Bhutan e-Visa Checklist
Most foreign nationals need a Bhutan e-visa before travelling, though several categories are exempt or can obtain a permit on arrival. This checklist sets out who needs what, and the documents a tourist application requires. Based on the official Bhutan Department of Immigration pages and immigration portal.
First, check whether you need an e-visa
Entry to Bhutan depends on your nationality:
- Indian citizens may obtain an Entry Permit at the port of entry.
- Bangladeshi and Maldivian citizens may get a visa on arrival.
- Thai and Swiss diplomatic/official passport holders may get a visa on arrival.
- Holders of a valid SAARC Visa Exemption Sticker do not need a prior visa or permit.
- All other foreign nationals must obtain an e-visa in advance.
The checklist — what to prepare (tourist visa)
| Online application | Apply for a tourist visa or permit online (immi.gov.bt). |
| Passport | A copy of your passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of departure. |
| Photo | A recent passport-style photo. |
| Under-18 (Indian citizens) | A copy of a passport, voter card or birth certificate. |
| Additional documents | Be ready to supply any further documents the immigration service asks for. |
For the photo, check the Bhutan passport photo page and verify it with the passport photo checker.
Visa categories and non-tourist travel
Bhutan issues visas across several categories — diplomatic, official, tourist, employment, student, business and dependant. If you are travelling for a purpose other than tourism, you must apply through the Non-Tourist categories guidance and submit to the Visa Division in Thimphu; those applications are processed in 3 working days.
Common reasons an application or entry fails
- No prior e-visa where one is required — all nationalities outside the exempt categories must hold one before travelling.
- Passport validity shortfall — under 6 months beyond departure.
- Missing alternative documents for children or particular nationalities.
- Category mismatch — a tourist application when the trip is for work or study.
- Not anticipating further document requests, which delays the application.
Frequently asked questions
Who can enter Bhutan without a prior visa?
Indian citizens (Entry Permit at the port of entry), Bangladeshi and Maldivian citizens and some diplomatic/official passport holders (visa on arrival), and holders of a valid SAARC Visa Exemption Sticker.
Do I have to get a Bhutan e-visa in advance?
If you are not in an exempt category, yes — apply online at immi.gov.bt before you travel.
What does a Bhutan tourist visa require?
An online application, a passport copy (valid at least 6 months beyond departure) and a recent passport-style photo.
What passport validity does Bhutan require?
At least 6 months beyond your date of departure.
How do I apply for a non-tourist visa (work, study, business)?
Follow the Non-Tourist categories guidance and submit to the Visa Division in Thimphu, which processes applications in 3 working days.
Source: Bhutan Department of Immigration (doi.gov.bt) — Entry into Bhutan, Tourists, Visa Division and Non-Tourist categories pages, and the immigration portal (immi.gov.bt), retrieved 2026-09-28. Rules change, so confirm the current position on the official pages before you apply.