Bhutan entry requirements for Finland passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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

Finnish passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan in 2026. The eVisa is linked to your passport and must be approved before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take a few days.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply for Bhutan e-Permit
All foreign visitors need a Bhutan e-Permit (eVisa) before travel. Apply at bhutan.travel/e-permit — you'll need a passport scan, flight itinerary, and hotel booking. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and the $40 USD fee covers the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 USD per night.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must have 6 months validity beyond your stay
Your Finnish passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in Bhutan. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Paro Airport always ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they won't let you through without one.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 ready — immigration may ask for it at the counter.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show sufficient funds for your stay
Officers rarely ask, but carry proof of at least $200 USD per day to cover the SDF and expenses. A bank statement or credit card limit confirmation works.Recommended
eVisa is mandatory
You cannot get a visa on arrival in Bhutan. Apply for your eVisa at least a week before your trip. The approval letter must be printed and carried with your passport.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in Bhutan, not from your departure date. Check your expiry before booking anything.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa portal (or use a licensed tour operator). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the visa fee (around $40 USD) and any applicable tourism levy. Wait for approval — usually 3–5 working days.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive an eVisa approval letter by email. Print a copy and keep it with your passport. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
At Paro Airport, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The process is straightforward — expect a short queue.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)

Standard tourist visa; must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)

For travellers needing multiple entries; also requires tour operator.

Work visa
Max stayVaries (up to 1 year, renewable)
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $200–500 USD)

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

Student visa
Max stayDuration of study (up to 1 year, renewable)
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $100–300 USD)

Requires admission to a recognised educational institution in Bhutan.

work visa
Work Permit for Foreign Nationals
1 year, renewable annually
~$200–500 USD (processing fee)
For Finland holders employed by a Bhutanese company or organisation. Requires a job offer and government approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study (up to 1 year, renewable)
~$100–300 USD (processing fee)
For Finland holders enrolled in a recognised educational institution in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500–1,000 USD (processing fee)
For Finland holders investing in Bhutan's economy (e.g., business, real estate). Requires minimum investment and government approval.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for Finland passport holders.$40 USD (approx. €37)
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per nightMandatory for all tourists; applies to each night of stay.$100 USD per night (approx. €92)
Tourist visa (single entry) – if applying via embassyAlternative to eVisa; same cost.$40 USD (approx. €37)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstay.$50 USD per day (approx. €46)

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

Finland holders transiting through Paro International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, most international flights require a visa for entry, so check with your airline.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid visa for India, Bangladesh, or Nepal may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk

Bhutan's high altitude (e.g., Paro 2,250m, Thimphu 2,320m) can cause acute mountain sickness; acclimatise gradually.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of diarrhoea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.

Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk

Dengue and malaria are rare at high altitudes but present in southern lowlands; use repellent.

Malaria risk: low

Risk is low in most tourist areas (above 2,000m); prophylaxis recommended only for travel to southern border regions (e.g., Samtse, Sarpang).

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 permits; bring passport and visa documents.

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

Handles entry/exit formalities; limited extension services.

Practical information for FI 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
updated May 19
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

Yes, you need an eVisa. Apply online before you travel. There is no visa on arrival for Finnish passport holders.
Processing usually takes 3–5 working days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
The eVisa fee is around $40 USD. You may also need to pay a daily tourism levy (around $200–$250 per night) depending on your travel package — this is usually handled by your tour operator.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. If you need more time, you'd need to apply for a new visa from outside Bhutan.
You won't be allowed to enter. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, you must have a confirmed return or onward flight. Immigration may ask to see it at the border.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Bhutan can be high, and insurance covers unexpected expenses.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.