Bhutan
Entry requirements
This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Bhutan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, see the Bhutan government’s visa entry page or contact the Bhutanese Embassy in Brussels.
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Bhutan.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Bhutan.
Visa requirements
You must have a visa to enter and exit Bhutan.
You must apply for your visa in advance, only through a tour operator licensed by the Bhutanese authorities. The authorities will pre-approve the visa and issue it when you arrive in Bhutan.
If you’re travelling for business or other non-tourism reasons, you must arrange your visa through your sponsoring organisation in Bhutan.
Permits
You must have permits to travel to some states in Bhutan. Your tour guide will help to get these.
If you want to extend your stay in Bhutan, go to the Department of Immigration in Thimphu to make a request.
Entry and exit points
You must enter or exit Bhutan through Phuntsoling, Samdrup Jongkhar, Gelephug (road), Samtse (road) or Paro (air). See immigration regulations on entry and exit at these points (PDF).
Vaccination requirements
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Bhutan guide.
Sustainable development fee
All visitors must pay a daily sustainable development fee set by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. The fee is 100 US dollars per night, with deals – for instance, 4 days free for 4 days purchased. Check for the latest rates and deals.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Bhutan (PDF). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
It is illegal to export antiques. Customs officials may inspect items that appear to be antiques.
Taking tobacco into Bhutan
You can bring a small supply of tobacco for personal use. You will need to pay taxes and duties and be able to show proof of tax and duty payments if asked to when you are in possession of the products.
Taking money into or out of Bhutan
You can take up to 5,000 Bhutan ngultrum into or out of Bhutan.
You must declare foreign currency worth 10,000 US dollars or more if you plan to take it into or out of Bhutan and get clearance from the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan.
Indian rupees are widely accepted in Bhutan.