FAQs

Getting your visa for Bhutan is a straightforward process managed entirely by your licensed tour operator. You do not need to apply at a Bhutanese embassy or consulate.

The process is simple:

1. Confirm Your Tour — Once you finalize your personalized tour itinerary, book your trip.
2. Submit Your Passport — Send a clear, color scan of your passport’s photo page. Your passport must have at least six months of validity from your date of entry into Bhutan.
3. Submit Your Passport-Sized Photo — Send a clear, color scan of your recent passport-sized photo, with a white background, with eyes open, forehead and ears clearly visible.
4. Complete the Payment — Pay the full tour invoice, which includes the mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 USD per person, per night.
5. We Handle the Paperwork — The tour operator applies for your visa clearance on your behalf with Bhutan’s Department of Immigration. Once approved, you will receive an official Visa Clearance Letter.

You will need to show this letter during check-in for your flight to Bhutan and at the immigration counter upon arrival at Paro International Airport, where the visa will be stamped into your passport.

Planning your dream trip to Bhutan is a collaborative and personalized experience. This ensures your journey is authentic, well-organized, and you experience the best of Bhutan.

Here’s how to begin:

1. Share Your Vision — Contact the tour operator with your travel dates, duration of stay, and interests (cultural festivals, treks, spiritual wellness retreats, photography tours, etc.).
2. Receive a Custom Itinerary — Based on your preferences, a tailor-made itinerary is designed with a detailed quote. This includes accommodation, a private vehicle with a dedicated driver, a licensed guide, meals, and all entry fees.
3. Confirm and Relax — Once happy with the proposed itinerary, confirm the booking. The operator handles all logistical arrangements within Bhutan — including your visa, hotel bookings, route permits, and flight reservations with Drukair or Bhutan Airlines if requested.

All tour costs are quoted in US Dollars (USD). The following payment methods are available:

• International Wire Transfer (Standard Method) — The most common and secure method. Payment is sent directly to the company bank account in Bhutan. Ideal for full tour payments. Bank details are provided on the official invoice. Wire receiver’s charges are added to the invoice.
• Online Payment Gateway (Credit/Debit Card) — A secure payment link is sent to complete the transaction using a credit or debit card. Great for paying deposits or full tour amounts. Transactions via the gateway are subject to a small processing fee charged by the service provider.
• Binance (Cryptocurrency Payment) — Payments through Binance are also accepted. Inform them of this preference at the time of booking and they will provide the specific transfer details after confirmation.

Smart Tips for Hassle-Free Payments:

• Enable Your Cards for International Use — Before traveling, confirm with your bank (or via your mobile banking app) that your debit/credit cards are enabled for international transactions, including use in Bhutan.
• Inform Your Bank About Your Travel Plans — Notify your bank of your travel dates and destination to prevent transaction declines and ensure smooth payments.
• Check Card Network Compatibility — Ensure your card network (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, JCB, or American Express) is supported by banks in Bhutan. For more details on accepted card networks, visit the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) website: www.rma.org.bt

Key Things to Do Before You Pay:

• Be Aware of Transaction and Withdrawal Limits — Check your bank’s transaction limit. At ATMs in Bhutan, follow on-screen instructions to note withdrawal limits per transaction.
• Consult Merchants, Guides, or Banks — If a payment is declined, consult your merchant or guide for assistance. If the issue persists, contact the nearest bank.

Important Note for Regional (Indian) Tourists — Cards issued in India denominated in USD will not work in Bhutan due to FEMA regulations by the Reserve Bank of India. Carry cards valid for India, Bhutan, and Nepal to avoid payment issues.

You can travel to the Kingdom of Bhutan by air or by land.

1. By Air (Most Common)

The only international airport in Bhutan is Paro International Airport (PBH). Flying into Paro offers a breathtaking approach with stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. Two national airlines operate flights to Bhutan:

• Drukair — Royal Bhutan Airlines
• Bhutan Airlines

These airlines connect Paro to several major cities including Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Kathmandu (Nepal), Dhaka (Bangladesh), multiple cities in India (Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra), Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Dubai. The tour operator can book flights as part of your travel package.

2. By Land

You can enter Bhutan by road from India through three official land border crossings:

• Phuentsholing (in the west, bordering West Bengal) — the most popular entry point for travellers combining Bhutan with visits to Sikkim or Darjeeling
• Gelephu (in the central region, bordering Assam)
• Samdrup Jongkhar (in the east, bordering Assam)

All necessary permits and transportation for land entry can be arranged.