All tourists, except for visitors from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, need a visa to enter Bhutan. Indian visitors require a permit, while nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives are eligible for a visa on arrival.

Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry. Foreigners issued with a valid SAARC Visa Exemption Sticker do not You have the option to apply for a Bhutanese visa online by visiting the Department of Immigration website and completing the payment process digitally.

Alternatively, you can travel with us, allowing our team to handle all the necessary paperwork for your Bhutan trip.

The Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a mandatory fee imposed on all tourists visiting Bhutan. It is intended to contribute to the country’s sustainable development initiatives, including the preservation of culture and the environment, as well as funding free education, healthcare, and infrastructure development projects. Additionally, it helps the Kingdom manage tourism in sustainable numbers, ensuring that visitors can continue to enjoy tranquility and an intimate experience while exploring Bhutan.

Bhutan has halved its (SDF) by 50 %  in a move to encourage tourism. Effective from September 1st, visitors will now be required to pay US$100 per person per night for the duration of their stay, reduced from the previous rate of US$200 per person per night. These revised rates will remain in effect until August 31st, 2027. Children aged 5 to under 12 years will be subject to a reduced SDF of USD 50 per person per night, while the fee is waived for children below 5 years old.

For Indian nationals, the Sustainable Development Fee to enter Bhutan is set at INR 1,200 per person per night.

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is waived for up to 24 hours for tourists of all nationalities visiting the border towns of Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.

The SDF is calculated on a per night basis.

Yes, any traveler visiting Bhutan can now book all aspects of their journey independently. However, you are encouraged to book a tour with accredited tour operators such as The karma ways. It will save you a lot of hassle in organising permits and accommodations, and the tour guides will be able to provide you insights into Bhutanese culture, traditions, and hidden gems

Most travelers choose:

• 5 days – Paro + Thimphu

• 7 days – Paro, Thimphu, Punakha

• 10+ days – Trekking + cultural tours
  
  We can customize your itinerary. give you more information 

Bhutan uses a minimum daily package that includes hotel, meals, guide, and transportation.
While slightly higher in cost than other destinations, the experience is all-inclusive and high quality.