India passport → Bhutan

Bhutan visa for citizens of India

Visa-freeVisa-free entry for Indian nationals (entry permit for border areas)

Citizens of India can visit Bhutan without a visa.

Not yet verified

Our latest check could not confirm these details against an official source, or found a conflict. Treat them as a starting point and confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you book.

Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Visa-free entry for Indian nationals (entry permit for border areas)
How to apply	No visa needed — just go
Government fee	BTN 1,200
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Not required
Appointment	Not required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required

How to apply

1
Ensure you have accepted ID
Carry a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card with photograph.
2
Travel to Bhutan by air or land
Indian nationals may enter visa-free at Bhutanese airports or land border checkpoints.
3
Obtain entry permit at immigration
Apply for the free entry permit at the immigration office at the port of entry or online in advance.
4
Pay the Sustainable Development Fee
Pay BTN 1200 per person per day SDF for the duration of your stay.
5
Apply for Special Area Permit if needed
Permits are required to travel beyond the border towns and are processed by immigration/tourism authorities.

Documents checklist

Identity

Indian passport
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity, accepted for entry by air or land.
Voter ID card with photograph
Optional
Indian Voter ID is also accepted for entry at air and land checkpoints.
Passport-size photographs
Recent photos needed for the entry permit issued at the immigration office.

Travel

Onward/return ticket or travel itinerary
Evidence of onward travel may be requested at immigration.
Hotel booking / accommodation details
Address of stay in Bhutan required for the permit.

Supporting

Entry permit form
Filled at arrival immigration or via the online permit system.
Special Area Permit application
Optional
Required to travel beyond the first checkpoint towns (e.g. beyond Phuentsholing/Gelephu/Samdrup Jongkhar).

Proof of funds

Sustainable Development Fee of BTN 1200 per day applies; no proof-of-funds threshold stated.

Good to know

Indian nationals are visa-free but must pay the BTN 1200/day Sustainable Development Fee.
Entry is only permitted with a passport or Voter ID card with photograph — other Indian IDs are not accepted.
Travel beyond the border checkpost areas requires a separate Special Area Permit.

Common refusal reasons

Presenting an ID other than a passport or Voter ID

Carry a valid Indian passport or a Voter ID card with photograph.

Expired or damaged travel document

Ensure the passport/ID is valid for the duration of the trip, ideally 6 months validity.

FAQ

Do citizens of India need a visa for Bhutan?

Citizens of India can visit Bhutan without a visa. Visa type: Visa-free entry for Indian nationals (entry permit for border areas).

What documents do citizens of India need for Bhutan?

Indian passport; Passport-size photographs; Entry permit form; Onward/return ticket or travel itinerary; Hotel booking / accommodation details; Voter ID card with photograph; and 1 more depending on your situation.

How long must my passport be valid for Bhutan?

At least 6 months.

Sources

Guidelines for Indians visiting Bhutan | Consulate General of India ...
Embassy of India Thimphu,Bhutan
Bhutan Entry Requirements for Indian Citizens — No Visa Needed | EntryBrief (entrybrief.com, third-party site)

Plan your trip to Bhutan

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