South Africa passport → Bhutan

Bhutan visa for citizens of South Africa

eVisaeVisa · Tourist (up to 90 days, with SDF)

Citizens of South Africa need a visa for Bhutan and can apply online for an eVisa.

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

Key facts

Entry route	eVisa · Tourist (up to 90 days, with SDF)
How to apply	Fully online — no office visit
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	5–15 days
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	Bank statement showing sufficient funds

How to apply

1
Prepare required documents
Gather all documents listed: valid passport, photo, accommodation proof, flight itinerary, bank statement, passport copy, and SDF fee.
2
Complete online application
Visit https://visit.doi.gov.bt/ and fill out the eVisa application form accurately.
3
Pay SDF and visa fee
Pay the visa fee (40 USD) and SDF (100 USD per night) via the portal using a credit card.
4
Upload documents
Upload all required documents in the specified formats (JPEG/PDF).
5
Submit application
Review and submit the application. Keep the application reference number.
6
Wait for processing
Processing takes 5 to 15 working days. Check status on the portal using reference number.
7
Receive eVisa approval
Download the eVisa approval letter from the portal once approved.
8
Print eVisa and travel
Carry a printed copy of the eVisa approval letter and passport when traveling to Bhutan.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
Must have at least two blank pages.
Digital passport photo (recent, white background)
JPEG format, max 1 MB.
Passport data page scan
Clear color copy.

Travel

Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or tour itinerary)
Must show full stay in Bhutan.
Flight itinerary (round-trip or onward ticket)
Must show entry and exit from Bhutan.
Travel insurance (optional but recommended)
Optional
Cover medical emergencies and repatriation.

Financial

Bank statement (last 3 months)
Show sufficient funds for the trip.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) payment receipt
100 USD per night if paid in USD until Aug 31, 2027.

Supporting

Completed online visa application form
Fill out via the official eVisa portal.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Sufficient funds for the entire stay (typically $200 per day)

Bank statement (last 3 months)

Also required to pay SDF of 100 USD per night (if paid in USD until Aug 31, 2027).

Good to know

Entry through land borders (Phuentsholing) also requires the same eVisa.
SDF is mandatory and must be paid per night before arrival.
Failure to provide accurate documents may result in rejection.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all fields before submission and fill in English.

Invalid passport or missing blank pages

Ensure passport valid for at least 6 months and has two blank pages.

Insufficient funds in bank statement

Provide a recent statement showing enough money for the trip.

Missing SDF payment

Pay the full SDF amount for the intended stay days upfront.

FAQ

Do citizens of South Africa need a visa for Bhutan?

Citizens of South Africa need a visa for Bhutan and can apply online for an eVisa. Visa type: eVisa · Tourist (up to 90 days, with SDF).

How long can citizens of South Africa stay in Bhutan?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the Bhutan visa cost for citizens of South Africa?

Government fee: $100.

How long does Bhutan visa processing take?

Typically 5–15 days.

What documents do citizens of South Africa need for Bhutan?

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity; Digital passport photo (recent, white background); Completed online visa application form; Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or tour itinerary); Flight itinerary (round-trip or onward ticket); Bank statement (last 3 months); and 3 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Bhutan?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://visit.doi.gov.bt/

Sources

visit.doi.gov.bt

Plan your trip to Bhutan

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