Introduction to Bhutan evisa: What is it and who needs it?

Bhutan evisa is an online system that allows travelers from eligible countries to apply for a visa to visit Bhutan. The evisa system was introduced by the Bhutan government to simplify the visa application process and make it more convenient for visitors. With evisa, travelers can apply for a visa from the comfort of their own homes, without having to visit a Bhutanese embassy or consulate.

The Bhutan evisa is available for tourist and business purposes and is issued for a limited duration depending on the purpose of the visit. The evisa process is straightforward and requires applicants to submit their personal and travel information, passport details, and supporting documents online. Once the application is approved, travelers can enter Bhutan by presenting a printed copy of their evisa and their passport at the point of entry.

The Bhutan evisa system has made it easier for visitors to travel to Bhutan and explore its unique culture and natural beauty. However, it is important to note that not all nationalities are eligible for evisa and travelers must meet specific requirements to be granted an evisa.

Who needs a Bhutan evisa?

All foreign nationals, except Indian citizens, need a visa to enter Bhutan. The Bhutan evisa system has made it easier for travelers to obtain a visa without visiting the Bhutanese embassy or consulate in their home country. The evisa is available for citizens of most countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and European Union countries. Indian citizens can enter Bhutan without a visa, but they need to obtain an entry permit from the Immigration Office of Bhutan upon arrival at the border.

Benefits of applying for Bhutan evisa: Why choose evisa over traditional visa?

Applying for a Bhutan evisa has several benefits over obtaining a traditional visa. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider applying for an evisa:

• Convenience: The Bhutan evisa application process is entirely online, and you can apply from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. You don't have to visit the Bhutanese embassy or consulate in your home country to apply for a visa.
• Time-saving: The Bhutan evisa processing time is faster than traditional visa processing, and you can expect to receive your evisa within 1-3 working days. This makes it easier for you to plan your trip and make travel arrangements.
• Paperless process: The entire Bhutan evisa application process is paperless, and you don't have to submit physical documents, such as passport copies or photographs. You can upload all the required documents online, making the process more convenient and eco-friendly.
• Secure and reliable: The Bhutan evisa system is secure and reliable, and you can be assured that your personal and financial information is protected.
• Cost-effective: The Bhutan evisa fees are lower than traditional visa fees, and you can save money by applying for an evisa.
• Promotes tourism: The Bhutan evisa system has made it easier for tourists to plan their trip to Bhutan and explore the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage. By choosing an evisa, you can support Bhutan's tourism industry and contribute to the country's economy.

Overall, applying for a Bhutan evisa is a convenient, time-saving, and cost-effective option for travelers who want to visit Bhutan for tourism, business, or medical purposes. It is a secure and reliable system that promotes tourism and makes it easier for visitors to experience the unique culture and natural beauty of Bhutan.

Types of Bhutan evisa: Which evisa category is right for you?

There are three types of Bhutan evisa categories available, and choosing the right one depends on the purpose of your visit to Bhutan. Here is a brief overview of each category to help you determine which evisa is right for you:

• Tourist evisa: This type of evisa is for those who plan to visit Bhutan for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, hiking, or exploring the country's culture and heritage. The tourist evisa is valid for a maximum of 30 days, and you can apply for a single entry or multiple entries.
• Business evisa: If you plan to visit Bhutan for business purposes, such as attending a conference, meeting clients, or exploring investment opportunities, you will need to apply for a business evisa. This type of evisa is also valid for a maximum of 30 days and can be used for single or multiple entries.
• Medical evisa: If you are traveling to Bhutan for medical treatment or to accompany someone who is receiving medical treatment, you will need to apply for a medical evisa. This type of evisa is valid for a maximum of 90 days and can be used for a single entry only.

When choosing the right Bhutan evisa category, you should consider the purpose of your visit, the duration of your stay, and the number of entries you plan to make. It is essential to ensure that you apply for the correct evisa type to avoid any issues at the immigration checkpoint.

Bhutan evisa application process: Step-by-step guide to applying for evisa.

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a Bhutan evisa:

Step 1: Visit the official Bhutan evisa website and create an account. You will need to provide your personal and contact details, including your name, address, and email address.

Step 2: Select the evisa category that is appropriate for your travel purpose. You can choose from tourist, business, or medical evisa.

Step 3: Fill out the online application form with your personal and travel details, including your passport information, travel itinerary, and accommodation details.

Step 4: Upload all the required documents, including a scanned copy of your passport bio page, a recent passport-size photograph, and any supporting documents, such as a business invitation letter or medical certificate.

Step 5: Pay the evisa fee using a valid credit or debit card. The fee varies depending on the evisa category and the number of entries requested.

Step 6: Submit your application, and you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number.

Step 7: Wait for the evisa processing time. The processing time for Bhutan evisa is usually 1-3 working days, but it can take longer during peak tourist seasons.

Step 8: Once your evisa is approved, you will receive an email with an evisa approval letter. Print a copy of this letter and carry it with you during your trip to Bhutan.

Step 9: When you arrive in Bhutan, present your evisa approval letter along with your passport at the immigration checkpoint. The immigration officer will verify your details and grant you entry into the country.

By following these simple steps, you can apply for a Bhutan evisa from the comfort of your home and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience.

Required documents for Bhutan evisa: What documents do you need to apply?

