Criminal record15%

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

Brunei passport holders transiting through Bhutan do not need a visa if staying airside and not leaving the airport. However, all travelers must pay the SDF if they exit transit.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If you need to leave the airport, you must obtain an eVisa and pay the SDF.
Transit hubsParo International Airport (PBH)

Health & vaccines for Bhutan

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk

Bhutan has high altitudes; acclimatize gradually.

Diarrheal diseasesModerate risk

Common from contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.

Japanese encephalitisLow risk

Rare but present in rural areas; consider vaccination if staying long-term.

Malaria risk: low

Risk is low, mainly in southern border areas below 1700m. Consider mosquito repellent.

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
Kawajangsa, Thimphu
Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport
Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00

Practical information for BN 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police113
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Typically 3–5 working days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. You'll get an email with the approval letter.
The visa fee is around $40 USD. You pay online with a credit card during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the 30-day limit. If you need more time, you'd need to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
Yes, you still need an eVisa even if you're only transiting. There's no transit visa exemption for Brunei passport holders.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport is damaged or your application has errors. You'll get a refund of the visa fee minus a small processing charge. Reapply with corrected info.
Yes, you can enter via the land border at Phuentsholing (from India). You still need the eVisa. The process is the same — just show your approval letter at the border checkpoint.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — either a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. A bus ticket to India is fine if you're crossing by land.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.