How to Apply for a Bhutan Visa & Permit: Everything You Need to Know
Bhutan Visa and Passport. Source:
Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom between India and China, is known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and focus on well-being through the Gross National Happiness (GNH) principle. Famous for landmarks like the Tiger’s Nest monastery and colorful festivals. To visit this country, we have to meet the entry requirements. Here, we will explain how to obtain a Bhutan visa and also Permit based on the latest policies of Bhutan’s government.
Types of Bhutan Visas and Their Requirements
The Bhutanese government offers a range of visa types to accommodate different purposes of travel, whether you're visiting as a tourist, coming for work, planning to study, or engaging in business activities. These visas are designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals who wish to experience or contribute to Bhutan in different ways. Here are the types of Bhutan Visas and their requirements:
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Diplomatic Visa
This kind of visa is only for people who have diplomatic passports to apply for when they travel to Bhutan for official government work or assignments. A diplomatic passport is typically given to government officials or diplomats representing their country.
Requirements:
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Recommendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan
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Copy of passport
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Passport must have minimum validity of six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan
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Duly completed visa application form
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Detailed day wise program of the visit for Diplomats of non-resident Mission and International Organizations
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Official Visa
Those visiting Bhutan for official purposes can apply for an official visa. This visa is available to holders of official passports and government delegations, as recommended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
Requirements:
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Recommendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan
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Copy of passport
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Passport must have minimum validity of six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan
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Duly completed visa application form
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Detailed day wise program of the visit for Diplomats of non-resident Mission and International Organizations
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Tourist Visa
Except for nationals of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, all other tourists must have their visas processed through an online system by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. A list of these tour operators can be found on the website of the :
Requirements:
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Approval from the Director, Department of Industry, MoICE
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Copy of valid passport
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Passport must have minimum validity of six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan
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Duly completed visa application form
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Detailed day wise program of the visit
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Visa on Arrival
This visa is available only to Thailand and Switzerland nationals with official or diplomatic passports, who can obtain a visa upon arrival in Bhutan. Those with regular passports must apply for a visa before traveling. This visa does not cover employment purposes.
Note: The nationals of Bangladesh and Maldives do not require visa in order to enter Bhutan and can get Visa on Arrival stamped on their passports upon arrival.
Requirements:
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Recommendation letter from local host/counterpart
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Passport
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Passport must have minimum validity of six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan
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Duly completed visa on arrival application form
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Employment Visa
An employment visa allows a foreign national to work in Bhutan. Individuals holding an employment visa are permitted to stay and work in Bhutan for a maximum period of one year.
Requirements:
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Approval from the Department of Labour, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment
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Copy of valid passport
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Passport must have minimum validity of six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan
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Duly completed visa application form
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Business Visa
A business visa allows an individual to conduct business in Bhutan. It may be issued upon providing documentary evidence of government approval for the establishment of a business within the kingdom.
Requirements:
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Recommendation from Ministry of Industry Commerce and Employment
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Copy of valid passport
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Passport must have minimum validity of six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan
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Duly completed visa application form
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Dependent Visa
A dependent visa may be granted to the family members or dependents of an individual who is coming to Bhutan on a work permit.
Requirements:
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Recommendation from the employer of the Work Permit holder
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Copy of valid passport
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Passport must have minimum validity of six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan
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Notarized copy of marriage certificate (spouse)
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Notarized copy of birth certificate (children below 18 years)
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Duly completed visa application form
NOTE: While requirements vary for every visa type, they come with the same visa application form. Click to obtain the form.
Additional Information: Personal Guest Visa
A personal guest visa may be issued to individuals who are invited to Bhutan by a Bhutanese citizen, a foreign professional holding a work permit, or a diplomat residing in the country. The visa allows the guest to stay in Bhutan for the actual duration of their visit, or up to thirty days, whichever is shorter. This personal guest visa is limited to a maximum of two guests per year.
Requirements:
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Duly completed personal guest application form signed by the Bhutanese applicant. You can get the application form .
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Copy of Citizenship Identity Card of the Bhutanese applicant
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Copy of valid passport of the guest
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Passport must have minimum validity of six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan
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Duly completed visa application form signed by guest
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Tentative travel itinerary of the guest
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Any other supporting document
Types of Permit and Their Requirements
Unlike a visa, a permit is a special authorization for specific purposes, such as working, studying, or attending school. It grants the holder the right to live and work according to the conditions set by the local government. Here are the types of Permit and Their requirements:
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Entry Permit
This kind of permit is only for individuals of Indian nationals who shall be issued an entry permit for coming to Bhutan. If you're planning to obtain this type of permit, download the form .
