Bhutan entry requirements for Spain 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
Spanish passport holders need an eVisa to visit Bhutan. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. The eVisa is valid for tourism and short visits, and you'll need to show it along with your passport when you land at Paro International Airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Bhutan e-Permit | Apply for a Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before travel. The permit is linked to your passport and covers your entire stay. 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 Spanish passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bhutan. Bhutan does not enforce a 6-month validity rule beyond your departure date, but airlines may still check for it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Paro Airport will ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Budget airlines flying into Bhutan also check this before boarding. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or tour confirmation | Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator or have confirmed hotel reservations. Have your booking confirmation or tour itinerary ready — immigration may ask for it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Daily minimum spend | Bhutan enforces a minimum daily package rate of $200–$250 per person (depending on season) that covers accommodation, meals, transport, and a guide. Have proof of payment or sufficient funds to show if asked. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
You cannot get a visa on arrival in Bhutan. Airlines will deny boarding without an approved eVisa. Apply at least 7 days before your flight.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
All tourists pay $100 USD per night as an SDF. This is included in most tour packages. If you're booking independently, factor this into your budget — it adds up fast.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa portal and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the visa fee (around $40 USD) and any applicable tourism levy. Processing usually takes 3–5 working days.
2
Receive your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in for your flight to Bhutan and again at immigration in Paro.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket ready. The officer will check your documents, take a photo, and stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs checkpoint on the way out — declare any expensive items or restricted goods. Then you're free to meet your driver or guide.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)
Standard option for tourism; must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Work visa
Max stayVaries by contract
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostVaries; typically $100–$200 USD
Requires a job offer from a Bhutanese employer and government approval.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostVaries; typically $50–$100 USD
Requires admission to a recognized educational institution in Bhutan.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 1 year, renewable
Varies; typically $100–$200 USD
For foreign nationals employed by a Bhutanese company. Requires a job offer and government approval.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
Varies; typically $50–$100 USD
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
Varies; typically $500–$1,000 USD
For individuals investing in Bhutan's economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for Spanish passport holders. | $40 USD (approx. €37) |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per dayMandatory for all tourists, paid in advance. | $100 USD per night (approx. €92) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; avoid overstaying. | $120 USD per day (approx. €110) |
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
Spanish passport holders transiting through Bhutan's international airports (Paro) 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 sicknessModerate risk
Bhutan's high altitude (e.g., Paro 2,250m, Thimphu 2,334m) can cause altitude sickness; acclimatize gradually.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of dengue and malaria, especially in lower elevations; use insect 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
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
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit formalities; limited extension services.
Practical information for ES 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. Spanish citizens must get an eVisa before traveling to Bhutan. There is no visa on arrival. Apply online through the official Bhutan eVisa portal at least a week before your trip.
Processing usually takes 3–5 working days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. During peak season (spring and autumn), it can take a bit longer.
The eVisa fee is around $40 USD. On top of that, you'll need to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 USD per night (as of 2025). The SDF is usually paid as part of your tour package or directly when applying.
Extensions are not available for standard tourist eVisa holders. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will not be allowed to board your flight to Bhutan. Airlines check for the eVisa at check-in. If you somehow arrive at Paro Airport without one, you'll be refused entry and sent back on the next flight.
Yes. All independent tourists must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Your guide will handle most logistics, including your visa and SDF payments. This is mandatory for all foreign visitors except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian passport holders.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), the eVisa approval PDF (printed or on your phone), and your return or onward ticket. The officer may also ask for your hotel booking confirmation. Have them ready to speed things up.
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.