Are you planning a Bhutan trip and confused about all the different permits, fees, and documents you need? You are not alone. After Bhutan introduced the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for Indian nationals in 2020, and then launched the online permit portal in recent years, a lot has changed compared to the earlier “walk in and get a permit” process. In this post, I will walk you through every permit and requirement for a Bhutan trip from scratch, with the latest 2026 information.
Whether you are an Indian national entering by road via Phuentsholing or flying into Paro, or a non-Indian passport holder planning a Bhutan holiday, keep in mind that the requirements are quite different for each category. I have put together this guide keeping Indian travelers in mind, since that is the bulk of the DwD community, but I have also covered the details for non-Indian visitors so this post can be a one-stop reference.
Quick Answer: Indian nationals need an Entry Permit (obtained at the port of entry or online via immi.gov.bt) and a Route Permit (from Thimphu Immigration Office) to travel beyond Paro and Thimphu. As of 2026, Indians must also pay the Sustainable Development Fee of Rs 1,200 per person per night. No visa required for Indians. Non-Indian nationals need a visa through a licensed Bhutan tour operator plus pay USD 100 per person per night SDF.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What Are the Bhutan Entry Requirements for Non-Indian Nationals?
If you hold a passport from any country other than India, Bangladesh, or Maldives, the rules are straightforward but require more advance planning. Bhutan does not offer visa on arrival for non-regional nationals. You will need to arrange everything before you depart.
You will need to apply for a Bhutan visa through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or through a foreign travel agent who is partnered with one. The process involves sending a photocopy of your passport to the operator, who applies for your visa clearance with the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB). This visa clearance is processed within 72 working hours once the full payment, including a USD 40 visa fee, has been wire transferred to the TCB bank account. The visa is then issued at the port of entry on arrival, specifically at Paro Airport.
Pro Travel Tip: Do not forget to check this complete travel guide for traveling to Western Bhutan.
What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for Non-Indian Visitors?
For non-Indian, non-Bangladeshi, and non-Maldivian nationals, Bhutan charges a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night. This fee replaced the older “Minimum Daily Package” system in September 2022. The current rate of USD 100 is valid through 31st August 2027, as per official Bhutan tourism guidelines.
This fee covers a significant portion of your travel costs and is built into the compulsory package that all non-regional tourists must book. As per the Bhutan Travel official site, the daily package at a minimum 3-star property includes:
- A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 and 5-star hotels may require an additional premium)
- All meals throughout your stay
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the entire duration
- All internal transport within Bhutan
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
- All internal taxes and charges
- The SDF itself (USD 100 per person per night)
Are There Any Surcharges for Solo Travelers or Small Groups?
Yes. Non-Indian tourists traveling in a group of two or less are subject to surcharges in addition to the base package rate. These are:
- Single individual: USD 40 per night additional surcharge
- Group of 2 persons only: USD 30 per person per night additional surcharge
Hence, a solo non-Indian visitor to Bhutan would effectively be paying USD 100 (SDF) + USD 40 (solo surcharge) = USD 140 per night in fees, on top of accommodation and other costs. This is why most international tourists prefer to travel in groups of 3 or more when visiting Bhutan.
What Are the Bhutan Entry Requirements for Indian Nationals?
Indian nationals visiting Bhutan have it considerably easier than other foreign nationals, but keep in mind that the process has changed significantly since 2020. Here is what you need to know as of 2026.
What ID Documents Do Indians Need for Bhutan?
Indian nationals do not need a visa to enter Bhutan. Instead, you need to carry any one of the two valid travel documents: a valid Indian Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from your date of travel, or a Voter Identity Card (VIC) issued by the Election Commission of India. No other ID is accepted at the immigration counter. Keep in mind that PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, and driving licenses are NOT valid documents for entry into Bhutan.
Pro Travel Tip: Do not forget to check this complete travel guide for hiking Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan.
Do Indians Have to Pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?
Yes. As of July 2020, Bhutan introduced the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for Indian nationals under the Tourism Levy and Exemption Bill of Bhutan, 2020. The fee is Rs 1,200 per person per night as of 2026. This fee has not been waived or revised and is confirmed to remain at this rate through August 2027. For children between the ages of 6 and 12 years, a 50% concession applies, so the fee is Rs 600 per night. Children aged 5 and below are exempted entirely.
While Rs 1,200 per night sounds steep compared to the earlier free entry, do keep in mind the context. The SDF for other foreign nationals (non-Indian, non-Bangladeshi, non-Maldivian) is USD 100 per person per night, which at current exchange rates is roughly Rs 8,300 per night. So Indian nationals are still getting a very significant concession. For a 7-day trip, the SDF adds approximately Rs 8,400 per person (7 nights x Rs 1,200) to your total budget.
