Bhutan visa and entry requirements

Bhutan's Immigration Rules and Regulations 2023 say the passport shall be valid for at least six months from the intended date of departure from the Kingdom. The Department of Immigration says Indian nationals may produce a passport or a Voter Identity Card in original at the port of entry.

No official source we read lists a vaccination certificate required for entry.

Not required. Bhutan's Department of Tourism says the requirement for mandatory travel insurance was lifted on April 23, 2024, but strongly recommends that all guests have travel insurance before visiting.

No official source we could read states an onward-ticket requirement for visitors to Bhutan; Bhutan's Immigration Rules and Regulations 2023 list none among the conditions of entry.

Bhutan's Immigration Rules and Regulations 2023 say a foreigner seeking entry shall prove adequate means to support their stay in the Kingdom without recourse to public funds. No official source we could read states an amount.

Fine: 18,215 BTN per day

A tourist is fined Nu. 18,215 for each day of overstay. A foreigner who overstays the validity of the immigration permit (which includes a visa) is also barred from re-entry: three months for an overstay of less than two months, six months for more than two but less than three months, and one year for more than three months.

• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) — 100 USD per person per night. Paid online before travelling.

  The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors. It is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except India, USD 50 per night for children aged 6 to under 12, and nothing for children under 6. The first 15,000 guests from Bangladesh may pay USD 15 or Nu. 1,200 per person per day. It is paid as part of submitting the visa application. From 2 June 2026, for a year until August 2027, tourists visiting Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrupjongkhar towns for 24 hours need not pay it, if they stay within the designated border-town zones. The UK government says all adult visitors must pay a daily SDF of USD 100 per night, with a lower daily charge for children.

  Exemptions: The USD 100 rate does not apply to Indian nationals. The first 15,000 guests from Bangladesh may pay USD 15 or Nu. 1,200 per person per day, or the equivalent in Indian rupees. Children aged 6 to under 12 pay USD 50 per night; children under 6 pay nothing. From 2 June 2026, tourists visiting Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrupjongkhar towns for 24 hours need not pay, if they do not travel beyond the designated border-town zones; the waiver applies for a year, until August 2027.

• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for Indian nationals — 1,200 BTN per person per night.

  Indian nationals showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card pay an SDF of Nu. 1,200, or the equivalent in Indian rupees, per person per night. Children aged 6 to under 12 pay Nu./INR 600 per night; children under 6 pay nothing.

  Exemptions: Children aged 6 to under 12 pay Nu./INR 600 per night; children under 6 pay nothing.

  Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: bhutan.travel (opens in a new tab)

Bhutan's Department of Tourism says you may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country. The UK government says foreign currency worth 10,000 US dollars or more taken into or out of Bhutan must be declared and cleared with the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, and that up to 30,000 ngultrum can be taken in or out.

• The UK government says you can bring a small supply of tobacco for personal use but must pay taxes and duties and be able to show proof of payment if asked; Canada's travel advice says imported tobacco products for personal use are subject to a 200% tax.
• The UK government says it is illegal to take antiques out of Bhutan and that customs officials may inspect items that appear to be antiques.