Bhutan entry requirements for Japan 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
Japanese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan in 2026. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. Apply at least a week before your trip, as approval can take a few business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Bhutan e-Permit | Apply for your Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before you travel. You need a confirmed tour booking with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator — independent travel is not allowed. The e-Permit costs $40 USD per person per day (high season) or $40 USD per person per night (low season), plus a $40 USD visa fee.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Japanese passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bhutan. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Bhutan immigration, but your airline may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Paro Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines flying into Paro also check this at check-in. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Tour operator booking confirmation | Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator who arranges your hotels, guides, and transport. Your tour operator will provide a confirmed itinerary — keep a printed copy for immigration. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Minimum daily spend | Bhutan enforces a minimum daily package of $200 USD per person per night (low season) or $250 USD (high season), which covers accommodation, meals, guide, and transport. Your tour operator handles this, but carry proof of payment or a credit card showing available funds. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Japanese passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight to Bhutan. Print a copy or save the PDF on your phone.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Bhutan, not from when you apply. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa website and fill out the application. Upload a passport-style photo and your passport data page. Pay the fee (if any) and submit. You'll receive an approval email within a few business days.
2
Prepare your documents
Print or save on your phone: the eVisa approval, your passport, return ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them together in a folder or a notes app.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
Most visitors fly into Paro. After landing, follow signs to immigration. Present your passport and eVisa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly — it's usually quick.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
Once stamped in, collect your bags from the carousel. There are no additional forms or fees at the airport. You're free to start your trip.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Standard option for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (business/employment)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Requires sponsorship from a Bhutanese employer.
work visa
Bhutan Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Bhutanese company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Bhutan Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
~$100 USD per year
For international students enrolled at a recognized educational institution in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Bhutan Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a Bhutanese business. Requires business plan and approval from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeStandard fee for single-entry tourist eVisa. | $40 USD (approx. $40 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Includes processing fee; valid for up to 90 days. | $40 USD (approx. $40 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 USD) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | $500 USD (approx. $500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Japan passport holders transiting through Paro International Airport do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Many areas in Bhutan are at high altitude; acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in rural areas; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Risk is low but present in southern lowland areas; use insect repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis may be considered for travel to southern regions.
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.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Convenient for airport arrivals; limited services.
Practical information for JP 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can be faster. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
No. All foreign nationals, including Japanese, must obtain an eVisa before traveling. There is no visa on arrival at Paro Airport or land borders.
Your application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No, proof of funds is not required for Japanese passport holders entering Bhutan. The eVisa application does not ask for bank statements.
Yes, you can enter via land borders like Phuentsholing, but you still need an approved eVisa beforehand. The same requirements apply.
The currency is the Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN), pegged 1:1 to the Indian rupee. Indian rupees are widely accepted. ATMs are available in towns, but carry some cash for remote areas.
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.