Apply for Bhutan Visa

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Regular Visa

Yes, a visa is required for your trip to Bhutan.

Citizens of United States of America must obtain a visa in advance. You have to apply for visa through a Bhutan diplomatic mission or one of its authorized visa agents outside Bhutan. You will need to visit the Embassy in your country to process this visa. Need help in getting prepare the required documentation contact us.

Bhutan

Bhutan is a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas, known for its unique culture and sustainable tourism. Visitors must obtain a visa in advance through an embassy/consulate or the Bhutan eVisa website. The visa is typically valid for six months, with different types available, including tourist, business, and medical visas, each with specific requirements and validity periods.

Overview of Bhutan Visas: Types and Purpose

There are several types of Bhutan visas available, including:

 

  • Tourist eVisa: For sightseeing, hiking, or cultural exploration; valid for 30 days with single or multiple entries.

  • Business eVisa: For attending conferences, meetings, or exploring investment opportunities; valid for 30 days with single or multiple entries.

  • Medical eVisa: For medical treatment or accompanying someone receiving medical treatment; valid for 90 days with a single entry only.

Bhutan eVisa Requirements: Essential Documents and Eligibility

Here are the essential documents and eligibility requirements for a Bhutan eVisa:

Documents:

  • Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond the intended stay in Bhutan
  • Recent passport-sized photograph (in JPEG or PNG format)
  • Payment of visa fee via credit or debit card

Eligibility:

  • The applicant must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries listed on the Bhutan eVisa website
  • The applicant must have a confirmed return ticket or a ticket for onward travel from Bhutan
  • The applicant must have a valid email address to receive the eVisa

Note:

  • The Bhutan eVisa is only valid for entry through Paro International Airport or at Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Gelephu land border crossings.
  • The eVisa is typically processed within 1-3 business days, but it is recommended to apply at least 5 days before the intended travel date to allow for processing time. 

Bhutan eVisa Validity: Duration of Stay and Extension

A Bhutan visa is valid for six months starting from the date of entry into the country and is a single-entry visa. The duration of stay in Bhutan is generally decided by the Immigration Officer upon arrival and can be up to 30 days or as specified on the visa. The visa cannot be extended beyond its original validity period.

 

Online Bhutan Visa Application Form: Step-by-Step Guide

The Bhutan visa application form is available online on the eVisa website. It requires personal information such as name, date of birth, passport information, and travel details. Applicants must ensure the provided information is accurate and matches their passport. They also need to upload a copy of their passport and a recent passport-sized photograph. The application fee can be paid online via credit or debit card.

 

How to Apply for a Bhutan Visa: Process and Options

Two methods are available to apply for a Bhutan visa, either through an embassy or consulate, or online through the Bhutan eVisa website. Embassy/consulate applicants need to fill out a form, provide necessary documents, pay the fee, and wait for processing. On the other hand, eVisa applicants fill out an online application form, pay the fee, and wait for the visa to be issued electronically. Both methods require a valid passport and other necessary documents, and have specific requirements and processing times.

Applying for a Bhutan Visa Online (eVisa): Procedure and Tips

The Bhutan eVisa is available for citizens of 47 countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The application process is entirely online, and the visa is sent to the applicant via email.

 

Here are the steps and tips for applying for a Bhutan eVisa online:

 

  • Visit the eVisa website to start the application process.
  • Choose the type of visa you need, such as tourist or business.
  • Fill out the online visa application form completely and accurately. Make sure to provide all required information and attach any necessary documents.
  • Pay the visa application fee using a valid credit or debit card.
  • Submit the visa application form and wait for it to be processed. The processing time can vary, but it is usually between 1-3 business days.
  • Once the visa application is approved, you will receive an email with the eVisa attached as a PDF file. Make sure to print a copy of the eVisa to carry with you during your travels to Bhutan.

Some additional tips to keep in mind:

 

  • Make sure to apply for your eVisa at least 5 days before your intended travel date to allow for processing time.
  • Double-check all information on the visa application form before submitting it to avoid errors or delays in processing.
  • Ensure that the passport you will be using for your travel has a validity of at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Bhutan.
  • Make sure to carry a printed copy of your eVisa with you when you travel to Bhutan.
  • Note that eVisas are only valid for entry through Paro International Airport or at Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Gelephu land border crossings.

 

Applying for a Bhutan Visa at an Embassy or Consulate: Steps and Details

Applicants can also apply for a Bhutan visa at the Royal Bhutanese Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence.

 

Here are the steps and details for applying for a Bhutan visa at an embassy or consulate:

 

  • Determine the embassy or consulate where you will apply for the visa. Check the Bhutan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to find the embassy or consulate nearest to you.
  • Obtain a visa application form from the embassy or consulate. You can also download the form from the Bhutan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
  • Fill out the visa application form completely and accurately. Make sure to provide all required information and attach any necessary documents.
  • Submit the completed visa application form, along with any required documents, to the embassy or consulate in person or by mail.
  • Pay the visa application fee. The fee varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the country where you are applying.
  • Wait for the visa application to be processed. The processing time can vary depending on the embassy or consulate and the volume of applications they receive.
  • Once the visa application is approved, you will be notified and can pick up your visa at the embassy or consulate. Make sure to bring your passport and any other required documents with you.

