How to get Bhutan Visa Online/Through Embassy?

Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a small kingdom nestled in the eastern Himalayas. It is a popular tourist destination for its scenic beauty, vibrant culture, and eco-tourism. If you are planning to visit Bhutan, you will need a visa. In this article, we will discuss how to get Bhutan eVisa online or through the embassy.

Applying for a Bhutan eVisa online:

Applying for a Bhutan eVisa online is a straightforward process that can be done from the comfort of your home or office. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Check your eligibility: Ensure that you are eligible for a Bhutan eVisa. Citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives do not need a visa to enter Bhutan. Citizens of other countries can apply for a Bhutan eVisa.
• Gather required documents: Before starting the application, make sure you have all the required documents ready. These typically include a passport with at least 6 months validity & passport sized-photo.
• Fill out the application form: Go to the official website and fill out the eVisa application form. You will need to provide personal information, travel details, and upload your supporting documents.
• Pay the application fee: Once you have filled out the application form, you will need to pay the application fee using a debit or credit card. The fee is non-refundable, so make sure you are eligible before making the payment.
• Wait for processing: After submitting your application and paying the fee, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. The eVisa processing time is usually 3-5 business days, but it may take longer during peak travel seasons.
• Receive your eVisa: Once your application has been approved, you will receive your Bhutan eVisa via email. Print a copy of the eVisa and keep it with you while traveling to Bhutan.

a. Eligibility criteria for a Bhutan eVisa

To be eligible for a Bhutan eVisa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: You must hold a passport from a country other than India, Bangladesh, or the Maldives. Citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives do not need a visa to enter Bhutan.
• Travel purpose: You must be traveling to Bhutan for tourism, business, or medical purposes.
• Travel itinerary: You must have a confirmed travel itinerary with dates of arrival and departure from Bhutan.
• Accommodation: You must have confirmed accommodation in Bhutan for the duration of your stay.
• Financial means: You must have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Bhutan.
• Valid passport: You must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Bhutan.

It is important to note that meeting these eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval of your eVisa application. The Bhutanese government's Department of Immigration reserves the right to reject any application without providing a reason.

b. Required documents and information for the application

When applying for a Bhutan eVisa, you will need the following documents and information:

• Passport: A valid passport with at least six months validity beyond the date of your intended departure from Bhutan.
• Travel itinerary: A copy of your travel itinerary that shows your arrival and departure dates and the details of your accommodation in Bhutan.
• One recent digital passport- appropriate photograph (or recent passport size photograph if applying in person).
• Personal information: Your full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, and passport details.
• Contact information: Your email address, phone number, and mailing address.
• Employment details: Your occupation and the name and address of your employer (if applicable).
• Travel purpose: The purpose of your trip, whether it is for tourism, business, or medical reasons.
• Financial information: Information about your financial means, including your monthly income and the total amount you will be spending on your trip.
• Visa fee: A valid debit or credit card to pay the visa application fee.

Make sure that you have all the necessary documents and information before you start the application process. Missing or incomplete information can result in delays or rejection of your application.

c. Processing time and fees for a Bhutan eVisa

The processing time and fees for a Bhutan eVisa are as follows:

Processing time:

The processing time for a Bhutan eVisa is usually 3-5 business days, but it may take longer depending on the volume of applications and other factors. It may take up to five working days to process a correctly input Bhutan eVisa application. However, the processing time can vary depending on the volume of applications received and other factors, so it is recommended to apply for the eVisa well in advance of your travel dates. In some cases, the processing time may take longer than five working days, so it is important to plan accordingly and allow sufficient time for the visa processing. It is also important to ensure that all the information provided in the eVisa application is accurate and complete to avoid any delays in the processing of the application.

Fees:

The Bhutan eVisa fee varies depending on the type of visa, duration of stay, and the number of entries allowed. The visa fee for a Bhutan eVisa is US$40 per person and is non-refundable. This means that regardless of whether your visa application is approved or rejected, the visa fee will not be refunded. It is important to ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents before submitting your eVisa application to minimize the risk of rejection and loss of the application fee.

To submit your Bhutan eVisa application online, you can follow these steps:

• Visit the official website of the Bhutanese government's Department of Immigration or a trusted third-party website authorized to process Bhutan eVisa applications.
• Fill out the online application form with accurate and complete information, following the instructions provided on the website.
• Upload the required documents, including a digital photo, passport copy, and other supporting documents as required.
• Pay the visa fee using a valid credit or debit card.
• Submit your completed application online.
• Wait for the Bhutanese authorities to process your eVisa application. You can track the status of your application using the application reference number provided to you at the time of submission.
• If your application is approved, you will receive your eVisa via email. You should print a copy of the eVisa and carry it with you when traveling to Bhutan.

It is important to note that the visa application process may vary depending on the type of visa and the purpose of your visit. Make sure to check the requirements and procedures on the official website of the Bhutanese government's Department of Immigration or a trusted third-party website authorized to process Bhutan eVisa applications.