Border Town Exemption: If you are only visiting the border towns of Phuentsholing, Samtse, Gelephu, or Samdrup Jongkhar without halting overnight or traveling beyond the first designated checkpoint, the SDF is waived. This is useful for day trips from Siliguri or Cooch Behar into Phuentsholing, for example.
Pro Travel Tip: Are you wondering how much a Bhutan trip will cost in total? Check our detailed guide on how to calculate the cost or budget of a Bhutan trip.
Can Indians Apply for the Bhutan Permit Online?
Yes, and this is one of the biggest changes since the original version of this post was written. The Department of Immigration of Bhutan has launched the Online Permit System at immi.gov.bt, where Indian nationals can apply for their Entry Permit online before arriving in Bhutan. The process is simple:
- Visit immi.gov.bt and create an account with your email address
- Select the “Entry Permit” option and fill in your personal details (name, passport or voter ID number, date of birth)
- Upload a clear scan/photo of your passport or voter ID
- Pay the SDF online
- Processing typically takes 4 to 5 working days
- Download your permit clearance and carry it along with your original ID
If you use the online system, note that your port of entry can only be Paro Airport or Phuentsholing land border. Also, this online route is optional for Indians. You can still get your permit on arrival at the port of entry without pre-applying. However, if you are traveling during a busy season or want to save time at the immigration counter, applying online in advance is the smarter choice.
Pro Travel Tip: If you prefer traveling solo, this article will help you plan a solo trip to Bhutan.
How to Get the Entry Permit at the Port of Entry
If you are not applying online, here is how the on-arrival permit process works. Indians can enter Bhutan through two points: Phuentsholing land border (opposite Jaigaon in West Bengal) or Paro Airport. The Entry Permit issued at either of these locations allows you to visit Thimphu and Paro only. For any other destinations, you will need a separate Route Permit (more on that below).
The Entry Permit is valid for 7 to 10 days and is available free of cost (you still have to pay the SDF separately). The Immigration Office working hours are strictly 9 AM to 5 PM, with a lunch break from 1 PM to 2 PM. The office is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Documents Required for Bhutan Entry Permit for Indians
Fill in the entry form at the Immigration Office and attach all documents in the sequence below:
- Correctly filled Entry Permit Form
- One passport-size photo fixed to the Entry Permit Form (keep 2-3 extra just in case)
- Short Itinerary Print Out (1 copy)
- Photocopy of Hotel Booking for the first night (1 copy)
- Xerox of Passport or Voters ID Card (1 copy for all travelers)
- Undertaking letter (for solo travelers only)
Entry Permit Process via Phuentsholing
- Collect the Entry Permit Form from the Immigration Office
- Attach all documents in the sequence above
- Stand in the queue to submit the form
- After submission, wait in a separate queue for biometric verification
- If you submitted a Voter ID (not passport), you will need to go to a separate window for additional verification after biometrics
Pro Tip: Avoid arriving at Phuentsholing Immigration on a Monday or after a long holiday stretch when queues are the longest. Aim to be first in queue, even if it means standing outside 2 hours before the 9 AM opening. The whole process can take 3 to 8 hours on busy days, so an early start saves your entire first day.
Entry Permit Process at Paro Airport
If you are traveling to Bhutan by air, the process is much simpler. Just fill in the Entry Form at the Paro Airport immigration counter and you are done. The airport permit process is smooth and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, far easier than the land border process.
Pro Travel Tip: Do not forget to check this complete travel guide for traveling to Eastern Bhutan.
What is the Route Permit and How Do You Get It?
Once you have your Entry Permit and have arrived in Thimphu, you will need a Route Permit to travel beyond Thimphu and Paro. This permit is mandatory for visiting all other destinations in Bhutan, such as Punakha, Ha Valley, Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley, Trongsa, Bumthang, and anywhere in Eastern Bhutan.
Documents Required for the Route Permit
Head to the Department of Immigration, Thimphu on any weekday (Monday to Friday) with the following documents:
- Correctly filled Route Permit Form
- Photocopy of Short Itinerary (1 copy)
- Photocopy of the entry stamp from your Entry Permit (1 copy)
- Original and photocopy of Passport or Voters ID Card
Submit these documents at the counter, then come back after about an hour to collect your Route Permit. The entire process typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The Route Permit covers all the districts and places you have listed in your itinerary, so make sure your itinerary mentions every destination you plan to visit. The maximum duration for the Entry Permit and Route Permit combined is 15 days from arrival.
