How to get a Bhutan Visa

How to get a Bhutan Visa
Posted in Bhutan Travel Info on

A visa for Bhutan is only issued if you a part of an organized journey. Read this post for all of the details. Contact us if you have any questions: info@himalayajourney.com

Bhutan Travel Regulations

A common questions for those interested in Bhutan is “How to get a Bhutan Visa?”. All foreign travelers going to Bhutan must be on an organized journey that includes a private vehicle, driver, tour guide, pre-arranged travel itinerary and a Bhutan visa. Only a travel company can help you get to Bhutan. The travel agency you use will take care of ALL details for you inside Bhutan.

Independent travel to Bhutan is not permitted. Under the policy of “High Value, Low Impact Tourism”, the government sets a daily set price that is applied per person for each night you stay in Bhutan. The tariff includes a private vehicle, driver, licensed tour guide, all accommodations, entrance fees into monasteries, temples and dzongs and all meals while in Bhutan. Contrary to popular belief, Bhutan does NOT set a limit on the number of foreign travelers that can visit. However, as Bhutan is not a budget/backpacker destination, the number of foreign travelers each year remains relatively low.

Himalaya Journey can arrange any type of journey or trek in Bhutan. Contact us for info on arranging a journey: info@himalayajourney.com

Monks performing during a festival in Bhutan

Bhutan Visa Procedure

Here are the easy steps to arrange a journey to Bhutan and get your Bhutan Visa:

Step 1: Discuss with us and finalize a suitable Bhutan journey. You have the freedom to set your own travel dates and customize your own travel itinerary. If you need help, we can certainly help you. Here are some suggestions: Bhutan Journeys

Step 2: Reserve your journey with us by filling out our short journey application and sending in your journey deposit. Our booking terms and conditions are in the following link: Booking Terms and Conditions. Your remaining journey balance will be due 60 days before the start of your journey to Bhutan.

Step 3: Email us a clear, high resolution image of your passport’s picture and information page.

Step 4: We will email you the Bhutan Visa Application to fill out. You will then email it back to us.

Step 5: Himalaya Journey will apply for your visa for you.  We will then email it to you after it has been issued for you to print out and keep with you. You will show this paper visa when checking in for your flight going to Paro (Bhutan’s only international airport) or when crossing the overland border into Bhutan from India. Once you arrive to the Paro Airport or cross the overland border from India into Bhutan, you will show your passport and paper visa to the Bhutan Immigration and Customs. The Customs Officer will then stamp a visa in your passport that is valid for the duration of your journey in Bhutan.

NOTE: Your travel dates to Bhutan must be set in advance. Your Bhutan Visa will only be valid for the dates of your journey. After your journey in Bhutan is finished, you will have to depart from Bhutan. You cannot stay in Bhutan after your journey is over as no independent travel in Bhutan is permitted.

Getting a Bhutan Visa is a very simple process that can only be done by a travel company. If you book with Himalaya Journey, we will take care of all details regarding your Bhutan Visa. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to book a journey to Bhutan: info@himalayajourney.com