Bhutan entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. The eVisa system launched in 2023 and is the only way to get a tourist visa — there are no visas on arrival. Plan ahead: the application process takes at least a few days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bhutan e-Permit | Apply for the Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before travel. This is not a visa in the traditional sense — it's a mandatory tourism clearance that includes a daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 USD per night. Submit your application at least 7 days before arrival.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Bhutan. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in Paro will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket before granting entry. Bhutan does not allow overland exit to India without a valid visa — your ticket must show you leaving the country by air. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Your e-Permit application requires you to list your hotel bookings in Bhutan. Carry printed confirmations for each night of your stay — officers may ask to see them at immigration. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds to cover the SDF ($100 USD per night) plus your living expenses. A bank statement showing at least $2,000 USD or a credit card with a high limit works. | Recommended |
You must book through a tour operator
Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator and pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 USD per night. Your tour operator will handle the eVisa application for you. Independent travel is not allowed.
eVisa is electronic — no sticker needed
The eVisa is linked to your passport number. You don't need a physical visa sticker. Just bring the approval email (printed or on your phone) to immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa portal (usually through the Department of Immigration). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and accommodation. Upload a passport-style photo and a copy of your passport data page. Pay the visa fee (around $40 USD) by credit card. Processing takes 3–5 business days — apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval letter. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone. The eVisa is linked to your passport number, so you don't need a physical sticker.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
When you land, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport, eVisa approval letter, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport with a visa sticker. The whole process takes about 10–15 minutes.
4
Enjoy your stay
Your eVisa is valid for the duration of your trip (usually up to 30 days). You can travel freely within Bhutan, but you must leave before the visa expires. Extensions are not available.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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 stay30 days, extendable 7 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. 50,000 KRW)
Standard eVisa; must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 7 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 125,000 KRW)
Allows multiple entries; still requires SDF and tour operator.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (tourist single entry)Mandatory for South Korea passport holders. | $40 USD (approx. 50,000 KRW) |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per nightRequired for all tourists; includes visa fee. | $100 USD per person per night (approx. 125,000 KRW) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; avoid overstaying. | $120 USD per day (approx. 150,000 KRW) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
South Korea passport holders transiting through Bhutan's Paro International Airport do not need 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 yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Bhutan's high altitude (e.g., Paro at 2,250m) can cause acute mountain sickness; ascend 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
Dengue and malaria are rare but present in southern lowlands; use repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in southern districts (e.g., Samtse, Sarpang); 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.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit and short extensions.
Practical information for KR 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. Bhutan does not offer visas on arrival for any nationality. You must get an eVisa before you travel.
The eVisa fee is around $40 USD. You pay online by credit card during the application process. There are no additional visa fees at the airport.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. During peak season (spring and autumn), it may take longer.
Yes. All tourists to Bhutan must pay the SDF (currently $100 USD per person per night) and book through a licensed tour operator. Your tour operator will handle the visa application on your behalf. You cannot apply for a tourist eVisa independently.
No. Tourist visas are not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport is invalid, your application has errors, or you don't meet the requirements. You'll get a refund of the visa fee minus a processing fee. Reapply with corrected information.
If you're transiting through Paro Airport and not leaving the transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport for any reason, you need a full eVisa.
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.