To apply for a Bhutan evisa, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Bhutan and have at least one blank page for the evisa stamp.
• A recent passport-sized photograph: You will need to upload a digital copy of a recent passport-sized photograph that meets the Bhutan evisa photo requirements. The photo must be in color and taken against a white background.
• Travel itinerary: You must provide a detailed travel itinerary that includes your flight details, accommodation information, and the places you plan to visit in Bhutan.
• Proof of accommodation: You must provide proof of your accommodation in Bhutan, such as a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a Bhutanese resident.
• Supporting documents: Depending on the evisa category you are applying for, you may need to provide additional supporting documents. For example, if you are applying for a business evisa, you may need to provide a business invitation letter from a Bhutanese company, while if you are applying for a medical evisa, you may need to provide a medical certificate from a recognized healthcare provider.

It is important to ensure that you have all the required documents before you start your Bhutan evisa application. Incomplete applications or missing documents may result in delays or rejection of your evisa application.

Bhutan evisa fees and processing time: How much does it cost and how long does it take?

The fees and processing time for Bhutan evisa vary depending on the type of evisa you are applying for. Here is an overview of the fees and processing time-

Fees

The visa fee for a Bhutan evisa, which is US$40 per person. It means that anyone who applies for a Bhutan evisa must pay this fee, regardless of whether their application is approved or not. The fee is non-refundable, which means that you will not receive a refund even if your application is rejected or if you decide to cancel your trip. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you have all the required documents and information before you apply for a Bhutan evisa to avoid any delays or issues with your application.

Processing time

The processing time for a Bhutan evisa application is up to five working days, provided that the application has been correctly filled out and all required documents have been submitted. It is important to note that this is an approximate processing time and may vary depending on factors such as the number of applications received, peak tourist seasons, and any additional clearance required from the relevant authorities. Therefore, it is recommended that you apply for your Bhutan evisa well in advance of your travel date to allow for any unforeseen delays or issues that may arise during the application process.

Bhutan evisa validity and extension: How long is the evisa valid and can it be extended?

The SDF or Sustainable Development Fee is a mandatory daily fee that tourists must pay when they visit Bhutan. This fee is used by the government to fund various projects related to Bhutan's sustainable development, such as education, health, and infrastructure.

The statement "The visa allows you to remain in Bhutan only for the number of days for which SDF is paid" means that your Bhutan evisa is linked to the number of days for which you have paid the SDF fee. For example, if you have paid the SDF fee for 7 days, you can only stay in Bhutan for 7 days with your evisa.

Therefore, it is important to pay the SDF fee for the exact number of days you intend to stay in Bhutan, as your evisa will only be valid for that duration. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to apply for a new evisa and pay the additional SDF fee for the extra days.

The extension is applied for before the original visa expires" means that it is possible to extend your Bhutan evisa if you apply for the extension before your original evisa expires. This means that you must initiate the extension process before your current evisa's validity period ends.

To apply for an evisa extension, you can use the online visa application portal and use the same login details that you used for your original evisa application. The fees for the extension application, as well as the daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for the duration of your extended stay, can be paid via the same portal.

It is important to note that not all evisa categories can be extended, and the extension may not be granted in all cases.

Bhutan evisa restrictions: Are there any restrictions or conditions for evisa holders?

Yes, there are some restrictions and conditions for Bhutan evisa holders. Here are some of the key ones:

• Purpose of visit: You must travel to Bhutan for the specific purpose for which your evisa has been issued, such as tourism, business, or medical treatment.
• Duration of stay: You must not exceed the maximum duration of stay permitted for your evisa category. For example, if you hold a tourist evisa, you can stay in Bhutan for a maximum of 30 days.
• Re-entry: If you hold a single-entry evisa, you cannot leave Bhutan and re-enter using the same evisa. You will need to apply for a new evisa if you wish to re-enter Bhutan.
• Compliance with laws: You must comply with all laws and regulations in Bhutan during your stay, including customs, immigration, and health regulations.
• No work allowed: You are not permitted to engage in any work or employment during your stay in Bhutan, unless you hold a separate work permit.

It is important to carefully read and understand all the restrictions and conditions of your Bhutan evisa before you travel. Failure to comply with these conditions can result in serious consequences, such as fines, deportation, and future travel restrictions.

Bhutan travel tips for evisa holders: What to expect and how to prepare for your trip

If you are planning to visit Bhutan with an evisa, here are some travel tips to help you prepare for your trip:

• Plan ahead: Bhutan is a small country with limited tourism infrastructure, so it is important to plan your trip well in advance. This includes booking your accommodations, tours, and activities before you arrive.
• Pack appropriately: Bhutan has a wide range of climates, so be sure to pack clothing for both warm and cold weather. You should also bring comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.
• Respect local customs: Bhutan has a unique culture and way of life, so it is important to respect local customs and traditions. This includes dressing modestly, removing your shoes before entering temples and other sacred sites, and not taking photographs of people without their permission.
• Bring cash: Most businesses in Bhutan do not accept credit cards, so be sure to bring enough cash for your trip. The Bhutanese currency is the ngultrum, which is pegged to the Indian rupee.
• Be prepared for altitude: Bhutan is a mountainous country, with many areas at high altitude. Be sure to acclimatize slowly to avoid altitude sickness, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Stay healthy: Bhutan is a safe and clean country, but it is still important to take precautions to stay healthy. This includes drinking bottled water, washing your hands regularly, and getting any necessary vaccinations before you travel.

By following these travel tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Bhutan with your evisa.

Frequently asked questions