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Country guideLast checked October 17, 2026

Visas and immigration in Bhutan

3 routes from official government sources, grouped by type. Each guide covers who it's for, the requirements and where to apply.

Visit & tourism 1
Work permits 1
Family 1

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Visiting Bhutan

Short-stay rules by passport, from official sources. Last checked October 16, 2026.

246 passports need an eTA or eVisa
3 passports get a visa on arrival

Visit & tourism1 pathway

Tourist visa with Sustainable Development Fee
All visitors need a visa before travelling to Bhutan, except Indian nationals (who need a permit) and the separate processes for Bangladesh and the Maldives. You apply online, sign the Pledge of Friendship, and pay a one-off USD 40 visa fee plus the Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per adult per night. Applications are reviewed within five working days. You can book independently, but a Department of Tourism-certified guide is mandatory at all times outside border towns.
Temporary only
Last checked October 17, 2026
View requirements

Work permits1 pathway

Work permit for foreign workers
Foreigners can only work in Bhutan once the employer has approval from the Department of Labour to recruit them. With that approval, the worker applies to the Department of Immigration (DoI) for a work permit, enrols biometrics and gets a card. Health screening and a drug test in Bhutan are required. Bhutan treats foreign workers as 'non-tourists', so the tourist Sustainable Development Fee does not apply to this category.
Temporary only
Last checked October 17, 2026
View requirements

Family1 pathway

1 more pathway for members
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Official sources

Government pages behind these routes.

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