Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, is known for its monasteries, fortresses, and stunning landscapes. It has become a popular tourist destination among Indian travelers, who are attracted to its natural beauty, rich culture, and peaceful way of life. However, before planning a trip to Bhutan, Indian citizens need to obtain a visa to enter the country. In this article, we will provide an overview of the application process of Bhutan visa for Indians.
To enter Bhutan, Indian citizens need to obtain an Entry Permit, which is issued by the Department of Immigration of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The Entry Permit is a short-term permit with a validity of 7 days, but it can be extended for up to 30 days. Indian citizens do not need to apply for a Bhutan visa separately, as the Entry Permit serves as a visa for Indians. However, they need to meet certain eligibility criteria and follow the visa application process to obtain the Entry Permit.
The Bhutan visa process for Indians is relatively simple, but it involves several steps. Indian citizens need to provide their original passport or Indian Voter ID card, two passport-sized photographs, and travel insurance for the entire duration of the trip. They also need to pay the visa fees and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per day. In the following sections, we will provide more details on the eligibility criteria, types of Bhutan visas, visa application process, fees, entry points, and regulations for Indian citizens.
Key Takeaways
- Indian citizens need to obtain an Entry Permit to enter Bhutan, which serves as a visa for Indians.
- To obtain the Entry Permit, Indian citizens need to meet certain eligibility criteria, provide required documents, and pay the visa fees and SDF.
- Indian citizens can enter Bhutan through designated entry points and need to follow the regulations of the Bhutanese government.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Nationals
Indian nationals planning to visit Bhutan are required to meet certain eligibility criteria to obtain a visa. Here are the key requirements:
Passport Validity
Indian nationals must have a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of entry into Bhutan. As per the guidelines of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bhutan, the passport must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
Previous Travel History
Indian nationals with a previous travel history to countries with a high incidence of COVID-19 cases may face additional scrutiny during the visa application process. It is recommended that travelers carry a COVID-19 negative report issued within 72 hours of the date of arrival in Bhutan.
Additionally, Indian nationals visiting Bhutan must obtain a Bhutan Entry Permit that allows them to visit certain parts of Bhutan. The permit can be obtained by submitting an application to the Immigration Office of Bhutan or through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Types of Bhutan Visas for Indians
If you are an Indian citizen planning to travel to Bhutan, you will need a visa to enter the country. There are different types of visas available depending on the purpose of your visit.
Tourist Visa
A tourist visa is the most common type of visa for Indians visiting Bhutan. It allows visitors to stay in Bhutan for up to 7 days from the date of entry. Indian citizens can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at any of the entry points in Bhutan. However, it is recommended to apply for a visa in advance to avoid any delays or issues at the entry point.
Business Visa
If you are traveling to Bhutan for business purposes, you will need a business visa. This visa allows visitors to stay in Bhutan for up to 30 days from the date of entry. To apply for a business visa, you will need to provide a letter of invitation from a Bhutanese company or organization along with other required documents.
Student Visa
If you are an Indian student planning to study in Bhutan, you will need a student visa. This visa allows students to stay in Bhutan for the duration of their course. To apply for a student visa, you will need to provide a letter of acceptance from a Bhutanese educational institution along with other required documents.
It is important to note that the visa requirements and application process may change from time to time. Therefore, it is recommended to check the latest visa requirements before planning your trip to Bhutan.
Application Process of the Bhutan Visa for Indians
Required Documentation
Indian nationals who wish to visit Bhutan must have a valid passport and a visa clearance letter. The passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Bhutan. The visa clearance letter can be obtained through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or a travel agent. The tour operator will process the visa application on behalf of the traveler.
Application Submission
To apply for a Bhutan visa, Indians need to fill out an online application form. The form requires basic personal information and details about the travel plans, such as the duration of stay and places to visit. The visa application fee must be paid at the time of submitting the application.
Visa Processing Time
The visa processing time for Bhutan is usually 3-4 working days. However, it is recommended to apply for a visa at least two weeks before the intended travel date to avoid any last-minute delays. Once the visa application is approved, the visa clearance letter will be issued by the Department of Immigration in Bhutan.
Indian nationals are also required to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of INR 1,200/- per person per night to enter Bhutan. Children aged between 6-12 years have to pay 50% of SDF, while it is waived off for children aged 5 years and below. The SDF is only applicable to residents of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives.
