Bhutan entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. Apply online through the official Bhutan eVisa portal before you travel. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and is processed in 3–5 business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Bhutan eVisa at bhutan.travel/e-permit. The eVisa is mandatory for all foreign visitors. Processing takes 3–5 business days and costs $40 USD plus a $65 USD daily Sustainable Development Fee.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended 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 at Paro Airport always ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Bhutan does not allow entry without proof of departure — have your flight booking or itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Carry hotel confirmations or a letter from your tour operator. Bhutan requires all foreign visitors to book through a licensed tour operator, so your accommodation is usually pre-arranged. Have the booking voucher printed or on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or a credit card. While not always checked, immigration may ask if you appear underfunded. The daily Sustainable Development Fee covers most costs, but have at least $200 USD in cash or card available. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Portuguese passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Bhutan. You must apply for and receive your eVisa before you travel. Arriving without one means you'll be denied entry.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter 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 the eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa website and fill out the application. Upload a digital passport photo and your passport data page. Pay the visa fee (around $40 USD) online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print it out and save a digital copy on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
At Paro Airport, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The process is straightforward — expect 5–10 minutes.
4
Show accommodation and onward ticket if asked
Immigration may ask to see your first night's hotel booking and return flight. Have them ready on your phone or printed. It's rare but better to be prepared.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal 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. €37)
Standard eVisa for tourism; must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$100 USD (approx. €93)
Available for frequent travelers; requires justification.
Long-stay visa (work/volunteer)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. €186)
Requires sponsorship from a Bhutanese employer or organization.
work visa
Work Permit for Foreigners
Up to 1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. €186) per year
For those employed by a Bhutanese company or organization. Requires a job offer and sponsorship. Allows legal residence and work.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, up to 5 years
$100 USD (approx. €93) per year
For enrollment in recognized educational institutions in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
volunteer visa
Volunteer Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
$150 USD (approx. €139) per year
For individuals engaged in volunteer work with a registered Bhutanese NGO or government program. Requires sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeNon-refundable, paid online during application. | $40 USD (approx. €37) |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per nightMandatory for all tourists, paid before arrival. | $100 USD per person per night (approx. €93) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Included in eVisa fee; no separate charge. | $40 USD (approx. €37) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; avoid overstaying. | $50 USD per day (approx. €46) |
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
Portugal passport holders transiting through Paro International Airport do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, most flights to Bhutan are from neighboring countries, and transit may involve exiting the airport in some cases.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If transiting via India or other countries, check their transit visa requirements.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Bhutan's high altitude (over 2,500m in many areas) can cause acute mountain sickness; acclimatize 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 Japanese encephalitis occur in low-lying areas; use insect repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for short stays.
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; limited extension services.
Practical information for PT 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
Yes, you need an eVisa. Apply online before you travel. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and is processed in 3–5 business days.
The eVisa fee is around $40 USD. You pay online during the application process. There are no additional fees at the airport.
The eVisa typically allows a stay of up to 15 days. If you need longer, you must apply for an extension through the immigration office in Thimphu before your visa expires.
Yes, extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must visit the Department of Immigration in Thimphu. The extension fee is about $20 USD per day. Apply before your current visa expires.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa-on-arrival for Portuguese passport holders. Always apply and receive approval before traveling.
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed copy or screenshot ready.
No, it's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Bhutan can be very high — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day.
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.