Bhutan Visa for Indians: Application Guide 2025

Bhutan is a destination that every Indian travel enthusiast dreams of. With its mystical monasteries, snow-clad Himalayan peaks, emerald valleys, and strong cultural ethos, Bhutan offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, serenity, and spirituality.

While Bhutan has always shared warm ties with India, recent updates in entry procedures have raised new questions among Indian travellers. So if you’re planning to explore Bhutan in 2025, it’s important to understand the Bhutan visa for Indians, the updated application process, documentation, and associated costs.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find all the Bhutan visa requirements for Indian citizens.

Do Indians Need a Visa for Bhutan in 2025?

Historically, Indians could travel to Bhutan without a visa and even without a passport if entering via land routes. However, as of recent changes in Bhutan’s tourism policies, some updates have been introduced, effective even in 2025.

So, what’s the current status?

• Indian citizens do not require a traditional visa to enter Bhutan.
• However, you must obtain a permit for entry and travel within Bhutan.
• Indians can travel to Phuentsholing (the border town) without a visa, but to go beyond that (e.g., Thimphu, Paro), a valid Entry Permit is necessary.

Bhutan Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens: 2025 Update

Even though a visa isn’t required in the traditional sense, the entry into Bhutan involves certain formalities and permits. Here's what you need to prepare before your trip:

1. Valid Passport or Voter ID Card

• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date.
• If you don't have a passport, a Voter ID card is acceptable for entry.

2. Recent Passport-size Photographs

• Carry 2-3 copies of your recent coloured passport-size photos (preferably with a white background).

3. Hotel Booking Confirmation

• Proof of accommodation for your entire stay in Bhutan is essential.

4. Itinerary or Travel Plan

• Submit a detailed travel plan, especially if you plan to explore beyond Paro and Thimphu.

5. Travel Insurance

• While not mandatory, having a valid travel insurance plan is recommended. It safeguards you against unexpected medical expenses, trip delays, or loss of luggage.

Understanding the requirements for Bhutan visa for Indians will help you avoid delays and ensure smooth entry.

How to Apply for a Bhutan Permit

There are two primary ways Indians can obtain permits for Bhutan in 2025:

1. On Arrival Permit (Via Phuentsholing or Paro Airport)

This is the most popular option for Indian travellers.

• If entering via Phuentsholing (by road), visit the Immigration Office of the Royal Government of Bhutan.
• If flying directly to Paro International Airport, you'll get the permit upon arrival.

The Entry Permit allows travel to Paro and Thimphu for up to 7 days. For travelling beyond these areas (e.g., Punakha, Bumthang), you’ll need a Special Area Permit, which can be obtained in Thimphu.

2. Online Application (In Select Cases)

Though still evolving, Bhutan's online visa and permit system (via Bhutan's official immigration portal) is expected to become more user-friendly in 2025, allowing pre-approval of permits for smoother airport entries.

Bhutan Visa Cost for Indian Citizens in 2025

While there is no visa fee per se, Indian tourists are now required to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). This fee is part of Bhutan’s high-value, low-impact tourism policy to preserve its pristine environment.

What is the SDF for Indian Citizens?

• The SDF for Indian tourists is ₹1,200 per person per day.
• Children under 5 years: Free
• Children aged 6-12 years: 50% discount on SDF

This fee applies from the day you enter Bhutan until the day you exit, regardless of whether you stay in hotels or with friends/family. So, while the Bhutan visa cost for Indian citizens remains zero, the SDF is mandatory and must be factored into your travel budget.

Entry Points to Bhutan for Indians

You can enter Bhutan through various land and air routes:

By Air:

• Paro International Airport is Bhutan’s only international airport. Direct flights are available from major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati.

By Road:

• Phuentsholing (West Bengal): Most popular land route for Indian tourists.
• Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar (Assam): Less crowded but more remote entry points.

Best Time to Visit Bhutan

To enjoy Bhutan at its finest, consider these seasons:

• Spring (March–May): Ideal for trekking and cultural festivals.
• Autumn (September–November): Clear skies and perfect weather.
• Winter (December–February): Great for budget travellers and snow lovers.
• Monsoon (June–August): Rainy season, not ideal for sightseeing.

Travel Tips for Indians Visiting Bhutan

Here are some tips that you must consider while travelling to Bhutan:

• Currency: The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is at par with the Indian Rupee. INR is widely accepted, but ₹500 and ₹2000 notes may not be accepted in all areas.
• Connectivity: Local SIM cards from TashiCell or B-Mobile can be easily purchased.
• Food & Culture: Try local dishes like Ema Datshi (chilli cheese curry) and respect local customs, especially when visiting monasteries.
• No Plastic Bags: Bhutan is eco-sensitive. Carry reusable bags and avoid plastic.

Conclusion

Bhutan’s serene landscapes, rich culture, and spiritual charm continue to captivate Indian travellers year after year. While a traditional visa isn’t required, understanding and meeting the requirements for Bhutan visa for Indians, such as paying the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and carrying the right documents, is essential for a hassle-free trip in 2025.

However, no matter how peaceful your destination, unexpected events like flight delays, lost passports, or medical emergencies can occur. That’s why having travel insurance is a wise choice, even if not mandatory. Niva Bupa Travel Insurance offers comprehensive, customisable plans tailored for travellers heading to Bhutan, providing emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation protection, baggage assistance, and 24x7 multilingual support.

By including Niva Bupa travel insurance in your travel preparations, you ensure your Bhutan adventure remains worry-free and truly memorable.