Visa Requirements for Bhutan: Visa is required to visit Bhutan. You can apply for one through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or travel agent. The processing time takes around 7 working days.

Visiting Bhutan: Visa Requirements and Application Process

Bhutan, a small landlocked country nestled in the Himalayas, is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique way of life. If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting country, you’ll need to know about the visa requirements and application process.

Visa Requirements:

Firstly, let’s talk about whether you need a visa to visit Bhutan. The answer is yes, all foreign nationals, except for citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, require a visa to enter Bhutan. The visa is issued by the Bhutanese government and is valid for the duration of your stay.

The visa is not issued by the Bhutanese embassy or consulate in your home country. Instead, it is issued by the Bhutanese Department of Immigration in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Therefore, you will need to apply for the visa through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.

How to Apply for a Bhutanese Visa:

To apply for a Bhutanese visa, you must first book a tour with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. The tour operator will then apply for the visa on your behalf. You cannot apply for a visa directly.

The tour operator will require the following documents from you:

1. A scanned copy of your passport.

2. A passport-sized photograph.

3. A completed visa application form.

4. A copy of your flight itinerary.

5. A copy of your hotel booking confirmation.

Once the tour operator has received all the necessary documents, they will submit your visa application to the Department of Immigration in Thimphu. The visa processing time can take up to 72 hours, so it’s best to apply well in advance of your travel dates.

Visa Fees:

The visa fee for Bhutan varies depending on the season you’re traveling in. During the high season (March, April, May, September, October, and November), the visa fee is US$250 per person per day. During the low season (December, January, February, June, July, and August), the visa fee is US$200 per person per day.

The visa fee includes your accommodation, meals, transportation, and a licensed Bhutanese tour guide. The fee is paid directly to the tour operator, who will then pay the Bhutanese government on your behalf.

Visa Extension:

If you wish to extend your stay in Bhutan, you can apply for a visa extension through your tour operator. The visa extension fee is US$30 per person per day, and the maximum extension period is 30 days.

Visa Cancellation:

If you need to cancel your trip to Bhutan, you must inform your tour operator as soon as possible. The visa cancellation fee is US$40 per person, and the tour operator will deduct this fee from your deposit.

In conclusion, if you’re planning a trip to Bhutan, you’ll need to apply for a visa through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. The visa processing time can take up to 72 hours, so it’s best to apply well in advance of your travel dates. The visa fee includes your accommodation, meals, transportation, and a licensed Bhutanese tour guide. If you wish to extend your stay in Bhutan, you can apply for a visa extension through your tour operator. If you need to cancel your trip to Bhutan, you must inform your tour operator as soon as possible.