Good news for travellers to Bhutan: an e-Visa lets you apply online without visiting an embassy. This guide walks through the online application step by step in 2026 — fees, documents, processing and common mistakes.
Bhutan visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Tourist Visa + Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) |
| Government fee | US$40 (one-off, non-refundable visa application fee) |
| Processing time | Reviewed within about 5 working days (apply 2-3 weeks before departure) |
| Validity | For the approved travel dates; single entry per itinerary |
| Permitted stay | As per approved itinerary (extendable) |
| Where to apply | https://immi.gov.bt/ |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Bhutan e-Visa at a glance
- Fee: US$40 (one-off, non-refundable visa application fee)
- Processing: Reviewed within about 5 working days (apply 2-3 weeks before departure)
- Validity: For the approved travel dates; single entry per itinerary
- Permitted stay: As per approved itinerary (extendable)
- Where to apply: https://immi.gov.bt/
Bhutan requires all non-Indian visitors to obtain a visa in ADVANCE online via the official immigration portal (immi.gov.bt): US$40 visa fee plus a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per night. Indian nationals need NO visa - they get an Entry Permit (online or on arrival) and pay a reduced SDF of Nu 1,200 per night.
How to apply for the Bhutan e-Visa online
- Open the official e-Visa portal (https://immi.gov.bt/) and start a new application.
- Fill in your passport and travel details exactly as they appear in your passport.
- Upload a scan of your passport bio page and a compliant photo.
- Pay the fee (US$40 (one-off, non-refundable visa application fee)) by card.
- Wait for the emailed approval (Reviewed within about 5 working days (apply 2-3 weeks before departure)), then print or save it to show on arrival.
Documents you upload
- Digital copy of passport valid at least 6 months
- Recent digital passport photo
- Arrival and departure dates
- Payment details
- Signed online Pledge of Friendship
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Bhutan visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Bhutan.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
Before you travel to Bhutan
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some local currency).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Official sources
- Department of Immigration Bhutan — verified 19 August 2026
- Official government source — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.