Maldives passport → Bhutan

Bhutan visa for citizens of the Maldives

Visa on arrivalVisa on Arrival · Tourist

Citizens of the Maldives can get a visa on arrival in Bhutan.

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

Key facts

Entry route	Visa on Arrival · Tourist
How to apply	Get your visa at the border
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	On arrival
Government fee	$100
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Not required
Appointment	Not required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Sufficient funds for stay

How to apply

1
Prepare required documents
Collect passport (valid 6+ months), onward ticket, hotel booking, SDF payment proof, and funds proof.
2
Pre-pay Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) online (recommended)
Pay 100 USD per night via official Bhutan online portal to speed up arrival process.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport (or land border)
Proceed to immigration counters for visa on arrival processing.
4
Fill out arrival/visa application form
Complete form provided at the counter with personal details and trip info.
5
Submit documents and pay visa fee (if not prepaid)
Hand over passport, photo, tickets, and SDF receipt; pay 100 USD SDF per night (if not prepaid).
6
Receive visa stamp
Immigration officer issues visa on arrival stamp in passport.
7
Collect luggage and exit
Proceed through customs and enter Bhutan.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival.
Passport-size photograph
Recent color photo (2×2 inches).

Travel

Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Bhutan.
Hotel booking confirmation
Must show accommodation for entire stay.

Financial

Proof of payment of Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
100 USD per night (reduced rate until August 2027).
Proof of funds
Bank statements or cash showing sufficient means.

Supporting

Visa approval letter (if obtained online)
Optional
Not required for VOA but may expedite processing.
Travel insurance
Optional
Recommended but not mandatory.
Completed arrival form
Provided at immigration counter.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: 200 USD per night (SDF) plus accommodation costs

Bank statements
Cash
Credit card

SDF is mandatory for all tourists; reduced to 100 USD per night until August 31, 2027 when paid in USD.

Good to know

SDF of 100 USD per night applies for payments in USD from September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2027.
Visa on arrival may be denied if documents are incomplete.
Entry is typically for tourism only; other purposes require prior visa.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient passport validity (less than 6 months)

Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months from arrival.

Unpaid or incomplete SDF payment

Pre-pay the SDF online or have exact cash ready for the full amount.

Lack of onward/return ticket

Book a confirmed return or onward ticket before travel.

Suspected overstay or illegal work intent

Provide proof of sufficient funds and hotel bookings for entire stay.

FAQ

Do citizens of the Maldives need a visa for Bhutan?

Citizens of the Maldives can get a visa on arrival in Bhutan. Visa type: Visa on Arrival · Tourist.

How much does the Bhutan visa cost for citizens of the Maldives?

Government fee: $100.

What documents do citizens of the Maldives need for Bhutan?

Valid passport; Return or onward ticket; Hotel booking confirmation; Passport-size photograph; Proof of payment of Sustainable Development Fee (SDF); Proof of funds; and 3 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Bhutan?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to Bhutan

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