Bhutan entry requirements for Ireland 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
Irish passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. You must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for Irish citizens. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and typically allows a stay of up to 90 days, though your exact permitted stay will be stamped on arrival.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bhutan e-Permit | You need an e-Permit (tourist visa) before you arrive. Apply at bhutan.travel/e-permit — the official portal. Processing takes a few days; upload a passport photo and pay the daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 USD per night.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Irish passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned departure from Bhutan. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Bhutan | Immigration officers at Paro Airport always ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone. Overstaying your e-Permit incurs fines of 120 BTN per day. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking confirmation | Your e-Permit application requires a confirmed hotel booking for every night of your stay. Most travellers book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator who handles this automatically. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Carry at least $200 USD in cash for incidental expenses — ATMs are scarce outside Thimphu and Paro. Credit cards work at major hotels but not at smaller shops or remote areas. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Irish passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Bhutan. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. Without an approved eVisa, you won't be allowed to board your flight.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Most tourists must pay a daily SDF of $100 USD per night. This is often included in package tours. Check with your tour operator or the eVisa website for the latest rate.
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 first night accommodation. Pay the visa fee (around $40 USD) and any applicable tourist levy. Processing usually takes 3–5 working days.
2
Receive approval letter
Once approved, you'll get an eVisa approval letter by email. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show this at check-in for your flight to Bhutan.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
At Paro Airport, go to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa approval letter, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport with your permitted stay. The process is straightforward and usually takes 5–10 minutes.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland 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 date
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)
Standard eVisa for tourism; must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. €56)
Available for frequent travelers; requires justification.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD (approx. €93)
Requires a job offer from a Bhutanese employer and government approval.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost$50 USD (approx. €46)
Must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan.
work visa
Work Visa for Bhutan
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. €93)
For foreign nationals employed by a Bhutanese company or organization. Requires a work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources.
student visa
Student Visa for Bhutan
Duration of study, up to 1 year renewable
$50 USD (approx. €46)
For international students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa for Bhutan
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. €186)
For individuals investing in Bhutan's economy. Requires a minimum investment of $100,000 USD and approval from the Bhutanese government.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for Irish passport holders. | $40 USD (approx. €37) |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per nightMandatory for all tourists; includes visa fee. | $100 USD (approx. €92) per person per night |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | $50 USD (approx. €46) per day |
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
Ireland passport holders transiting through Bhutan's only international airport (Paro) do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, due to limited flights, most transits require overnight stays, which then require a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport transit area, you must obtain a visa in advance.
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-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Bhutan's high altitude (many areas above 2,500m) can cause acute mountain sickness; acclimatize gradually.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea and other infections; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of malaria and dengue, especially in lower elevations; use insect repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low, mainly in southern border areas below 1,700m. 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
Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters; bring passport and visa documents.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit formalities and limited visa services.
Practical information for IE 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. You must get an eVisa before you travel. There is no visa on arrival for Irish citizens.
Processing usually takes 3–5 working days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
The eVisa fee is around $40 USD. You may also need to pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 USD per night, which is often included in tour packages.
Extensions are not available for eVisa holders. You must leave by the date stamped on your passport.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes. You must have a confirmed onward or return flight. Immigration may ask to see it.
Not strictly, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and evacuation insurance is wise.
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.