Bhutan entry requirements for Switzerland 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
Swiss passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. Apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. As of 2026, the eVisa is the only option for tourism.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bhutan e-Permit | Apply for the Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit. This is the official portal for all tourists. You'll need a scanned passport photo and flight details. Approval usually takes 2–3 business days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Swiss 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 check for at least 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Paro Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Budget airlines flying into Bhutan also check this before boarding. Have a printed copy or digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Bhutan requires all tourists to book accommodation through a licensed tour operator or hotel. Carry a printed confirmation of your hotel booking or tour package itinerary. Immigration may ask for it on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry proof of sufficient funds for your stay — typically around $200 USD per day per person (the minimum daily package rate). A bank statement or credit card showing available balance works. Immigration rarely asks, but tour operators may request it. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Swiss passport holders cannot get a visa at Paro Airport. Apply for your eVisa online at least 2 weeks before travel. Without an approved eVisa, you will be denied boarding.
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. Check your passport expiry now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa website and fill out the application. Upload a digital passport photo and your passport details page. Pay the visa fee (around $40 USD) with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval letter. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare documents for travel
Pack your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and first night hotel confirmation. Keep them in your carry-on for easy access.
4
Arrive at Paro International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. The process is straightforward — expect a short queue.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland 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 stayUp to 90 days (subject to approval)
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. CHF 36)
Standard eVisa for tourism; must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries; typically $100–$200 USD (approx. CHF 90–180)
Requires a job offer from a Bhutanese employer and work permit approval.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course (up to 2 years)
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost$50 USD (approx. CHF 45)
Requires admission to a recognized educational institution in Bhutan.
work visa
Work Permit Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$100–$200 USD (approx. CHF 90–180)
For foreign nationals employed by a Bhutanese company. Requires a job offer and work permit approval. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 2 years), renewable
$50 USD (approx. CHF 45)
For international students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; minimum investment of $100,000 USD (approx. CHF 90,000)
For foreign investors who invest a minimum amount in a Bhutanese business. Requires business plan and approval from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeNon-refundable, paid online during application. | $40 USD (approx. CHF 35) |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)Mandatory for all tourists, paid in advance via tour operator or online. | $100 USD per person per night (approx. CHF 88) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)eVisa is issued for the duration of the pre-paid tour. | Included in SDF package |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap mentioned; avoid overstay. | $50 USD per day (approx. CHF 44) |
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
Swiss passport holders transiting through Paro International Airport (PBH) do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Bhutan's high altitude (over 2,500m in many areas) can cause altitude sickness; acclimatize gradually.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Moderate risk
Present in lower-altitude areas; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but prophylaxis may be recommended for travel to southern border regions.
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, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters. Bring passport, visa, and supporting documents.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit formalities and limited visa services. Best for airport-related issues.
Practical information for CH 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, Swiss passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. There is no visa on arrival. You must apply online before your trip.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to be safe.
The eVisa 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 your visa expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa approval, return ticket, and first night hotel confirmation. Have them ready in your carry-on.
It's not always required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high — insurance covers unexpected hospital stays or evacuation.
No, there is no visa on arrival for Swiss citizens. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly.
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.