 

Some additional details to keep in mind:

 

  • Bhutan visas are generally issued for tourism, business, or official purposes.
  • You will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Bhutan.
  • You may also need to provide proof of a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Bhutan.
  • Bhutan also offers visa-on-arrival for certain nationalities. Check the Bhutan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more information. 

Bhutan Visa Processing Time: Duration and Factors

The processing time for a Bhutan eVisa application can vary and can take up to 72 hours, depending on factors such as the number of applications and the complexity of the application. During peak tourism season, the processing time may take longer. It is recommended to apply well in advance of the travel date and to consider expedited processing for urgent cases, for an additional fee.

Urgent Bhutan Visa Application: Procedure and Considerations

To work legally in Bhutan, foreign nationals must obtain a Bhutan Work Visa and work permit. Applicants need a confirmed job offer from a Bhutanese employer, a valid passport, and two passport-sized photos to apply. The visa is issued by the Department of Immigration and is typically valid for one year, allowing multiple entries and exits. Applicants should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying.

Bhutan Visa Expired: Extension and Renewal Options

If your Bhutan visa has expired, you can apply for an extension or renewal at the Department of Immigration in Thimphu, Bhutan. The application requires submitting the original passport with a valid visa, a completed application form, and a letter explaining the reason for the extension or renewal. The processing time may take up to seven days, and a fee is required. It is recommended to apply for an extension or renewal before the current visa expires.

Bhutan Visa Policy Map

 
Bhutan

 
Eligible Countries/Nationalities for e-visa/visa on arrival

 
Countries/Nationalities Required Regular/Paper Visa for travelling to

 
Visa Exempt Countries/Nationalities for travelling to
Bhutanese visa policy map.

Visa Exempt Countries List

Citizens of certain countries and categories are exempted from obtaining a visa to enter Bhutan. These categories include Indian nationals, children below the age of 5, and officials traveling on diplomatic passports. 

 

Additionally, citizens are eligible for visa-free entry for a maximum of 90 days. To enter Bhutan without a visa, visitors must carry valid travel documents, such as a passport or voter ID card.

 

Regular visasAll Countries / Nationalities that required regular visa for Bhutan

If you are not eligible for the Bhutan eVisa, you will need to apply for a visa at the Royal Bhutanese Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. The application process involves filling out the visa application form, submitting supporting documents such as passport copies and a copy of your travel itinerary, and paying the visa fee.

Bhutan Visa Cost: Fees for Different Types and Durations

The Bhutanese government has an online fee tool that applicants can use to check the fees for a Bhutan visa. The tool considers factors such as the type of visa, processing time, and the applicant's country of citizenship to estimate the visa fee and additional charges. This allows applicants to make an informed decision about the type of visa they wish to apply for.

Bhutan e-Visa or Sticker Visa: Comparison and Application Process

Bhutan e-visa: This visa is applied online, and the visa approval letter is sent through email. Upon arrival in Bhutan, the visa will be stamped on the passport. The e-visa can be used for entry through Paro International Airport and Phuentsholing land border.

 

Sticker visa: This visa is obtained by submitting an application to the Bhutanese embassy or consulate in the traveler's country of residence. The visa will be stamped in the passport, and travelers must carry it with them when entering Bhutan.

 

Sure, here's the information:-

 

  • Bhutan offers two types of visas for foreign visitors: eVisa and Sticker Visa.
  • The eVisa is an online visa that can be obtained by filling out an application form and paying the visa fee through a secure payment gateway. The eVisa is sent to the applicant's email address, and it should be printed out and carried during travel.
  • The Sticker Visa is a traditional visa that is obtained by applying through an embassy or consulate. The visa is placed on the passport, and the applicant needs to carry the passport during travel.
  • The eVisa is generally more convenient than the Sticker Visa since it can be obtained from anywhere with an internet connection and eliminates the need to visit an embassy or consulate.
  • The eVisa application process is straightforward and requires applicants to fill in their personal information, travel details, and upload supporting documents, such as passport copies and a recent photograph.
  • The Sticker Visa application process involves visiting an embassy or consulate, submitting the necessary documents, and attending an interview. The process can take longer than the eVisa application process, and applicants may need to travel to another country to apply.
  • The eVisa is generally more affordable than the Sticker Visa since it has a lower visa fee and eliminates the need for travel expenses to an embassy or consulate.
  • Both types of visas have their own advantages and disadvantages, and applicants should consider their individual needs and circumstances before deciding which type of visa to apply for.

Bhutan Work Visa: Requirements, Application, and Validity

To work legally in Bhutan, foreign nationals must obtain a Bhutan Work Visa and work permit. Applicants need a confirmed job offer from a Bhutanese employer, a valid passport, and two passport-sized photos to apply. The visa is issued by the Department of Immigration and is typically valid for one year, allowing multiple entries and exits. Applicants should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying.

 

FAQs about Bhutanese eVisa

 For long-stay, employment, or other visa inquiries, please reach out to the following embassies