Indian Tourists
Do Indian Tourists need a visa to visit Bhutan?
No, Indian tourist don’t need visa to go to Bhutan BUT they need a travel permit. This applies to anyone holding the Indian passport or the Indian Election card. For Indian nationals those are below 18 years of age should have either passport or the Birth certificate and they should be accompanied by the legal guardian.
Click here to get the information about foreigners
How can tourists process their permit?
Indian Tourists can apply permit online from the website of the Department of Immigration. You can even engage tourism service providers like us to process the permit in advance and plan a trip.
Although visitors from India can process permits on arrival at the port of entry, it is recommended that these be applied online to reduce wait time and for faster clearance at the port of entry.
What are the documents required to process the permit for Indian nationals?
It is mandatory to have a passport to apply permit in advance, if guest don’t have passport, then the Indian election card can be used to apply permit on arrival at the entry port. Guests also need the passport size photograph. Valid travel insurance is mandatory.
How to plan a trip or tour to Bhutan? (Browse our tour packages)
Visitors can plan their own trip but is highly recommended to engage the tourism service provider to book the services. It is mandatory to stay in a certified accommodation for the whole duration of the trip.
It is mandatory to arrange:
- Accommodations
- Tour Guide
- Travel Insurance
- Transportation around the country, including airport transfers
Sustainable Development Fee
What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?
Visitors to Bhutan will play an active role in the country’s economic, social, and cultural development. The Sustainable Development Fee makes it possible to invest in ground-breaking initiatives that uphold cultural traditions, save Bhutan’s heritage and the environment, modernise infrastructure, offer opportunities to youth, and foster resilience.
How much is the SDF for Indian nationals visiting Bhutan and where do the funds go?
Guests from India are levied SDF of Nu. 1,200 or equivalent amount in INR per person per night, which will remain in effect for two years, following which time it may be reviewed and revised in keeping with the principle of the preferential rate after two years.
There will be a concessionary levy of 50% on the SDF for children between the ages of 6-12 years and exemptions of SDF for children aged 5 years and below.
The SDF funds go to the national exchequer and are distributed to various initiatives that improve the infrastructure, services, and amenities for citizens of Bhutan and guests who visit Bhutan, as well as providing free healthcare and education.
How can the SDF payment be made?
The SDF must be paid during the permit application via wire transfer or using a credit card. You can also pay directly to the tourism services provider with whom you have booked your services.
Will day visitors be levied SDF?
Visitors visiting the Bhutanese towns bordering India don’t have to pay SDF, until the first designated point identified by the Government. They have to pay SDF on spending the night within border towns.