How to get tourist visa for Bhutan ?
To obtain a tourist visa for Bhutan, visitors must go through an official tour operator registered with the Bhutanese government, such as Bhutan Omkara Tours & Travels, or one of its international partners. The process is straightforward but regulated, as Bhutan emphasizes sustainable tourism and requires all tourists (except for citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) to book a pre-arranged, fully guided tour package.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a tourist visa for Bhutan:
1. Choose a Licensed Bhutanese Tour Operator
- Select a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or an authorized international travel agent that partners with a Bhutanese operator. Your chosen agency will handle all the visa and travel arrangements on your behalf, including your tour itinerary, accommodation, transport, and guide.
2. Book a Tour Package
- Bhutan requires tourists to book a pre-arranged package, which covers accommodation, food, transportation, a licensed guide, and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). This fee currently stands at $200 per day (subject to change) and goes toward funding Bhutan’s social, environmental, and cultural development.
3. Submit Required Documents to the Tour Operator
- To apply for the visa, you’ll need to provide:
- A clear scanned copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
- Passport-sized photos may also be requested.
- The tour operator will use these documents to apply for your visa with the Bhutanese Tourism Council.
4. Pay the Tour Fee and SDF
- The full tour cost and Sustainable Development Fee must be paid in advance to confirm the booking. Your tour operator will give you details on how to complete the payment, typically through a bank transfer.
5. Visa Processing
- Once payment is received, your tour operator will submit the visa application to the Tourism Council of Bhutan. The processing time usually takes about 3-5 business days.
6. Receive Your Visa Clearance Letter
- After approval, you will receive a Visa Clearance Letter. You will need this letter to board your flight to Bhutan. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival at the Paro International Airport.
7. Arriving in Bhutan
- Upon arrival at Paro International Airport or other designated entry points, present your Visa Clearance Letter. Immigration officials will issue a tourist visa stamp in your passport for the duration of your stay.
Important Points to Note
- Visa is only issued for the duration of your booked tour and is typically valid for the duration of your itinerary.
- Extensions can be arranged through your tour operator if you wish to extend your stay.
- Special Exemptions: Citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives do not require a tourist visa to enter Bhutan but must pay the daily Sustainable Development Fee.
The tourist visa process in Bhutan is designed to ensure a seamless experience while supporting Bhutan’s goals of preserving its natural and cultural heritage.
