From application to arrival
Prepare your information, use the official application channel and check the issued document.
Prepare your application
Submit the tourist visa online before travel. A tour operator or hotel can apply on your behalf. Pay the processing fee and the applicable Sustainable Development Fee for the planned stay.
Submit through the official channel
Use Bhutan tourist eVisa. Check the current instructions and total government charges before paying.
Review the decision before departure
Check the passport details, dates and entry conditions on the permission you receive.
Check your trip dates
Count your travel days and compare your passport expiry with the entry rule.
What to prepare for your trip
Check each item as you prepare it. Labels show which documents are required, conditional, or recommended.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Costs & timing
Visa fees and decision times for this route. Check the official service for your final amount.
Government fees
- Online authorisation
- USD 40
Decision time
Up to 5 working days
For a correctly completed application; apply early to allow for corrections and payment.
A processing estimate is not a guaranteed travel date.
Details that can change your plans
Budget for the separate daily SDF
For most non-Indian tourists, the Sustainable Development Fee is USD 100 per adult per night, USD 50 for ages 6–11, and zero under age 6. It is separate from the one-off visa fee; confirm the amount for your dates and passport before paying.
Practical tips for Bhutan
Small preparation steps to keep your travel information within reach.
Check the issued visa dates
The tourist visa route has a 90-day maximum; check the actual dates and stay period granted on your visa or at entry before planning a longer visit.
Arrange a certified guide for travel
Bhutan’s tourism FAQ says visitors need a certified guide during travel and an accredited guide or tour operator for treks. Confirm the arrangement for your itinerary, especially beyond border towns.
Bhutan at a glance
- Capital
- Thimphu
- Currency
- BTN
- Calling code
- +975
Questions for this route
Do travelers with an ordinary passport from Laos need a visa for Bhutan?
For tourism in Bhutan, travelers using an ordinary passport from Laos should arrange an eVisa before travel. Submit the tourist visa online before travel. A tour operator or hotel can apply on your behalf. Pay the processing fee and the applicable Sustainable Development Fee for the planned stay. The published short-visit limit is 90 days per visit; follow any shorter period on your granted permission.
How long can I stay in Bhutan?
The short-visit limit is 90 days per visit. Your actual permission can be shorter; check the dates and conditions you receive.
How much passport validity do I need?
At least 6 months after planned departure.
How much is the government fee?
USD 40 per person (online application). Check the official payment page for exemptions and any additional charges.
How long does a decision take?
Up to 5 working days. For a correctly completed application; apply early to allow for corrections and payment.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official websites
Use these government websites to confirm requirements and complete any application.
Open Bhutan tourist eVisa
Submit the tourist visa online before travel. A tour operator or hotel can apply on your behalf. Pay the processing fee and the applicable Sustainable Development Fee for the planned stay.
Check Bhutan’s tourist entry guidance
Official tourist visa and permit information.
About this guide
This guide covers short tourist visits on an ordinary passport. Your nationality, residence, travel document and purpose can affect the entry conditions. Check the linked official guidance before travel; the border authority decides admission and your permitted stay.
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