Bhutan entry requirements for Colombia 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

Colombian passport holders need an eVisa (e-Permit) to enter Bhutan. You must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator — independent travel is not allowed. As of 2026, the eVisa costs $40 USD and requires a minimum daily spend of $200 USD per person.

Apply for Bhutan eVisaVisa only through licensed Bhutanese tour operator.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Bhutan e-Permit
Apply for the Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before you travel. The permit is linked to your passport and covers your entire stay. Processing takes 2-3 business days — apply at least a week before departure.Apply for e-PermitRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Bhutan requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Bhutan
Immigration officers at Paro Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or tour itinerary
Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator or have confirmed hotel reservations. Carry a printed copy of your booking confirmation or tour itinerary — officers may ask for it at immigration.Recommended
Proof of funds
Daily minimum spend requirement
Bhutan enforces a minimum daily package of $200–$250 per person (depending on season) for tourists. Have bank statements, credit cards, or cash to show you can cover this amount for your entire stay.Recommended
No independent travel allowed
You must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Independent travel is not permitted. Your operator handles all logistics and you must follow the approved itinerary.
Minimum daily spend
Bhutan requires a minimum daily spend of $200 USD per person per day (high season) or $200 USD per person per day (low season). This covers accommodation, meals, transport, and guide. Your tour operator's invoice serves as proof of funds.
Overstay penalties
Overstaying your visa can result in fines and future visa denials. The eVisa is not extendable — you must leave and reapply if you want to stay longer.

What happens at the border

1
Book a tour package
Contact a licensed Bhutanese tour operator and book a package that covers accommodation, meals, transport, and a guide. You cannot travel independently.
2
Apply for the e-Permit
Go to bhutan.travel/e-permit, fill in your details, upload your passport scan, and pay the $40 USD visa fee. Your tour operator will handle the daily fee. Apply at least 5 working days before departure.
3
Prepare your documents
Print your e-Permit approval, return ticket, and tour itinerary. Keep a photocopy of your passport bio page separate from the original.
4
Arrive at Paro International Airport
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, e-Permit, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. Baggage claim is just past immigration.
5
Enjoy your stay
Your tour operator will handle all logistics. Stick to your itinerary and carry your passport and e-Permit at all times.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Download PDF

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. $40 USD)

Standard option for tourism; must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.

Work visa
Max stayDuration of employment contract
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostVaries; employer typically covers fees

Requires a job offer from a Bhutanese employer and government approval.

Student visa
Max stayDuration of study program
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostVaries; institution handles process

Must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan.

Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa processing feeNon-refundable, paid online before travel.$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per nightMandatory for all tourists, paid in advance.$100 USD per night (approx. $100 USD)
Tourist visa (single entry)Included in eVisa application.$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay.$50 USD per day (approx. $50 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
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

Colombia passport holders transiting through Bhutan's only international airport (Paro) do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, due to limited flights, most transits require overnight stays, which may necessitate a visa.

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 (especially in Paro and Thimphu) can cause acute mountain sickness; acclimatize gradually.

Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk

Low risk in most areas, but dengue and chikungunya occur in southern lowlands.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.

Malaria risk: low

Low risk 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
Kawajangsa, Thimphu, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.

Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00

Handles entry/exit formalities at the airport.

Practical information for CO 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

No. Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Independent travel is not allowed. The operator handles your itinerary, accommodation, meals, transport, and guide.
The eVisa fee is $40 USD per person. Additionally, you must pay a minimum daily spend of $200 USD per person per day (high season) or $200 USD per person per day (low season) which covers accommodation, meals, transport, and guide. Your tour operator will invoice you for this.
Apply at least 5 working days before your departure. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. Apply earlier if possible to avoid delays.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave Bhutan and reapply if you want to stay longer. Overstaying can result in fines and future visa issues.
Overstay penalties are not publicly detailed, but overstaying can lead to fines and difficulties obtaining future visas. Avoid overstaying at all costs.
No, if you remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours. However, due to limited flights, most transits require overnight stays, which may necessitate a visa. Check with your airline.
Yellow fever vaccine is required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, and MMR. Consider Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis depending on your itinerary.

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.