---
title: Bhutan visa for citizens of India
description: Citizens of India can visit Bhutan without a visa. Documents checklist and application steps.
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/bhutan/india
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# Bhutan visa for citizens of India

Citizens of India can visit Bhutan without a visa.

*Not yet verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.*

> 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.

## 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

- **Indian passport** (Identity): Valid passport with at least 6 months validity, accepted for entry by air or land.
- **Voter ID card with photograph** (Identity, optional): Indian Voter ID is also accepted for entry at air and land checkpoints.
- **Passport-size photographs** (Identity): Recent photos needed for the entry permit issued at the immigration office.
- **Entry permit form** (Supporting): Filled at arrival immigration or via the online permit system.
- **Onward/return ticket or travel itinerary** (Travel): Evidence of onward travel may be requested at immigration.
- **Hotel booking / accommodation details** (Travel): Address of stay in Bhutan required for the permit.
- **Special Area Permit application** (Supporting, 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.

## FAQs

### 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 ...](https://www.cgiphuentsholing.gov.in/page/guidelines-for-indians-visiting-bhutan/)
- [Embassy of India Thimphu,Bhutan](https://www.indembthimphu.gov.in/pages/NzI)
- Bhutan Entry Requirements for Indian Citizens — No Visa Needed | EntryBrief (entrybrief.com, third-party site)

## More

- [Bhutan visa for every passport](/visa/bhutan)
- [Every destination for India passport holders](/visa/passport/india)