It comes as no surprise that Bhutan, being one of the closest neighbours of India, is also one of the most popular destinations for Indians going on vacations. While being nearby is a major contributor to being a common choice, it is also vital to remember everything else this country offers. 

Officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, this country is situated on the Silk Road. Along with the serenity and beauty of its mountain setting and dazzling views of nature, it also offers palaces, museums, etc. to its visitors.

No, Indian passport holders do not require a visa to travel to Bhutan. India is one of the few countries which shares a border with Bhutan and is on very good terms.

As a result, Bhutan visa for Indians is not necessary like the citizens of a few other countries. Instead, as an Indian citizen, you have to carry other credentials to gain entry to Bhutan. The lists of necessary credentials to gain entry in Bhutan are listed later in this article.

No, a visa on arrival or e-visa is not required for Indian citizens visiting Bhutan. Indians can enter Bhutan with an Entry Permit.

Yes, Indian citizens need a valid passport to visit Bhutan. The passport should have a minimum validity of six months from the date of your intended departure from Bhutan.

Yes, Indian passport holders have to obtain an entry permit, issued from the Immigration Office in Phuntsholing to gain entry into Bhutan. This permit is valid for a period of 15 days, and those travelling to Bhutan by road need to produce it in every checkpoint for verification.

Indians intending to extend their stay for more than 15 days need to visit the immigration office located in Thimpu and apply for an extension of the term of the validity of their permit.

No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Bhutan, but you might be required to show the document while applying for an entry permit for Bhutan for Indian nationals. Therefore, it is always recommended to acquire travel insurance for Bhutan.

Indian citizens must carry some documents to enter Bhutan. The documents listed below are necessary to obtain an “Entry Permit” at the Immigration Office while entering Bhutan.

• A copy of your passport, which has a minimum of 6 months of validity.

• If you do not have your passport, you can also produce your Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India.

• For children below the age of 18, a Birth Certificate and valid school identity card must be produced.

• 2 passport-sized coloured photographs.

• Accommodation and lodging details, including the address of the hotel.

The “Entry Permit” allows you to visit only Thimpu and Paro. If you want to visit other places in the country, you must acquire a special Bhutan permit for Indian citizens. The documents necessary to apply for the “Special Area Permit” are as follows.

• You must bring a photocopy of the Route Permit, which is included in your Entry Permit.

• Duly filled out application form.

• In case you are driving your car, you will also require an Extension Permit which can be obtained at the office of Road Safety and Transportation Authority (RSTA).

Indian vehicles can travel within a designated zone in Bhutan without charges, but beyond the Rinchending Check Post, they must pay a Green Tax of Nu 4,500 per day and register on the Check Post Management System (CPMS). Required documents include:  

• Registration certificate of the vehicle

• Vehicle insurance paper in original with a stamp

• Driving license

• Pollution under control certificate of the vehicle

Please note that the owner of the vehicle must be the person driving it. If the driver is not the owner, the driver needs to carry an authority letter from the vehicle owner that gives them permission to use the vehicle.

Indian visitors can apply for an entry permit for Bhutan either before their trip or at the point of entry. If you're staying at a hotel or using a tour operator, they can apply on your behalf. Applying at entry points might involve long waits, so pre-applying online is preferable.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for the Bhutan Entry Permit Application Process:

Create an Account to Apply for Entry Permit to Bhutan:

Begin by signing up on the official immigration portal to apply for entry permits. Make sure you provide a valid email ID and contact details.

Complete the Application Form Online for Indian Citizens:

Accurately fill out the required details and upload necessary documents, such as your passport-size photo. Ensure all information is correct to avoid delays.

Make Payment for the Bhutan Entry Permit for Indians:

Pay the applicable fees, including the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), either online or in person.

Submit Your Application:

Once your application is complete, submit it for review. You will receive updates through your registered account.

Since you cannot travel beyond Paro and Thimpu with the Entry Permit, you must apply for additional documents for Bhutan immigration for Indian citizens. You can apply for your “Special Area Permit” at the RGoB Immigration Office in Thimpu. Usually, the office issues these permits within an hour. In case, you are driving your own car, you must also visit the RSTA for your Extension Permit.

• You can enter Bhutan with your Indian registered vehicle, like car and bike, by paying a Green tax.  

• Roads in Bhutan can be challenging, especially in mountainous areas. Be prepared for winding roads, steep inclines, and potential landslides.

• While fuel stations are available in major towns, they may be less frequent in remote areas. Carry sufficient fuel reserves.

• Be aware of the operating hours of border checkpoints and plan your journey accordingly.

• There may be restrictions on certain types of vehicles entering Bhutan. Check with the authorities before your trip.

Indian tourists must pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of INR 1,200 per person per night to enter Bhutan. The SDF is a mandatory fee imposed on tourists to support Bhutan’s sustainable tourism practices and environmental conservation efforts. 

However, children under 5 years are exempt, and those aged 6-12 receive a 50% discount. Visitors to specific towns like Phuentsholing for 24 hours are exempt from SDF.

Indian passport holders can stay for up to 15 days in Bhutan with their entry permit.

Yes, you can extend your Bhutan permit while in the country. To do so, use the same online visa/permit portal with the login details from your original application. You will need to present your original passport at the nearest immigration office for the extension. If you obtained the permit/visa on arrival, either you or your tour operator must visit the immigration office to process the extension in person.

It is not mandatory to buy an international travel insurance policy while visiting Bhutan. But it might be required while applying for the entry permit. 

Having an insurance policy in place can effectively cover you against many types of unforeseen circumstances. Be it a medical emergency from a sudden trekking accident or loss of luggage, everything is covered under policies offered by Digit. Even if you need to be hospitalised, the expenses are covered under these policies.

Insurance of liability charges can be especially helpful if you are driving your car since it takes off the stress from your mind while travelling through Bhutan.

With convenient customer service that is available at all times, even on national holidays, these plans are quite economical as well, starting at a premium of ₹474 (including 18% GST) for one adult for a sum insured of $50,000.

Check out the below-mentioned benefits we give you with Travel Insurance for Bhutan:

Adventure Activities Covered:

Our coverage includes activities such as bungee jumping, sky diving, etc. (provided the duration is one day).

Smartphone-enabled claims process:

It’s all smart with a smartphone-enabled claim process. No paperwork, no running around. Just upload your documents when you make a claim.

Missed Call Facility:

Give us a missed call, and we’ll call you back in 10 minutes. No more international calling charges!

Immediate Monetary Compensation for Flight Delays:

If your flight is delayed, we give you monetary compensation to ease your inconvenience.

Worldwide Support:

We’ve partnered with the world’s largest health & travel insurance network Allianz, to support you seamlessly across the globe. T&C apply*