Visa Formalities
With the exception of travelers from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all visitors to Bhutan require a visa. Absolute Bhutan will apply for the visa after receiving the required information about the travelers, which takes a minimum of five working days to process. The Airline will not issue tickets without the clearance and no visa is entertained upon arrival. The visa clearance number is forwarded to the Airline station at which the flight originates. Travelers without a visa clearance number on record will not be permitted to board their flights. The visa will be stamped at the port of entry upon payment of the fee of US$ 20. Two passport photos are required for the visa. The visas can be extended in Thimphu, for up to six months, at a cost of Nu. 510. (US $ 1 = Nu 63.65 as of April 2015). No foreign mission abroad grants Bhutan tourist visas.
For travelers entering the country by land from India, through the southern border town of Phuentsholing, the visa is stamped on arrival, as per visa clearance number. Travelers without a visa clearance number on record will not be permitted to enter the country.
All information as mentioned on the visa application form must be forwarded to us for processing with the concerned authorities at least three weeks prior to date of travel, but note that for all FITS/GITs traveling during festivals, details should be sent at least 6 weeks prior to date of travel, as this is the peak time for tourism.
The visa application procedure is very simple. Just email us the following information:
Name/Date of Birth/ Address
Occupation/Nationality
Passport Number/Date of Issue/Date of Expiry.
Or you download the visa application form by clicking HERE.
Please note that we have to purchase the air tickets 30 days after booking to secure the flight. Please submit the above required information by fax or email. Bhutan visa application data form is included at the end of this section. We do not require any additional photos or visa forms in advance.