Entry Requirements
Visa, Permit, Tax & Fees
Bhutan's entry requirements reflect its philosophy of thoughtful, sustainable tourism — a system designed to protect the kingdom's environment and culture while welcoming travelers who come with genuine curiosity and respect.
Bhutan Travel Visa
All international tourists — except Indian nationals — require a visa to visit Bhutan. This visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Tourists from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for either in advance or upon arrival.
You can apply for your Bhutan visa independently or through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. The visa is issued by the Department of Immigration.
Visa fee: USD 40 per person (non-refundable).
If Pelyab Tours handles your visa application, please provide us with: a digital copy of your valid passport (must be valid for at least six months from your intended departure date from Bhutan) and a recent passport-sized photograph.
Bhutan Travel Permit (Indian Tourists)
Tourists from India require a travel permit rather than a visa. This can be applied for in advance or upon arrival. Indian tourists must hold a valid Indian passport or Indian voter ID card. Children under 18 may enter with a birth certificate or passport and must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
If we apply for the travel permit on your behalf, please provide: a digital copy of your valid passport (or voter ID card), or an original birth certificate for travelers under 18, along with a recent passport-sized photograph.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
The Royal Government of Bhutan levies a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 200 per person per night. This fee directly funds free healthcare, free education, poverty alleviation, and environmental conservation across the kingdom.
Current discount (until 31 August 2027): A 50% discount applies, bringing the effective SDF to USD 100 per person per night.
Indian tourists: SDF is 1,200 Ngultrums (or equivalent in Indian Rupees) per person per night.
Bangladesh tourists: SDF is USD 15 per person per night (no visa fee required).
Children aged 6–12: 50% concessionary discount on SDF.
Children aged 5 or younger: Exempt from SDF entirely.
Casual tourists visiting the border towns of Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar for up to 24 hours are exempt from the SDF, provided they do not proceed beyond the authorized zone of the border towns.
The SDF is fully refundable for any cancelled or shortened trips.
Goods & Services Tax (GST)
A 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies starting 1 January 2026. This tax is calculated on the total value of tour package components, but does not apply to the SDF, visa fee, or air tickets.
Important Notes
Visa and travel permit processing may take up to five working days. We recommend submitting applications well in advance of your travel date.
A tourist with a valid visa or permit is allowed to visit any area in Bhutan, except those designated as restricted areas. Restricted areas identified as trekking routes may be visited when accompanied by a registered trekking guide. Only DOT-registered tour operators — such as Pelyab Tours — can organize trekking tours for international tourists.
The SDF is not merely a fee — it is your contribution to preserving
one of the last unspoiled kingdoms on Earth.