Bhutan entry requirements for Singapore 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
Singapore passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. It's issued before travel and valid for a single entry. Plan ahead — the application takes a few days, and you'll need to show your approved eVisa at immigration in Paro.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bhutan e-Permit | All Singapore passport holders need an e-Permit before travel. Apply at bhutan.travel — the official tourism portal. Processing takes 3–5 working days; you'll receive a PDF approval via email. Print it and carry it with your passport.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Singapore passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bhutan. Bhutan does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may ask for it — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Paro Airport checks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Budget airlines flying into Bhutan also enforce this at check-in. Have your booking confirmation ready on your phone or printed. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or tour itinerary | Bhutan requires all visitors to book through a licensed tour operator or have confirmed hotel reservations. Carry a printed copy of your booking confirmation or tour itinerary — immigration may ask to see it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient funds for your stay | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your trip. The official minimum is $200 USD per person per day (including the Sustainable Development Fee). Have bank statements or cash ready if requested. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Bhutan does not offer visa on arrival for Singapore passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines will check it at check-in.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) applies
All tourists pay an SDF of USD 100 per night. This is usually included in your tour package or hotel booking. Confirm with your provider that it's covered — you don't want to be asked to pay on arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa portal. Fill in your personal details, upload a passport photo, and enter your accommodation info. Pay the visa fee (around USD 40) by card. Processing takes 3–5 working days.
2
Receive eVisa PDF
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Paro.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in. The queue is usually short — 10–15 minutes.
4
Collect baggage and exit
After immigration, collect your luggage from the carousel. There's a customs checkpoint but it's rarely checked for tourists. Exit into the arrivals hall where your driver or hotel rep will be waiting.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Singapore 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 stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostUSD 40 (approx. SGD 54)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostUSD 80 (approx. SGD 108)
For travellers planning multiple visits within validity period.
Long-Stay Visa (Business/Work)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostUSD 200 (approx. SGD 270)
Requires sponsorship from a Bhutanese company or organization.
work visa
Work Permit for Foreign Nationals
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
USD 200 (approx. SGD 270) per year
For Singaporeans employed by a Bhutanese company or organization. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
USD 100 (approx. SGD 135) per year
For Singaporeans enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
USD 500 (approx. SGD 675) per year
For Singaporeans investing a minimum of USD 100,000 in a Bhutanese business. Requires business plan and approval from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeStandard fee for Singapore passport holders. | $40 USD (approx. $40 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Included in eVisa application. | $40 USD (approx. $40 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Only single-entry eVisa is issued for tourism. | Not available for standard tourist eVisa |
| Stay extension feeeVisa is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 USD) |
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
Singapore 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
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
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-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedInfluenzaConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Bhutan's high altitude (e.g., Paro 2,250m, Thimphu 2,350m) can cause altitude sickness; ascend gradually and stay hydrated.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of dengue and malaria, especially in lower elevations; use insect repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low, mainly in southern border areas; 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, visa, and fee.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Convenient for airport arrivals; limited services for extensions.
Practical information for SG 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
Typically 3–5 working days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Processing times can be longer during peak tourist season (March–May and September–November).
No. The eVisa is issued for a single entry with a fixed duration. Extensions are not available for tourist eVisas. If you need more time, you'd have to leave and reapply.
Yes. Bhutan has a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night for most tourists. This is separate from the eVisa fee and is usually paid by your tour operator or hotel. Check with your accommodation provider.
Rejections are rare for Singapore passport holders. Common reasons include incorrect passport details, expired passport, or incomplete accommodation info. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process.
Yes, but only if you have a pre-approved eVisa. The main land entry is at Phuentsholing from India. Immigration there will check your eVisa and passport. The process is similar to the airport but can be slower.
No. If you're transiting through Paro Airport (e.g., flying from Bangkok to Kathmandu with a stop in Paro) and don't leave the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to exit the airport for any reason, you need the eVisa.
No mandatory vaccinations for entry. But routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, hepatitis A, typhoid) are recommended. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel. Altitude sickness is a concern if you're trekking above 3,000m.
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.