10 Important Bhutan Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens in 2025

If you are planning a trip to Bhutan in 2025, you need to understand a few important entry rules. Under the 1949 India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty and the updated travel guidelines, Indian citizens can freely enter Bhutan, but only after completing mandatory formalities. They must obtain an Entry Permit by providing valid identification and paying the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). These steps help Bhutan maintain its “high-value, low-impact” tourism model and provide smooth travel for visitors.

As part of the Bhutan visa requirements for Indian citizens, you must carry a valid passport or voter ID, and two passport-sized photographs. You must also submit biometric details upon arrival and show basic travel documents such as hotel bookings and a planned itinerary. Children under 18 years of age have their own set of document rules, including a birth certificate and school ID. You also need to be aware of the specific immigration points through which they can enter Bhutan, such as Paro International Airport, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar. If you wish to visit places outside Thimphu and Paro, you must obtain an additional Special Route Permit – especially if your travel plan includes exploring popular places to visit in Bhutan across regions like Punakha, Phobjikha Valley, Bumthang, and Haa Valley.. 

Understanding these requirements in advance saves time at border checkpoints and helps you plan your journey confidently.

Why This Guide Matters

• Helps you understand Bhutan’s updated 2025 travel rules for Indian citizens.
• Saves time at immigration by preparing the right documents in advance.
• Clears confusion around Entry Permits, SDF, and Special Route Permits.
• Ensures a smooth, hassle-free entry whether flying into Paro or entering via land borders.

What Indian Travellers Must Know Before Entering Bhutan

• Bhutan does not require a traditional visa for Indians, but Entry Permits are compulsory.
• SDF charges apply to Indians and must be paid per person, per night.
• Only specific ID documents are accepted at immigration checkpoints.
• Biometric registration is required on arrival to validate your Entry Permit.
• Children have a different documentation checklist than adults.

Important Border & Airport Information

• Indians can enter only through Paro Airport, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar.
• Travel beyond Paro & Thimphu needs a Special Route Permit.
• Immigration counters operate with strict verification, especially during peak months.
• Processing time is usually quick, but queues may increase during holidays.

Documents You Must Carry

• Valid Indian passport (6-month validity) or original Voter ID card.
• Two passport-size photographs (recent).
• Hotel confirmations for the full stay.
• Return ticket, if entering/exiting via Paro Airport.
• Itinerary for travel beyond Thimphu and Paro.
• Birth certificate + school ID for minors.

Fees & Mandatory Charges

• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): ₹1,200 per person per night.
• SDF is payable on arrival or online through registered Bhutan travel portals.
• Additional charges may apply for Special Route Permits depending on the region.

Who Needs Additional Permits

• Travellers visiting Punakha, Haa Valley, Bumthang, Trongsa, Phobjikha, etc.
• Those extending their stay beyond the Entry Permit validity.
• Anyone entering through one point (e.g., Phuentsholing) and exiting via another. 

This guide breaks down the 10 most important requirements you must know before travelling to the land of the Thunder Dragon.

Bhutan Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

1. Valid Government-Issued ID

Quick Info

• Accepted ID for Adults: Indian Passport (6-month validity) or Voter ID
• Accepted ID for Minors: Birth Certificate + School ID, or Passport
• Not Accepted: Aadhaar, PAN Card, Driving Licence
• Needed For: Entry Permit and all further route permits

A valid government-issued ID is the first and most important document you need to obtain an entry permit for Bhutan. As part of the Bhutan visa requirements for Indian citizens, only two IDs are officially accepted for adults. One is a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity, and the other is a voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India. The other IDs, like Aadhar, PAN, or a driver’s licence, are not considered valid for crossing the border.

For minors under 18 years of age, the requirements are slightly different. They must carry their original birth certificate along with a school ID card. If the child has a passport, it can also be used.  

Important Rules & Exceptions

• Aadhaar cards are not accepted, even as supporting documents.
• Digital copies of IDs are not considered valid; only originals are accepted.
• If the name differs across documents, officials may ask for additional proof.
• Carry photocopies as checkpoints frequently request them.

Why This Requirement Matters

• It helps Bhutan verify your identity during biometric registration.
• It ensures quicker processing of your Entry Permit at the airport or land borders.
• It is required again when applying for the Special Route Permit to visit places beyond Thimphu and Paro.

2. Entry Permit Requirement for Bhutan

Quick Info

• Mandatory for all Indian travellers
• Issued at: Paro Airport + Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar
• Required documents: Passport/Voter ID + 2 photos + itinerary
• Valid for: Paro & Thimphu only

An entry permit is mandatory for Indian travellers, even though a visa is not required under the 1949 India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty. This permit is among the most crucial Bhutan visa requirements for Indian citizens, which is issued by the Department of Immigration after verifying your documents. You can get it on approval at Paro International Airport or at land borders like Phuentsholing.

To apply, you must present a valid passport or voter ID, two passport-sized photos, and basic travel details. For children under 18 years of age, a passport or birth certificate with a school ID is required. This permit only allows travel within Paro and Thimphu. 

