Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) Updates
Bhutan maintains its $100 per day SDF for most international tourists, funding conservation and development, but Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian citizens pay a reduced rate of Nu. 1,200 (~$15). All visitors must book through licensed tour operators who handle visa clearance in advance, ensuring a seamless entry process.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Bhutan, with at least two blank pages for the visa stamp and entry permit.
Always carry your passport as it's required for check-ins, treks, and checkpoints throughout the country; photocopies are useful backups but originals are mandatory.
Visa-Free Exceptions
Citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives can enter visa-free with a valid passport or Voter ID (for Indians), but must register with immigration upon arrival.
Other nationalities require pre-approval through a tour operator; no overland entry without permits, and stays are limited to the itinerary duration.
Visa Applications
Apply via a licensed Bhutanese tour operator at least 2-4 weeks in advance; the process involves submitting passport scans, itinerary, and payment of the SDF ($100/day minimum, including accommodation and guide).
Visa clearance is emailed within 72 hours, free of charge beyond the SDF, and the actual visa is stamped on arrival at Paro International Airport or Phuentsholing border.
Border Crossings
Main entry points are Paro Airport (air) and Phuentsholing (land border with India); all international flights land in Paro, with strict security and guided transfers mandatory.
Overland travelers from India need a route permit from the tour operator; expect checkpoints where your guide verifies documents, and no independent travel is allowed.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is mandatory, covering high-altitude medical emergencies, evacuation (helicopter costs can exceed $10,000), trip cancellations, and adventure activities like trekking.
Policies should include coverage up to $100,000 for medical; providers like World Nomads offer tailored plans starting at $5/day, and proof is checked on arrival.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 15 days can be applied for at the Department of Immigration in Thimphu with a valid reason, additional SDF payment, and tour operator endorsement.
Processing takes 3-5 days with a fee of Nu. 1,000 (~$12); plan ahead as extensions are not guaranteed and require proof of funds and onward travel.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Bhutan uses the Ngultrum (Nu.), pegged 1:1 to the Indian Rupee (INR), which is also accepted. For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Secure the best deals to Paro via Drukair or Bhutan Airlines by comparing on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Flights from Delhi or Bangkok can be 20-40% cheaper if booked 3-6 months ahead, and connecting via India saves on direct international fares.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for ema datshi (chili cheese stew) and momos at local eateries for under $10/meal, avoiding upscale hotels to cut food costs by 40-60%.
Street vendors and farm-to-table spots in Thimphu offer fresh, affordable Bhutanese fare; carry snacks for remote areas where options are limited.
Public Transport Passes
Since independent travel isn't allowed, your tour package includes all transport; negotiate group tours to split costs, saving 20-30% on vehicles and guides.
For overland from India, buses to Phuentsholing are cheap (~$20), but add SDF and permits; shared taxis within Bhutan can reduce per-person fees.
Free Attractions
Explore Paro Dzong, Punakha Valley hikes, and Tiger's Nest viewpoints (entry fees minimal ~$5), focusing on natural and cultural sites included in packages.
Many monasteries and trails are free with a guide; time visits around free festivals like Thimphu Tshechu to maximize value without extra costs.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in major hotels and Thimphu, but cash (Nu. or INR) is essential for rural areas, markets, and tips; ATMs are available but limits apply.
Exchange at banks for best rates (avoid airports); carry small notes as change is scarce in remote valleys.
Off-Season Discounts
Travel in winter (Dec-Feb) for 20-30% off packages as SDF waivers apply for certain months, including free nights for longer stays.
Combine with group bookings through operators to lower per-person rates; focus on shoulder seasons for balanced costs and weather.
Smart Packing for Bhutan
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack modest, knee-covering clothing for temples (no shorts or sleeveless tops), layers for altitude changes from 2,000m to 3,000m+, and thermal wear for chilly nights.
Include quick-dry fabrics for humidity, a rain poncho, and traditional gho/kira if desired for cultural immersion; respect dress codes to avoid entry denials at sacred sites.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/D/G), solar charger for remote treks, offline maps like Maps.me, and a good camera for Himalayan views.
Download language apps for Dzongkha basics; power banks are crucial as outlets may be scarce in homestays and during hikes.
Health & Safety
Carry altitude sickness meds (Diamox), comprehensive insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, and diarrhea treatment for spicy local food.
Include high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer; vaccinations for hepatitis and typhoid are recommended, with proof for entry.
Travel Gear
Pack a lightweight daypack for treks, reusable water bottle (purification tablets for streams), sleeping bag liner for basic lodges, and trekking poles.
Bring passport photocopies, cash belt, and eco-friendly bags; a headlamp is vital for early morning hikes or power outages in rural areas.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy, waterproof hiking boots for trails like to Tiger's Nest, with good ankle support for uneven terrain up to 3,000m elevation.
Pack comfortable sandals for temple visits and lightweight sneakers for cities; break in boots beforehand to prevent blisters on multi-day treks.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized toiletries, biodegradable soap for eco-sensitive areas, insect repellent for valleys, and moisturizer for dry highland air.
A compact umbrella or hat for sun/rain protection; pack extra socks and underwear as laundry services may be limited in remote homestays.
When to Visit Bhutan
Spring (March-May)
Prime time for rhododendron blooms and festivals like Paro Tshechu, with mild temperatures of 15-25°C and clear skies ideal for hiking.
Fewer crowds than autumn, perfect for photography and cultural events; expect vibrant valleys but book early for festival access.
Summer (June-August)
Monsoon season brings lush greenery and lower SDF rates (sometimes $30/day), with temperatures 20-30°C but frequent rains making roads slippery.
Great for birdwatching and off-peak deals; fewer tourists allow intimate experiences, though treks may be challenging due to weather.
Autumn (September-November)
Best for clear Himalayan views and trekking, with crisp 10-20°C days and festivals like Thimphu Drubchen; post-monsoon landscapes are stunning.
Peak season for Tiger's Nest hikes and photography; comfortable weather but higher prices—ideal for adventure and cultural immersion.
Winter (December-February)
Cool 0-15°C weather suits indoor monastery visits and winter festivals, with snow-capped peaks and reduced SDF (free for some nights).
Budget-friendly with minimal crowds; perfect for hot stone baths and stargazing, though high passes may close—focus on valleys like Punakha.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu.), pegged to Indian Rupee (INR 1:1). INR accepted widely; cards in cities but cash preferred in rural areas.
- Language: Dzongkha is official, with English and Hindi common in tourism. Guides provide translations; learn basic greetings like "Kuzuzangpo la."
- Time Zone: Bhutan Time (BTT), UTC+6
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/D/G plugs (round two-pin or three-pin)
- Emergency Number: 113 for police, 112 for ambulance/medical, 110 for fire
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; $5-10/day for guides/drivers, included in packages often
- Water: Bottled or purified recommended; tap water unsafe—boil or use tablets for streams
- Pharmacies: Available in Thimphu and Paro; stock up on essentials abroad as options are limited elsewhere