Everything you need to know before visiting Bhutan — visa requirements, fees, entry points, getting around, and the best times to visit.
All international visitors to Bhutan must obtain a visa before arrival. Bhutan does not issue visas on arrival, and you cannot apply at a Bhutanese embassy or consulate on your own. Your visa is processed entirely through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Here is how it works:
Once you confirm your stay with us, we will connect you with a licensed tour operator who will manage your visa process. You will need to provide a clear color scan of your passport’s photo page (with a minimum of six months validity from your date of entry) along with a recent passport-sized photo with a white background. Your operator will then apply for a Visa Clearance Letter from Bhutan’s Department of Immigration on your behalf.
You must present this Visa Clearance Letter at check-in for your flight to Bhutan. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, your visa will be stamped into your passport.
All international visitors must carry their passport at all times during their stay in Bhutan. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from your date of entry.
Bhutan follows a “High Value, Low Volume” tourism philosophy. As part of this, every international visitor is required to pay a mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD $100 per person, per night. This fee is collected by your licensed tour operator and goes directly toward funding Bhutan’s free education, universal healthcare, and environmental conservation programs.
The SDF is non-negotiable and applies to all international tourists regardless of where you stay. It is included in your overall tour package cost.
Regional Exemption: Citizens of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives are exempt from the SDF but still require an entry permit (Inner Line Permit), which can be arranged through a licensed tour operator or at the land border crossing.
The only international airport in Bhutan is Paro International Airport (PBH). Two national airlines serve Bhutan: Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines. Direct flights connect Paro to Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu, Dhaka, Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Dubai.
Flying into Paro is an experience in itself, with breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks on approach.
There are four official land entry points from India:
Phuentsholing is the most popular land entry point, especially for travelers combining Bhutan with Sikkim or Darjeeling. All permits and transportation for land entry are arranged through your tour operator.
Self-drive vehicles are not available for hire in Bhutan. The most convenient way to travel within the country is by private vehicle with a dedicated driver, arranged through your tour operator or a local transport provider.
For those covering longer distances, domestic flights connect Paro, Bumthang, Gelephu, and Yonphula airports. Note that mountain weather can occasionally cause flight delays or cancellations, particularly at Yonphula in the east.
Domestic flight baggage allowance:
Helicopter services are also available through the Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services Limited (RBHSL) for private hire, including heli-hiking experiences. Helicopters operate only in clear, calm weather conditions.
All tour costs are quoted and payable in US Dollars (USD). Common payment methods include:
Before you travel, enable your debit or credit card for international use and notify your bank of your travel dates and destination to avoid declined transactions. Cards on the Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, JCB, and American Express networks are generally accepted at banks in Bhutan. For more details, visit the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan at www.rma.org.bt.
Important for Indian travelers: Cards issued in India denominated in USD will not work in Bhutan due to FEMA regulations by the Reserve Bank of India. Please carry cards that are valid for use in India, Bhutan, and Nepal.
Spring is the most popular season. Flowers are in full bloom by late April and May, making it ideal for nature lovers and photographers. Expect higher room rates and more visitors.
Equally beloved season. The weather is mild and clear, and the Thimphu Tsechu festival typically falls in late September or early October, making it a culturally rich time to visit.
The off-peak season with lower tariffs. Early June can be excellent if the monsoon is late. Bhutan’s monsoon tends to bring light afternoon showers rather than heavy all-day rain, and the landscape turns a vibrant lush green. Some more remote districts may have muddy roads during this period.
Quiet and crowd-free. December offers crisp Himalayan blue skies without the peak season premium. January and February are the coldest months and Paro and Thimphu may experience snowfall. Winter is also the only time to spot the rare Black-Necked Cranes in the Phobjikha Valley.
Our team at Tshang Ri is happy to assist you in connecting with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator to arrange your visa, permits, flights, and itinerary. Reach out to us and we will make your journey to Bhutan as smooth and memorable as possible.
Tshang Ri Boutique Hotel Changangkha, Thimphu, Bhutan +975 2 323368 reservation@tshangrihotel.com