Bhutan entry requirements for Thailand 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

Thai passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan in 2026. The online application is simple, and you'll present it with your passport at Paro International Airport.

Apply for Bhutan eVisaVisa only through licensed Bhutanese tour operator.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Bhutan e-Permit
Apply for a Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before you travel. The permit is linked to your passport and covers your entire stay. Processing takes 2–3 business days — do not book flights until you receive approval.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bhutan. Airlines at Bangkok check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave Bhutan, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration at Paro Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Budget airlines from Bangkok also check this before issuing a boarding pass. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or tour confirmation
Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator or have confirmed hotel reservations. Have your hotel voucher or tour itinerary ready to show at immigration.Recommended
Proof of funds
Minimum 20,000 THB or equivalent
Carry at least 20,000 THB (or ~$550 USD) in cash or a credit card with available limit. Immigration rarely asks, but airlines may request proof of sufficient funds for your stay.Recommended
eVisa is electronic — no sticker needed
The eVisa is linked to your passport number. You don't need a physical sticker. Just show the approval email or PDF on your phone at immigration.
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 when you apply. If it expires sooner, renew it first.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa website. 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 card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive the eVisa by email — print it or save it on your phone.
2
Pack your documents
Before heading to the airport, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance documents. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. They'll stamp your passport with a 30-day entry permit. Collect your bags and exit.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 1,400 THB)

Standard eVisa for tourism; must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.

Work visa
Max stayDuration of employment contract
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostVaries; employer typically pays

Requires a job offer from a Bhutanese company and government approval.

Student visa
Max stayDuration of study program
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostVaries; institution may assist

Must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan.

Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa feeStandard fee for Thai passport holders applying for Bhutan eVisa.$40 USD (approx. 1,400 THB)
Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but may be obtained on arrival if eligible.$40 USD (approx. 1,400 THB)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Bhutan does not offer multiple-entry tourist visas for Thai passport holders.Not available
Stay extensioneVisa is not extendable; must leave and reapply.Not available
Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply.~$10 USD per day (approx. 350 THB)

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

Thailand passport holders transiting through Bhutan's Paro International Airport do not require a visa if they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. However, all transiting passengers must have a confirmed onward ticket and may be subject to security checks.

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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk

Bhutan's high altitude (over 2,400m in many areas) can cause acute mountain sickness; acclimatize gradually.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Drink only bottled or boiled water; avoid street food to reduce risk of diarrhea.

Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk

Low risk in most areas, but present in southern lowlands; use insect repellent.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for southern regions near India.

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 immigration matters. Bring passport, visa, and supporting documents.

Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00

Handles entry/exit formalities and some visa issues. Limited services compared to Thimphu.

Practical information for TH 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police113
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you need an eVisa. There is no visa on arrival for Thai nationals. Apply online before your flight.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
The eVisa fee is around $40 USD (about 1,400 THB). You pay online by credit or debit card during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the 30-day limit. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking confirmation. The officer may ask for any of these.
Yes, an onward ticket to any destination outside Bhutan is fine. It just proves you're not staying indefinitely.
Not for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies and evacuation.

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.