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Work Permit
An employer wishing to hire a foreign worker in the Kingdom must obtain approval for recruitment from the Department of Labour. The issuance of a work permit may require clearance from relevant agencies. Work permits will be issued to foreigners (18 years and older) who hold entry permits and visas, with the purpose of their visit to the country being for work or employment.
Requirements:
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Approval from the Department of Labour, Ministry of Labour and Human Resources
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Duly completed Work Permit application form. Download the official application form .
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Duly completed Employer Undertaking
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Duly completed Employee Undertaking
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Copy of passport or voter identity card with employment Entry Permit (for nationals of India)
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Copy of passport with employment visa (for nationals of other countries)
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Medical Fitness Certificate issued by a competent government-certified medical officer in Bhutan (General Health and Drug Test)
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Passport size photograph
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Notarized or original academic certificate (applicable only for nationals of Bangladesh/Maldives/India)
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Student Permit
A Student Permit will be issued to a foreigner enrolled in an academic institution, school, or college, including Shedra and Drupdey, for a regular academic course. The Student Permit cannot be renewed beyond the duration of the course of study.
Requirements:
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Duly completed Student Permit application form. Click to get your student permit application form.
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Duly completed undertaking by the Institute
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Duly completed undertaking by the student
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Copy of passport or voter identity card with relevant entry permit (for nationals of India)
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Copy of passport with relevant visa (for nationals of other countries)
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Medical Fitness Certificate issued by a competent government-certified medical officer in Bhutan
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Route Permit
A route permit will be issued to foreigners traveling to different parts of the Kingdom for purposes such as work or visiting. The route permit will be processed upon arrival in the country and issued to holders of valid immigration permits, allowing travel to restricted areas for a duration not exceeding thirty days at a time.
Requirements:
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Application from local host/counterpart
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Duly completed Route Permit application form. Get the form .
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Tour itinerary
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Dependent Permit
A Dependent Permit is a type of visa granted to the spouse and children of certain individuals working in specific sectors. This includes employees of international organizations, overseas workers, hydropower projects, Dantak, IMTRAT, and those holding a Professional Work Permit. The permit allows the dependents to live in the country while their family member works there.
Requirement:
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Copy of valid work permit of the principal applicant
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Recommendation from the employer of the work permit holder
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Duly completed dependent permit application form. Get your form by clicking .
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Copy of passport or voter identity card with relevant entry permit (for nationals of India)
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Copy of passport with relevant visa (for nationals of other countries)
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Copy of Marriage Certificate (for spouse)
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Copy of birth certificate (for children below 18 years)
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Trader Permit
A Trader Permit is issued to Indian nationals, specifically those in the southern border towns. The permit can be renewed and transferred based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Where and How to Apply for a Visa for Bhutan
Bhutan doesn't issue visas directly through its embassies. Whether you can enter Bhutan depends on the immigration rules of your home country and any transit countries. If you're not a citizen of India, Bangladesh, or the Maldives, you will need to apply for a visa to visit Bhutan.
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Online Application
If you wish to apply for a visa online, start by determining the type of visa you need and completing the necessary requirements. Then, visit the to apply. After that, you may be required to attend an interview, and once your application is approved, you will receive your e-visa via email. Once you have your e-visa, you will be ready to travel to Bhutan.
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Offline Application
If you wish to apply for a visa offline, start by determining the type of visa you need and gathering the required documents. Then, visit the nearest Bhutanese embassy or consulate, or consult a travel agent in your area for assistance. You may need to attend an interview as part of the application process. Once your visa is approved, it will be sent to your email. After receiving your visa, you will be ready to travel to Bhutan.
Note: Visa applications must follow the procedures set by the Bhutanese government, including meeting all requirements. The application fee must also align with the rates determined by the government, which may vary depending on the type of visa.
For Applying a Bhutan permit:
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You can apply for a permit to Bhutan either online or offline. If applying online, you can fill out the registration form and submit the required documents according to the type of permit you want through the provided website ().
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For offline applications, you can visit the Bhutan Ministry office, bring the necessary documents for the permit you need, and follow the procedures in place.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note that the Department may request additional documents to support specific visa or permit application processes, if necessary. So, make sure to consult with the nearest Bhutanese Embassy around you.
Conclusion
Applying for a Bhutan visa or permit depends on your travel purpose, whether it's for tourism, work, study, or business. You can apply online or offline through the Bhutanese embassy. Ensure you gather the required documents and follow the necessary steps for a smooth application process, ensuring hassle-free entry into Bhutan.
Disclaimer
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the data presented on this site. Information may change over time, and errors can occur despite our best efforts. Therefore, we strongly recommend verifying any critical details by consulting the official sources or websites. This additional step will ensure that you have the most reliable and current information available.
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