Bhutan Travel Guide

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Passports

Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart above.

Note: Tourists to Bhutan are obliged to use Druk Air (the only airline serving Bhutan) either on entering or leaving the country. The government may refuse entry to those wishing to visit for mountaineering, publicity and other research activities.

Passport Notes

(a) There are two ways of entering Bhutan: by air to Paro Airport or by road to the Bhutanese border town of Phuentsholing. Samdrup Jongkhar is used for exits from Bhutan by land. All travelers entering the country by road must ensure that they have the necessary documentation for transiting through that part of India to Phuentsholing. Consult the Important Addresses section for India. Visitors are also advised to contact the Government of India Tourist Office (see India section) to check exactly what special permits or other documents may be necessary as these regulations are subject to change at short notice. (b) Visitors are required to book with a registered tour operator in Bhutan, which can be done directly through an affiliated travel agent abroad. Independent travel is not permitted in Bhutan and visitors are required by immigration to bring two passport photos with them for use on arrival.

Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Important Addresses).

Visa Note

(a) Air tickets cannot be purchased without visa clearance. (b) Visas are only issued to tourists booked with a local licensed tour operator, or through a foreign travel agent. All applications are submitted through the tour operator. (c) Visas are issued (stamped in passport) on arrival at Paro Airport or at Phuentsholing check post.

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist: US$20..

Validity

Visas are initially granted for stays of up to 15 days. The Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited (BTCL) can apply for an extension of tourist visas for an additional fee per person.

Working Days Required

Visa clearance takes at least 10 days to process and should be applied for at least 60 days prior to arrival in Bhutan.

Travel Warnings

Travelers must arrange any visit to Bhutan through an authorized travel agent. Those traveling independently are not permitted to enter Bhutan. Most visits are trouble-free.

While the threat of terrorism in Bhutan remains low, a series of bomb blasts occurred in Thimphu, Samste, Chukha and Dagana on 20 January 2008, injuring one person. The Royal Bhutan Police have also confirmed that an unexploded bomb was found in a vegetable market in Dagana.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health Care

Full medical insurance is strongly advised. Medical facilities are good but not always close at hand..

Vaccinations

Special Notes

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by all travelers coming from an infected area.