Pro Travel Tip: Check our article about important tips for saving costs on your Bhutan trip, if you are looking to plan on a budget.
How to Extend Your Bhutan Permit Beyond 15 Days
If you plan to stay longer than the initial 7 to 10 day Entry Permit allows (with the maximum being 15 days), you will need a permit extension. Visit the Immigration Office in Thimphu and submit an Extension Form along with the documents for your Route Permit, plus a photocopy of your taxi driver’s license or your bus ticket if traveling by public transport. The maximum duration including extension is 15 days from arrival, so extensions are primarily useful for those who want to stay the full 15 days.
Where Are Permits Checked in Bhutan?
Keep in mind that your permits will be checked at every checkpost throughout Bhutan. This is not a formality. Bhutan has a well-organized system of checkposts along all major routes, and travelers without valid permits are not allowed through. So always carry your original Entry Permit and Route Permit with you at all times, along with your original ID document (passport or voter ID).
The Route Permit you obtain in Thimphu is specific to the districts and places listed on it. If you decide to add a new destination mid-trip that is not on your Route Permit, you will need to return to the Thimphu Immigration Office (or visit a regional immigration office if available) to update it. Hence, it is better to plan your full itinerary in advance and list every place you might want to visit when you apply for the Route Permit the first time.
Pro Travel Tip: Do not forget to check this complete travel guide for traveling to Central Bhutan.
Quick Summary: Bhutan Permits for Indians in 2026
Here is a quick summary table of all permits required for Indian nationals:
| Permit Type | Where to Get It | Cost | Validity | Where Valid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Permit | Phuentsholing Immigration or Paro Airport (on arrival), or online via immi.gov.bt | Free (SDF of Rs 1,200/night applies separately) | 7 to 10 days | Thimphu and Paro only |
| Route Permit | Thimphu Immigration Office (weekdays only) | Free | Up to 15 days total from arrival | All other districts (Punakha, Bumthang, Ha, Eastern Bhutan, etc.) |
| Extension | Thimphu Immigration Office | Free | Up to 15 days total from arrival date | Same as Route Permit |
| SDF | Paid at immigration or online | Rs 1,200/person/night (Rs 600 for kids 6-12; free for under 5) | Per night of stay | All of Bhutan |
Pro Travel Tip: If you are interested in exploring the wildlife in Bhutan, please check our detailed guide on Bhutan Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks.
Practical Tips for Getting Bhutan Permits Without Hassle
After going through the permit process and hearing from many DwD community members who have visited Bhutan, here are some practical tips that will save you time and stress:
- Carry multiple photocopies of your ID and passport photos. You will need photocopies at multiple stages: Entry Permit, Route Permit, each checkpost, and sometimes for hotel check-in. Carry at least 10 photocopies and 6 passport-size photos per person.
- Have a printed itinerary ready before you arrive. The Immigration Office will ask for a short itinerary printout. It does not have to be very detailed, but it should list the places you plan to visit and your approximate dates. Write it before you leave India so you are not scrambling for a printer at Phuentsholing.
- Arrive at Phuentsholing on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Avoid Mondays (busiest after the weekend) and days immediately after public holidays. The queue can be 3 to 8 hours long on bad days.
- Book your first night’s hotel in advance. A hotel booking confirmation for your first night in Bhutan is mandatory for the Entry Permit. The cheapest guesthouses in Phuentsholing or Thimphu work fine for this.
- Apply online if flying into Paro. The immi.gov.bt online system takes 4 to 5 working days, so apply at least a week before your travel date. This skips the airport immigration queue entirely.
- Apply for the Route Permit on the same day you arrive in Thimphu, or the next morning. The Thimphu Immigration Office closes at 5 PM on weekdays. Many travelers waste a full day by not doing this first thing. Without the Route Permit, you cannot visit Punakha or anywhere beyond Thimphu and Paro.
- Keep original IDs with you at all times. Photocopies are accepted at the Entry Permit stage but you will need to show originals at checkposts and sometimes at the Route Permit window. Do not leave your passport/voter ID in your hotel room when sightseeing.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Bhutan?
While the permit process works year-round, certain times of the year are much better for a Bhutan trip. The peak seasons are March to May (spring, with rhododendrons in bloom and the famous Paro Tsechu festival) and September to November (autumn, clear skies, best Himalayan views). These months also see the longest queues at the Immigration Office, so budget extra time for permits during these periods.
The monsoon months of June, July, and August are less crowded but come with road closures, landslides, and limited visibility. January and February are cold but festivals like the Punakha Drubchen and Punakha Tsechu make them worth considering. For a detailed month-by-month breakdown, check our complete guide on the best time to visit Bhutan.