Applying for a Bhutan Visa through an embassy:

If you prefer to apply for a Bhutan visa through an embassy, you can follow these steps:

• Locate the Bhutan embassy or consulate in your country. You can find this information on the official website of the Bhutanese government's Department of Immigration or the embassy/consulate's website.
• Check the visa application requirements and eligibility criteria on the embassy/consulate's website or by contacting them directly.
• Obtain and fill out the visa application form. You can usually download the form from the embassy/consulate's website or obtain it in person.
• Gather all the required documents and information, such as your passport, photograph, travel itinerary, and other supporting documents.
• Submit your visa application, along with the required documents and visa application fee, to the Bhutan embassy/consulate.
• Wait for the embassy/consulate to process your visa application. The processing time may vary depending on the volume of applications and other factors.
• If your application is approved, you will receive your Bhutan visa via mail or in person. Make sure to bring a copy of your visa with you when traveling to Bhutan.

It is important to note that the visa application process may vary depending on the embassy/consulate and country. Make sure to check the requirements and procedures on the official website of the Bhutanese government's Department of Immigration or the embassy/consulate's website.

a. Which countries have Bhutanese embassies that issue visas?

Bhutan has diplomatic relations with a limited number of countries and has established embassies or consulates in only a few countries. The Bhutanese embassies or consulates that issue visas are currently located in the following countries:

• India - Thimphu (Embassy) and Kolkata (Consulate)
• Bangladesh - Dhaka (Embassy)
• Thailand - Bangkok (Embassy)
• Kuwait - Kuwait City (Embassy)
• United States of America - New York City (Permanent Mission to the United Nations)

It is important to note that the availability of visa services may vary depending on the country and the Bhutanese diplomatic mission. Some missions may only provide visa services to citizens or residents of the host country, while others may accept visa applications from foreign nationals

b. Required documents and information for the application

The required documents and information for a Bhutan eVisa application may vary depending on the type of visa and the purpose of your visit, but generally include the following:

• 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 visa stamp.
• Digital photo: A recent passport-size color photo (in JPEG format) that meets the Bhutanese visa photo requirements.
• Travel itinerary: A detailed itinerary of your travel plans in Bhutan, including your entry and exit dates, places you will be visiting, and the purpose of your visit.
• Accommodation details: Proof of hotel or accommodation booking in Bhutan for the duration of your stay.
• Personal information: Your full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, and contact information, including email and phone number.
• Employment details: Your current occupation or employment status, including the name and address of your employer, if applicable.
• Financial information: Proof of financial means to cover your expenses during your stay in Bhutan, such as bank statements or a letter from your employer stating your salary.
• Other supporting documents: Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may be required to provide additional supporting documents, such as a letter of invitation from a Bhutanese sponsor or a medical certificate for a medical visa.

It is important to ensure that all the information and documents provided in the eVisa application are accurate and complete to avoid any delays or rejection of the application.

c. How to schedule an appointment and submit your application

For a Bhutan Visa application, you do not need to schedule an appointment to submit your application. You can submit your application online at any time and from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a reliable internet connection.

d. Processing time for Bhutan embassy visa

The processing time for a Bhutan embassy visa may vary depending on the embassy or consulate where you apply and the type of visa you require. Generally, it takes around 5-7 working days to process a Bhutan embassy visa, provided that all the required documents are submitted and there are no delays or complications during the process.

However, it is recommended to check the specific visa processing times and requirements on the official website of the Bhutanese government's Department of Immigration or the website of the embassy/consulate where you plan to apply. It is also advisable to apply for a visa well in advance of your planned travel date to allow sufficient time for the visa processing and any unexpected delays or complications that may arise.

Tips for a smooth Bhutan visa application process:

Here are some tips to help you have a smooth Bhutan visa application process:

• Check the requirements: Before starting the visa application process, make sure to check the specific visa requirements for your country and the purpose of your visit. You can find this information on the official website of the Bhutanese government's Department of Immigration or on a trusted third-party website authorized to process Bhutan eVisa applications.
• Apply early: It is recommended to apply for a Bhutan visa well in advance of your planned travel date. This will allow sufficient time for the visa processing and any unexpected delays or complications that may arise.
• Follow the instructions: Make sure to carefully follow the instructions provided on the visa application form and submit all the required documents. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may be rejected, resulting in delays or additional expenses.
• Check your passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Bhutan and has at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
• Keep a copy: Keep a copy of your completed visa application form, supporting documents, and payment receipt for your records.
• Be patient: The visa processing time may take several days, so it is important to be patient and avoid making travel arrangements until you have received your visa.
• Double-check details: Before submitting your visa application, double-check all the details, including personal information, travel itinerary, and supporting documents, to avoid any errors or inconsistencies.
• Contact the embassy/consulate: If you have any questions or concerns during the visa application process, do not hesitate to contact the Bhutanese embassy/consulate or a trusted third-party visa service provider for assistance.

By following these tips, you can help ensure a smooth Bhutan visa application process and increase your chances of obtaining a visa to visit this beautiful country.

Frequently asked questions