All visitors traveling to Bhutan need a visa clearance except the visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives. Indian, Bangladeshis, and Maldivian nationals can obtain a permit at the port at entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity(Indian Nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)). All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior to travel to Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour agent directly or through a foreign travel agent. The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices for packages to Bhutan and this must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival in Bhutan.
Bhutan’s tourism policy is unique and has garnered global attention for its focus on sustainable tourism and preserving its cultural heritage and pristine environment. At the core of this policy is the minimum daily tariff, which ensures that visitors contribute to the country’s economy while also controlling the number of tourists to maintain the integrity of Bhutan’s natural and cultural assets. For Adult tourists, the minimum daily tariff is set at $100 per person per day with the visa fee $40. Families traveling with children benefit from the reduced tariff, with half the daily rate applying to minors from 6-12 years old. Moreover, Bhutan extends a special provision to the regional tourists, exempting them from the daily tariff for the first 24 hours of their visit. This gesture acknowledges the cultural and historical ties between Bhutan and its neighboring countries while also promoting cross-border tourswim and fostering regional goodwill.
These incentives will be in effect from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2027, with the Royal Government conducting periodic evaluations.
