--- title: Bhutan visa for citizens of the United Arab Emirates description: "Citizens of the United Arab Emirates need a visa for Bhutan and can apply online for an eVisa. Stay up to 90 days. Processing: 5–7 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/bhutan/united-arab-emirates lastModified: 2026-08-16 --- # Bhutan visa for citizens of the United Arab Emirates Citizens of the United Arab Emirates need a visa for Bhutan and can apply online for an eVisa. *Verified · last checked 2026-08-16. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* Official application site: https://visit.doi.gov.bt/ ## Key facts - **Entry route:** eVisa · Tourist (up to 90 days) - **How to apply:** Fully online — no office visit - **Maximum stay:** Up to 90 days - **Visa validity:** 90 days - **Entries:** Single entry - **Processing time:** 5–7 days - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Not required - **Appointment:** Not required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Required - **Proof of funds:** Not required for standard tourist visa, but Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of 200 USD per person per night must be paid for almost all visitors. SDF reduced to 100 USD if paid in US dollars from Sep 1, 2023 to Aug 31, 2027. ## How to apply 1. **Select a registered Bhutanese tour operator** — All tourists must book their trip through a licensed tour operator in Bhutan. 2. **Tour operator submits visa application on your behalf** — The operator fills the eVisa application and uploads documents via the official portal. 3. **Wait for visa processing (5–7 working days)** — The Department of Immigration processes the eVisa; approval is communicated to operator. 4. **Pay Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and service fees** — Once visa is approved, pay the required SDF (200 USD/night or 100 USD/night with discount) through the operator. 5. **Receive visa clearance letter** — The operator issues a visa clearance letter that must be presented at the point of entry. 6. **Travel to Bhutan and obtain visa on arrival stamp** — At Paro International Airport or land border, present visa clearance letter and passport to get entry stamp. 7. **Pay any remaining fees or deposits at entry (if required)** — Confirm with operator whether any additional payment is needed upon arrival. ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)** (Identity): Passport must have at least two blank pages. - **Passport-size photograph (recent, white background)** (Identity): 35mm x 45mm, taken within the last 6 months. - **Completed eVisa application form** (Supporting): Submitted online via the official portal. - **Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or tour confirmation)** (Travel): Must be pre-booked via a registered Bhutanese tour operator. - **Flight itinerary (round-trip or onward ticket)** (Travel): Shows planned entry and exit from Bhutan. - **Sustainable Development Fee payment receipt** (Financial): SDF of 200 USD/night (100 USD if paid in USD during Sep 2023–Aug 2027). Payable after visa approval. - **Tourism levy or service fee (if applicable)** (Financial, optional): May be included in tour package; confirm with operator. - **Travel insurance (recommended)** (Supporting, optional): Covers medical expenses and repatriation. - **Copy of previous visas (if held)** (Supporting, optional): Only for previous Bhutan visits. ## Good to know - Sustainable Development Fee is mandatory. Without payment, visa cannot be issued. - All tourists must book through a registered tour operator — independent travel is not permitted. - SDF reduced to 100 USD per night only if paid in US dollars from September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2027. ## Common refusal reasons - **Incomplete or incorrect documentation** — Double-check all documents with your tour operator before submission. - **Passport validity less than 6 months** — Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. - **Failure to pay Sustainable Development Fee** — Arrange payment through your tour operator immediately after visa approval. - **Previous visa violations in Bhutan** — Comply with all visa conditions during previous stays. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of the United Arab Emirates need a visa for Bhutan? Citizens of the United Arab Emirates need a visa for Bhutan and can apply online for an eVisa. Visa type: eVisa · Tourist (up to 90 days). ### How long can citizens of the United Arab Emirates stay in Bhutan? Up to 90 days. ### How long does Bhutan visa processing take? Typically 5–7 days. ### What documents do citizens of the United Arab Emirates need for Bhutan? Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity); Passport-size photograph (recent, white background); Completed eVisa application form; Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or tour confirmation); Flight itinerary (round-trip or onward ticket); Sustainable Development Fee payment receipt; and 3 more depending on your situation. ### 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](https://visit.doi.gov.bt/) ## More - [Bhutan visa for every passport](/visa/bhutan) - [Every destination for United Arab Emirates passport holders](/visa/passport/united-arab-emirates)