Bhutan entry requirements for India passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
14 days
Max stay
14 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indian passport holders don't need a visa for Bhutan stays up to 14 days. This applies for tourism and short visits in 2026. Just show up at the border with a valid passport and onward ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry | Bhutan immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Your passport must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Airlines at departure check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bhutan | Immigration officers at Paro Airport ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines flying into Bhutan also check this at check-in. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or tour confirmation | Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator or have confirmed hotel reservations. Immigration may ask for your hotel voucher or tour itinerary at the border. Keep a printed copy handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers rarely ask for bank statements, but you should carry enough cash or a card for your 14-day stay. The daily minimum spend for tourists is around $200 USD per person per day, though this is usually covered by your tour package. | Recommended |
| Bhutan e-Permit Online pre-registration for entry | All visitors must register for an e-Permit at bhutan.travel before arrival. This is not a visa but a mandatory online form that links your passport to your travel dates. Complete it at least 24 hours before your flight — you get a QR code to show at immigration.Register for e-Permit | Required |
No visa needed for Indians
Indian passport holders can enter Bhutan visa-free for up to 14 days. No application, no fee, no prior approval. Just show up with a valid passport and onward ticket.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Bhutan. If it expires sooner, renew before you go — no exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the Border
Enter Bhutan by air at Paro International Airport or by land at Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, or other designated border crossings. For land crossings, you'll go through Indian immigration first, then Bhutan immigration.
2
Present Documents at Immigration
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking if asked. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in for up to 14 days.
3
Collect Your Luggage and Exit
After the stamp, collect your bags (if flying) and walk out. No additional fees or forms needed. You're free to start your trip.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostNu. 1,200 (~$15 USD)
Must be arranged through a registered Bhutanese tour operator; includes mandatory daily tariff.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostNu. 2,400 (~$30 USD)
Also arranged through a tour operator; suitable for frequent visitors.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostNu. 5,000 (~$60 USD)
Requires a job offer from a Bhutanese employer and government approval.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostNu. 3,000 (~$36 USD)
Requires admission to a recognized educational institution in Bhutan.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
Nu. 5,000 (~$60 USD) per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Bhutanese company. Requires employer sponsorship and government approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 2 years)
Nu. 3,000 (~$36 USD) per year
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Nu. 10,000 (~$120 USD) per year
For individuals investing in Bhutan's economy. Minimum investment amount required; subject to government approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry, for longer stay)For stays beyond 14 days; must be arranged through a Bhutanese tour operator. | Nu. 1,200 (~$15 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries; also arranged through a tour operator. | Nu. 2,400 (~$30 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of Nu. 10,000 (~$120 USD). | Nu. 500 (~$6 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Indian nationals transiting through Bhutan's airports do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Common in high-altitude areas like Paro and Thimphu; acclimatize gradually.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Risk is low but present in southern lowland areas; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrhea and other infections; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in southern border areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers.
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, photos, and fee.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit formalities; limited extension services.
Practical information for IN 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
No. The visa-free entry is for a maximum of 14 days and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa in advance through a Bhutanese tour operator or the nearest Bhutan embassy.
No. The Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 per night does not apply to Indian nationals. You only need to cover your own travel and accommodation costs.
Yes. The most common land crossing is at Phuentsholing (West Bengal). You'll go through Indian immigration first, then walk across to Bhutan immigration. Other crossings include Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your entry date, not your departure date.
No. Indian nationals can enter visa-free for up to 14 days, even for a same-day return trip. Just carry your passport and return ticket.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Bhutan can be high — a hospital stay might cost hundreds of dollars per day.
Indian rupees are widely accepted in Bhutan, especially in tourist areas. However, you may get change in Bhutanese ngultrum. It's a good idea to carry some small denominations.
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.