Bhutan entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders need an eVisa to visit Bhutan. The eVisa is mandatory for all tourists and must be arranged before travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few key documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bhutan e-Permit | Apply for your Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before arrival. The eVisa is mandatory for all foreign visitors. Processing takes 3-5 business days — apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Bhutan. Bhutan immigration strictly enforces this — airlines check it too. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound travel proof | Immigration officers at Paro Airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking confirmation | Bhutan requires all visitors to book through a licensed tour operator or have confirmed hotel reservations. Keep your booking confirmation handy — immigration may ask for it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial evidence | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — around $200 USD per day is the official minimum. A recent bank statement or credit card limit confirmation works. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
You cannot enter Bhutan without an approved eVisa. Apply well in advance and keep a copy with you at all times.
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. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa Online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa website and complete the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the visa fee online. Processing usually takes 3-5 working days.
2
Receive eVisa Approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa. Print a copy or save it on your phone. Keep it with your passport.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
At Paro Airport, proceed to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Collect Baggage and Exit
After immigration, collect your luggage from the carousel. Then head to the arrivals hall. If you arranged a transfer, your driver will be waiting.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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 (subject to SDF payment)
ValidityValid for 90 days from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. NZD 65) + SDF
Standard eVisa for tourism; must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days per entry
ValidityValid for 1 year
Cost$100 USD (approx. NZD 160) + SDF
Available for frequent visitors; requires justification.
Work visa
Max stayDuration of employment contract
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostVaries (approx. $50–$200 USD)
Requires a job offer from a Bhutanese employer and government approval.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study program
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostVaries (approx. $50–$100 USD)
Requires admission to a recognized educational institution in Bhutan.
work visa
Work Permit for Foreign Nationals
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$50–$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Bhutanese employer. Requires government approval and sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study program (up to 1 year, renewable)
~$50–$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business/Investor Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
Varies (approx. $100–$500 USD)
For individuals investing in Bhutanese businesses or starting a company. Requires government approval and minimum investment threshold.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeNon-refundable, paid online during application. | $40 USD (approx. NZD 65) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for most tourists. | $40 USD (approx. NZD 65) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $100 USD (approx. NZD 160) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstay, no maximum cap specified. | $5 USD (approx. NZD 8) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete visa application30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Paro International Airport do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. However, most international flights to Bhutan require a pre-arranged visa for entry, so transit is rare.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Transit hubsParo International Airport (PBH)
Health & vaccines for Bhutan
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Bhutan's high altitude (especially in Paro and Thimphu) can cause acute mountain sickness; acclimatize gradually.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
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, mainly in southern border areas below 1,700m; 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 and visa documents.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit formalities and emergency visa issues.
Practical information for NZ 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 typically takes 3-5 working days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
The eVisa fee varies depending on your nationality and the duration of stay. For New Zealand passport holders, it's usually around USD 40-50. Check the official website for the exact amount.
Extensions are not available for eVisa holders. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a different visa type before travel.
No, if you're transiting and don't leave the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to enter the country, you need an eVisa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or incorrect. You'll receive a reason and can reapply. Contact the Bhutan immigration office for guidance.
Yes, you can enter by road from India at Phuentsholing. You still need an eVisa. The process is the same as for air arrivals.
No, proof of funds is not required for New Zealand passport holders entering Bhutan.
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.