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.
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