Bhutan, a small landlocked country nestled between China and India, is known for its unique blend of spirituality, culture, and commitment to environmental sustainability. Many people refer to Bhutan as the happiest country in the world due to its emphasis on peace and collective well-being. This is reflected in the country's philosophy of Gross National Happiness, which guides the government in measuring the happiness and well-being of its citizens.
While economic growth is important, the philosophy of Gross National Happiness emphasizes that it should be sustainable and environmentally friendly. Additionally, the benefits of economic growth should be equally distributed. Bhutan is the first carbon-neutral country in the world, meaning it emits no carbon dioxide. This achievement highlights the country's commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices.
Bhutan also places great importance on education and healthcare, which are provided free of charge to its citizens. The country's pristine natural beauty and clean air make it a paradise on earth. Despite being tucked away in the Himalayas and sandwiched between two large nations, Bhutan has managed to preserve its unique culture and spirituality, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking a unique travel experience.
Furthermore, the country's economy is growing sustainably, with a focus on balancing economic development with the preservation of the environment and the country's unique culture. Bhutan's commitment to Gross National Happiness and sustainability is an inspiration to many nations around the world
Do you need visa for Bhutan?
If you are planning to visit Bhutan as a tourist, you will need a Bhutan tourist visa to enter the country. Obtaining a Bhutan tourist visa can be a bit complicated, but do not worry, as we are here to guide you through the process.
In this article, we will cover all the details of the Bhutan tourist visa, including the application process and requirements. First and foremost, we will answer the question of whether you need a visa to visit Bhutan.
It is important to note that Bhutan does not have any embassies or consulates abroad. Therefore, all visa applications must be made through a Bhutanese tour operator or travel agent. The tour operator or agent will apply for a visa clearance letter from the Tourism Council of Bhutan on your behalf.
Once the visa clearance letter is issued, you can use it to apply for a visa at a Bhutanese embassy or consulate in your home country. The visa must be obtained before your trip to Bhutan, as visas are not issued on arrival in the country.
If you are planning to visit Bhutan as a tourist, you will need a Bhutan tourist visa. You must apply for the visa through a Bhutanese tour operator or travel agent and obtain it before your trip. In the following sections, we will discuss the application process and requirements in more detail.
How to get a visa for Bhutan?
To get a visa for Bhutan, you must follow these steps:
- Find a Bhutanese Tour Operator or Travel Agent: Since Bhutan does not have any embassies or consulates abroad, all visa applications must be made through a Bhutanese tour operator or travel agent. You can find a list of licensed tour operators on the Tourism Council of Bhutan's website.
- Provide Required Information and Documents: You will need to provide your personal information, travel itinerary, and a scanned copy of your passport bio page to your tour operator or travel agent.
- Obtain Visa Clearance Letter from the Tourism Council of Bhutan: Your tour operator or travel agent will apply for a visa clearance letter from the Tourism Council of Bhutan on your behalf. This process can take up to two weeks.
- Apply for Bhutan Tourist Visa at a Bhutanese Embassy or Consulate: Once you receive the visa clearance letter, you can use it to apply for a Bhutan tourist visa at a Bhutanese embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to submit the visa clearance letter, along with your passport, visa application form, and a passport-sized photo.
- Pay Visa Fees and Wait for Visa Approval: Visa fees vary depending on the duration of your stay in Bhutan. Once you have submitted your application, you will need to pay the visa fees and wait for the embassy or consulate to process your visa.
- Receive Bhutan Tourist Visa and Plan Your Trip: If your visa application is approved, you will receive your Bhutan tourist visa. Make sure to keep a copy of your visa with you when you travel to Bhutan. With your visa in hand, you can now plan your trip to Bhutan and enjoy its stunning natural beauty, unique culture, and spirituality.
Required Information and Documents
To apply for a Bhutan tourist visa, you will need to provide the following information and documents to your Bhutanese tour operator or travel agent:
- Personal Information: This includes your full name as it appears on your passport, date of birth, nationality, and passport number.
- Travel Itinerary: You will need to provide your travel itinerary, including your arrival and departure dates, flight details, and the places you plan to visit in Bhutan.
- Scanned Copy of Passport Bio Page: You will need to provide a scanned copy of the bio page of your passport. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Bhutan and has at least one blank page.
- Passport-Sized Photo: You will need to provide a recent passport-sized photo of yourself.
- Visa Application Form: Your Bhutanese tour operator or travel agent will provide you with a visa application form to fill out.
Note that the requirements for a Bhutan tourist visa may vary depending on your nationality and the Bhutanese embassy or consulate where you apply for the visa.
How long is your visa will be valid?
While the Bhutan tourist visa itself is typically valid for the duration of your stay, the length of your stay in Bhutan is determined by the number of days for which you have paid the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). The SDF is a mandatory fee that is paid to the Bhutanese government for each day of your stay in Bhutan, and it covers your accommodation, meals, and transportation while in the country.
Therefore, the validity of your visa will depend on the duration of your approved travel itinerary, which will be determined in consultation with your Bhutanese tour operator or travel agent. Once your SDF payment has been made and your itinerary approved, your visa will be issued to cover the duration of your stay in Bhutan.
How long does it take to process a tourist visa?
The processing time for a Bhutan tourist visa can vary depending on the Bhutanese embassy or consulate where you apply, as well as the volume of applications they are receiving at the time.
In general, it is recommended that you apply for your Bhutan tourist visa at least six weeks in advance of your planned travel dates to allow for sufficient processing time. Your Bhutanese tour operator or travel agent will typically handle the visa application process on your behalf, and they will advise you on the expected processing time and any additional documentation or information that may be required.
If you require expedited processing of your Bhutan tourist visa, it may be possible to request an expedited service for an additional fee. However, it is important to note that this is subject to the discretion of the Bhutanese embassy or consulate handling your application, and not all embassies or consulates may offer this service. Therefore, it is best to check with your Bhutanese tour operator or travel agent for more information on visa processing times and options.
Bhutan tourist visa extension
If you wish to extend your stay in Bhutan beyond the duration of your initial tourist visa, you may be able to apply for a visa extension through your Bhutanese tour operator or travel agent.
The process for extending your Bhutan tourist visa may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your stay, such as the length of your extension and your reason for staying in Bhutan. Generally, you will need to provide a valid reason for extending your stay, such as business, education, or medical treatment, and submit the necessary documentation to support your request.
It is important to note that visa extensions for Bhutan tourist visas are not guaranteed, and approval is subject to the discretion of the Bhutanese government. Therefore, it is recommended that you plan your travel itinerary and apply for your visa accordingly to avoid the need for an extension.
If you do require a visa extension for your stay in Bhutan, it is best to consult with your Bhutanese tour operator or travel agent for guidance on the application process and requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, all visitors need a visa to enter Bhutan as a tourist, except for visitors from India, who require a permit.
You cannot apply for a Bhutan tourist visa directly. All visa applications must be processed through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or their international partners.
You will need a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a recent passport-sized photograph, and a Bhutan visa application form. You will also need to provide a detailed itinerary of your trip and proof of travel arrangements and accommodations.
It usually takes about 7-10 working days to process a Bhutan tourist visa. However, during peak travel seasons, it may take longer, so it is best to apply well in advance.
The visa fee for Bhutan tourist visa was US$40 per person as of the knowledge cutoff date of September 2021. However, visa fees are subject to change, so it is best to confirm the current fee with your Bhutanese tour operator or travel agent before applying.
Yes, it is possible to extend your Bhutan tourist visa, but you must apply for the extension through your licensed Bhutanese tour operator at least seven days before your current visa expires.