Bhutan entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. Apply online before you travel, and show the approval at immigration. This requirement is in place for 2026.
Apply for Bhutan eVisaVisa only through licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Bhutan e-Permit | Apply for the Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before travel. This is a mandatory online application that processes within 5 working days. You pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 USD per night during the application.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bhutan. Bhutan does not enforce the 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check it at check-in. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound travel proof | Immigration at Paro Airport checks for a confirmed return or onward ticket before granting entry. Budget airlines flying into Paro also verify this at check-in. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking confirmation | Bhutan requires all tourists to book accommodation through a licensed tour operator as part of the mandatory tour package. Your tour operator provides the hotel confirmation, which immigration may ask to see. Keep a printed copy with your e-Permit. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but carrying $200–$300 USD in cash covers incidental expenses. ATMs are scarce outside Thimphu. Credit cards work at major hotels and shops in the capital. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Sri Lankan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Bhutan. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so plan ahead.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Bhutan, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
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 for most nationalities). Processing takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval letter. Print it or save it on your phone. The letter includes a QR code and your visa reference number.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa approval letter, and return ticket. The officer will scan your passport and stamp you in. The whole process takes 5–10 minutes if your documents are ready.
4
Collect baggage and exit
After immigration, collect your luggage from the carousel. There's a customs area but it's usually a quick walk-through unless you have something to declare.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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. LKR 12,000)
Standard option for tourism; requires SDF payment.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 7 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. LKR 24,000)
For frequent visitors; SDF applies per night.
Long-stay visa (work/student)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostVaries; typically $100–$500 USD
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeMandatory for Sri Lanka passport holders. | $40 USD (approx. 13,000 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard eVisa for tourism. | $40 USD (approx. 13,000 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Bhutan does not offer multiple-entry tourist visas. | Not available |
| Stay extension feeeVisa is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are determined by immigration authorities. | Not specified |
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
Sri Lanka 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, all transits must have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsParo International Airport (PBH)
Health & vaccines for Bhutan
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Common in high-altitude areas like Paro and Thimphu; acclimatize gradually.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrhea and hepatitis from contaminated food/water; drink bottled water.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of dengue and malaria, especially in lower elevations.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low, mainly in southern border areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended.
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 permits.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit and basic inquiries.
Practical information for LK 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 = 95.39 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 need an eVisa. Apply online before you travel. There is no visa on arrival for Sri Lankan passport holders.
The eVisa fee is around $40 USD for most nationalities. You pay online during the application. Some tour operators include it in their package.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
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.
Your passport (valid 6+ months from entry), the eVisa approval letter (printed or on your phone), and your return or onward ticket. The officer may also ask for your first night's hotel booking.
It's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Bhutan can be high, and insurance covers hospital stays, evacuation, and trip cancellation.
Yes, there are mobile operator counters at Paro Airport. You can buy a local SIM with your passport. Alternatively, get an Airalo eSIM before you travel — it activates on landing.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.