Bhutan Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

Bhutan has an unusual but fairly simple process for admitting visitors: Bhutanese embassies abroad cannot issues visas, instead you must apply for your visa in advance through a registered tour operator. The visa takes a minimum of two weeks to be approved at which time your tour operator will confirm with you directly with a faxed or emailed copy of the successful application. The actual visa is then stamped into your passport on arrival. You will need to pay a USD20 fee and present two passport photographs.

Note that the Government of Bhutan refuses entry to people wishing to visit the country for mountaineering, publicity and other research activities. All visitors are required to book with a registered tour operator in Bhutan, which can be done directly through a travel agent abroad. All visitors must hold confirmed return or onward tickets, all documents required for next destination, and USD 250 per day of stay.

Americans

United States citizens must have a passport. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance through a tour operator.

UK Nationals

British nationals must have a passport. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance through a tour operator.

Canadians

Canadians must hold a passport. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance through a tour operator.

Australians

Australians must have a passport. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance through a tour operator.

South Africans

South Africans must have a passport. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance through a tour operator.

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals must have a passport. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance through a tour operator.

New Zealanders

New Zealand nationals must have a passport. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance through a tour operator.

Healthcare

Ensure you have adequate health insurance that includes the facility for emergency repatriation. The most significant health risks for travelers are water-borne parasites from unclean drinking water and altitude sickness resulting from exposure to high altitudes. Health care standards are relatively high. For locals all health services are free, and both western and traditional medicine is practiced side by side. In 2004 Bhutan became the first country in the world to entirely ban the sale of cigarettes. Hospitals and clinics are located throughout the country, with excellent facilities available in the capital Thimpu.

Safety

Bhutan is one of the safest destinations on the planet. There is virtually no crime or violence.