Bhutan entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Canadian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan in 2026. Apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for Canadians. The eVisa is valid for a single entry, and the maximum stay is set at the border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bhutan e-Permit | All Canadian passport holders must apply for a Bhutan e-Permit before travel. Go to bhutan.travel/e-permit, fill in your details, and pay the Sustainable Development Fee (currently $100 USD per night). Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Canadian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bhutan. Bhutan does not enforce the 6-month rule, but airlines may ask for at least 6 months validity — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Paro Airport will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they do not accept verbal promises. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator who arranges accommodation. Carry a copy of your hotel confirmation or tour itinerary — immigration may ask for it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | While not always checked, having proof of sufficient funds (credit card or cash equivalent to $200 USD per day) can smooth the process. The Sustainable Development Fee is already paid online, but extra cash helps for incidentals. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no exceptions
Canadian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Bhutan. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines 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 enter Bhutan, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying.
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 usually takes 3-5 business days.
2
Receive approval letter
Once approved, you'll get an eVisa approval letter by email. Print a copy and keep it with your passport. You'll show this at check-in and upon arrival in Bhutan.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
The only international airport in Bhutan is Paro (PBH). After landing, go to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa approval letter, and return ticket. They'll stamp you in for the duration of your stay.
4
Collect baggage and exit
After immigration, collect your luggage from the carousel. There's no customs declaration form required. Walk out into the arrivals hall — your driver or hotel rep will likely be waiting.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 7 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Standard option for most tourists.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 7 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
For travellers planning multiple visits.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Requires sponsorship and proof of purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. $200 USD) per year
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. $100 USD) per year
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. $500 USD) per year
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a Bhutanese business. Requires business plan and approval from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeNon-refundable application fee for standard tourist eVisa. | $40 USD (approx. $40 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist eVisa. | $40 USD (approx. $40 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within visa validity. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Stay extension feePer extension request, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond authorized period. | $10 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
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
Canada passport holders transiting through Bhutan do not require a transit 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, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Many areas are at high altitude; 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 elevations; use insect repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.
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 inquiries.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Convenient for airport arrivals.
Practical information for CA 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
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave by the date stamped at immigration. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport is invalid or your application has errors. You'll get a refund of the visa fee minus a small processing charge. Reapply with corrected info.
Yes. Even if you're just transiting through Paro Airport, you need an eVisa. There's no transit visa exemption for Canadian passport holders.
Yes, you can enter via the Phuentsholing border crossing from India. You still need an eVisa in advance. The process is the same as flying into Paro.
Your passport, eVisa approval letter, and return ticket. They may also ask for your first night's hotel booking. Keep all three ready.
Yes, the eVisa fee is around $40 USD. You pay online during the application. There's no additional fee at the border.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.