How Many Days Do You Need for a Bhutan Trip?
The Entry Permit is valid for 7 to 10 days and the maximum combined duration with the Route Permit is 15 days. I would suggest a minimum of 6 to 7 days if you want to cover the western circuit (Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro). For a more complete experience including Bumthang and Eastern Bhutan, plan for 12 to 15 days. For a detailed itinerary broken down day by day, check the most perfect itinerary for a Bhutan road trip.
Pro Travel Tip: Do not forget to check this complete month by month guide on the best time to visit Bhutan.
Wrapping Up: Bhutan Permits Are Simpler Than They Look
I know the permit process can seem complicated when you read it all at once, but in practice it is quite manageable once you break it down step by step. The key things to remember: carry the right ID documents (passport or voter ID only), pay the Rs 1,200 per night SDF, get your Entry Permit at the port of entry (or apply online in advance), and then collect the Route Permit from Thimphu Immigration on your first full day if you plan to explore beyond Paro and Thimphu.
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The SDF might feel like an extra cost, but it directly funds Bhutan’s public healthcare, free education, and conservation efforts. That is the “Gross National Happiness” philosophy at work, and honestly, it is a small price to pay for one of the most unique travel experiences in the region. Bhutan remains one of the most traveler-friendly destinations for Indians, and the permit process, while multi-step, is very well organized. 🙂 …
If you have recently been to Bhutan and have updated information on permit timings or process changes, I would love to hear from you in the comments below. Feel free to also share this guide with friends planning a Bhutan trip. For more details on planning your trip, explore the most important budget tips for Bhutan and the complete guide to Bhutan.
Last Updated: February 2026. This article has been updated with the latest SDF rates, online permit process, and 2026 entry requirements for Indian nationals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bhutan Permits
Do Indians need a visa to visit Bhutan in 2026?
No. Indian nationals do not need a visa to enter Bhutan. Instead, you need an Entry Permit, which can be obtained on arrival at Phuentsholing border or Paro Airport, or applied online in advance through immi.gov.bt. You do need to carry either a valid Indian Passport (minimum 6 months validity) or a Voter Identity Card (VIC).
What is the SDF fee for Indians visiting Bhutan in 2026?
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for Indian nationals is Rs 1,200 per person per night as of 2026. This fee is fixed through August 2027. Children aged 6 to 12 pay Rs 600 per night (50% concession). Children aged 5 and below are exempt. The SDF is paid at the immigration counter or online when applying for the permit.
What is the difference between the Entry Permit and the Route Permit?
The Entry Permit allows you to visit only Thimphu and Paro. It is obtained at the port of entry (Phuentsholing or Paro Airport). The Route Permit allows you to travel to all other districts including Punakha, Ha Valley, Bumthang, Eastern Bhutan, etc. It is obtained from the Thimphu Immigration Office on weekdays. Both permits are free, but you still pay the SDF separately.
Can Aadhaar card be used to enter Bhutan?
No. Aadhaar cards are NOT accepted at Bhutan immigration. Only a valid Indian Passport (minimum 6 months validity) or a Voter Identity Card (VIC) issued by the Election Commission of India is accepted. PAN cards and driving licenses are also not valid. Make sure you carry one of these two accepted documents.
How long does the Entry Permit process take at Phuentsholing?
The on-arrival Entry Permit process at Phuentsholing can take anywhere between 3 to 8 hours depending on the queue. Peak season (March-May, September-November) and Mondays are the busiest. The Immigration Office is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, with lunch break from 1 PM to 2 PM. Arrive as early as possible. Alternatively, apply online at immi.gov.bt at least 5 working days before your travel to skip the queue.
Is the SDF waived for Indian tourists visiting only Phuentsholing?
Yes. If you are visiting only the border town of Phuentsholing (or other border towns like Samtse, Gelephu, or Samdrup Jongkhar) without halting overnight or traveling beyond the first designated checkpoint, the SDF is waived. This exemption applies to day visitors who do not proceed into Bhutan proper.
What is the maximum duration Indians can stay in Bhutan?
The maximum stay for Indian nationals under the Entry Permit and Route Permit system is 15 days from the date of arrival. The Entry Permit itself is valid for 7 to 10 days, extendable up to the 15-day maximum. If you need to stay beyond 15 days, you would need to exit and re-enter, which requires a new permit cycle.
Can a child below 18 travel to Bhutan alone on a voter ID?
Children below 18 typically do not have a Voter ID. They should travel on a valid Indian Passport. A passport with minimum 6 months validity is the recommended document for minors. If traveling without parents, a notarized consent letter from parents is advisable, though not always explicitly required, to avoid any complications at the immigration counter.