Visa Fees and Payment
Fee Structure
Indian nationals visiting Bhutan need to pay a daily fee of USD 250 during the peak season (March to May and September to November) and USD 200 during the off-season (December to February and June to August). This fee is inclusive of accommodation, food, transport, and a licensed Bhutanese guide. Additionally, there is a one-time visa fee of USD 40.
It is important to note that the daily fee is mandatory for all tourists except for Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals. Indian nationals, however, need to obtain a Bhutan Entry Permit that allows them to visit certain parts of Bhutan. The permit can be obtained from the Immigration Office of Royal Government of Bhutan in Phuentsholing or Thimphu upon producing a valid passport or voter ID card.
Payment Methods
The visa fee and daily fee can be paid in US dollars or in Indian rupees. However, it is recommended to carry US dollars as the exchange rate for Indian rupees is not fixed and may vary from place to place. Payment can be made in cash or by credit card. It is important to note that credit card payments are subject to a 3-5% processing fee.
Visitors are advised to carry enough cash for the duration of their stay as ATMs are not widely available in Bhutan and credit cards are not accepted everywhere. It is also recommended to inform the bank beforehand about the travel plans to avoid any issues with international transactions.
Entry Points and Regulations
Indian citizens traveling to Bhutan do not require a visa to enter Bhutan. However, they must obtain a Bhutan Entry Permit that allows them to visit certain parts of Bhutan. The Bhutan Entry Permit is issued by the Immigration Office at the point of entry, and it is valid for 7 to 30 days. Foreigners issued with a valid SAARC Visa Exemption Sticker do not require prior visa/entry permit clearance. All other foreign nationals must obtain an e-visa prior to their entry into Bhutan. Admission into the country will be determined by Immigration Officers at the port of entry 1.
Air Travel
Indian citizens can enter Bhutan by air through the Paro International Airport. Druk Air, the national airline of Bhutan, operates flights to and from Paro International Airport. Indian citizens can take direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Mumbai, and Bagdogra to Paro International Airport. It is important to note that Paro International Airport is located in a deep valley and has a single runway, making it one of the most challenging airports in the world 1.
Land Travel
Indian citizens can also enter Bhutan by land through the Phuentsholing border crossing. Phuentsholing is the only land border crossing between Bhutan and India. It is located in the southern part of Bhutan and is about a 4-hour drive from Bagdogra Airport in India. The border crossing is open from Monday to Friday, and Indian citizens can obtain a Bhutan Entry Permit at the Immigration Office at the border crossing. It is important to note that the border crossing can be busy, and travelers may experience long wait times 1.
Bhutan Visa for Indians: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of a Bhutan visa for Indian nationals?
Indian nationals are required to obtain a visa to enter Bhutan. The cost of a Bhutan visa for Indian nationals is USD 40 per person. However, the visa fee is subject to change. Applicants are advised to check with their nearest Bhutanese embassy or consulate for the latest information.
Is there a daily charge for Bhutan visas for Indian citizens?
Yes, there is a daily charge for Bhutan visas for Indian citizens. The daily charge is called the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). It is set at USD 65 per day per person during the peak season (March, April, May, September, October, and November) and USD 50 per day per person during the low season (December, January, February, June, July, and August). The SDF covers the cost of accommodation, meals, transportation, and an official guide.
Can Indian tourists apply for a Bhutan permit online?
No, Indian tourists cannot apply for a Bhutan permit online. They must apply for a Bhutan permit through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. The tour operator will arrange the permit on behalf of the tourist.
What are the fees associated with obtaining a Bhutan permit for Indians?
In addition to the visa fee and the daily SDF, there are other fees associated with obtaining a Bhutan permit for Indians. These fees include a one-time Bhutan Tourism Development Fee (BTDF) of USD 10 and a Bhutanese government royalty of USD 65 per day per person during the peak season and USD 50 per day per person during the low season.
Are Indians eligible for visa on arrival in Bhutan?
No, Indians are not eligible for visa on arrival in Bhutan. Indian nationals must obtain a Bhutan visa before arriving in the country.
Does visiting Bhutan entail high expenses for Indian travelers?
Yes, visiting Bhutan can entail high expenses for Indian travelers due to the daily SDF. The SDF covers the cost of accommodation, meals, transportation, and an official guide. However, the SDF is intended to promote sustainable tourism and preserve Bhutan’s unique culture and environment.