Conditions & Important Notes

• Biometric registration is compulsory before the permit is issued
• Processing time may be longer during peak seasons
• Ensure hotel names and dates correctly match your itinerary
• Travellers staying in border towns for <24 hours still need the permit

Why It Matters

• It is the primary authorisation for staying anywhere in Bhutan
• Required for domestic travel bookings, hotel check-ins, and checkpoints
• Ensures movement tracking for safety and controlled tourism

3. Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for Indian Citizens

Quick Info

• Cost: ₹1,200 per person per night
• Children 0–5: Free
• Children 6–12: 50% fee
• Applies to all regions of Bhutan

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a mandatory charge that every Indian traveller must pay while visiting Bhutan. It is not a part of the Bhutan visa cost, but it is an essential fee linked to the country’s high-value and low-impact tourism policy. Indian citizens are required to pay ₹1,200 per person, per night, for the duration of their stay. Children below 5 years are exempt, and those aged between 6 and 12 years pay only 50% of the fee.

The SDF supports environmental protection, cultural preservation, and community development across Bhutan. Travellers staying for less than 24 hours in border towns like Phuentsholing may be exempt, but the entry permit is still required. 

Payment Rules

• Paid at the immigration counter or through authorised portals
• Must match the total nights mentioned in itinerary
• Non-refundable once the permit is issued

Possible Exemptions

• Travellers staying in Phuentsholing for under 24 hours
• Does not waive the Entry Permit requirement

Why It Matters

• Essential for entry processing and permit approval

4. Travel Itinerary and Hotel Bookings

Quick Info

• Day-wise travel plan required
• Mandatory hotel bookings for entire stay
• Needed for all permit requests

Bhutan’s immigration authorities often ask for proof of accommodation, whether it is a hotel reservation or an invitation from a Bhutanese resident. This way, they make sure that your stay is properly planned and supported. Along with this, a day-wise itinerary in your Bhutan tour packages helps officials understand where you intend to go, especially if you plan to visit places beyond Thimphu and Paro.

Providing details such as hotel names, addresses, sightseeing destinations, and your planned activities makes permit approval smoother and faster. This information also helps travel agents or tour operators arrange any additional permits needed for regions like Punakha, Wangdue, or Bumthang.

What to Include in Your Itinerary

• Dates and destinations
• Transit days
• Sightseeing list
• Travel routes (Paro–Thimphu–Punakha etc.)

Hotel Booking Requirements

• Name, address, contact details
• Matching dates across itinerary
• Confirmation email or voucher

Why It Matters

• Speeds up permit approval
• Required for Special Route Permit applications

5. Passport-Sized Photographs for Documentation

Quick Info

• Minimum 2 recent photographs
• White background
• Clear face visibility

Carrying recent passport-sized photographs is a small but important part of the Bhutan visa requirements for Indian citizens. These photos are needed for your entry permit and other immigration formalities, so they must follow specific guidelines. Bhutan accepts only recent colour photographs taken within the last 6 months. The image should be clear, borderless, and taken against a plain white background. Your full face, including forehead, eyes, and ears, must be visible without shadows or filters. A portrait-style photo is preferred, similar to what is used for passports. 

It is best to carry at least two copies, as additional permits for places like Punakha or Bumthang may also require them.

Photo Specifications

• Taken within last 6 months
• No shadows, filters, or coloured backgrounds
• Ears, eyes, and forehead visible
• Borderless portrait format

When You’ll Need Them

• Entry Permit application
• Special Route Permit
• Any permit reissuance

Why It Matters

• Used for identity verification at checkpoints

6. Proof of Sufficient Funds

Quick Info

• Bank statement required
• Funds must cover stay + SDF + transport
• INR 500 accepted; 1000 & 2000 not valid

The immigration authorities need to ensure that travellers can cover their expenses comfortably during their stay. So, showing proof of sufficient funds is an integral part of Bhutan visa requirements for Indian citizens.

A recent bank statement is the most common form of financial proof, which shows that you have an adequate balance for accommodation, transport, food, and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). If your trip is sponsored, you can present a sponsorship letter from the individual, company, or organisation covering your costs. It is also wise to carry enough Indian Rupees, especially when visiting remote regions where digital payments are limited. Bhutan accepts INR notes up to ₹500, but denominations of ₹1,000 and ₹2,000 are not valid. 

Accepted Financial Proof

• Recent bank statement
• Sponsorship letter (if applicable)
• Salary slips (optional support)

Money to Carry

• Sufficient Indian currency (₹100–₹500 notes only)
• Backup cash for remote regions with limited digital payments

Why It Matters

• Ensures travellers can manage expenses without difficulty

7. Mandatory Biometric Registration

Quick Info

• Required at arrival immigration
• Includes fingerprints + photograph
• Needed for Entry Permit issuance

Mandatory biometric registration is required before an Entry Permit is issued. Even though a visa is not needed for short-term visits, every Indian citizen must complete this process at immigration points like Paro International Airport or the Phuentsholing border. After submitting your documents, such as a valid passport or voter ID and a passport-sized photograph, you will be guided through the biometric capture process. This includes providing your fingerprints and having your photograph taken by immigration officials. 

Once your details are verified and recorded, the Entry Permit is issued, and you can travel within Paro and Thimphu. The system helps Bhutan maintain secure and efficient border procedures and provides a smooth entry for visitors.

Where It Is Done

• Paro International Airport
• Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar

Steps in the Process

• Submit documents
• Digital photograph capture
• Fingerprint scanning
• Permit issuance

Why It Matters

• Mandatory for verification and border security

8. Permits for Restricted Areas

Quick Info

• Needed for travel beyond Paro & Thimphu
• Issued only in Thimphu
• Requires initial Entry Permit

If you are planning to explore regions beyond Paro and Thimphu, a Special Route Permit is one of the compulsory Bhutan visa requirements for Indian citizens. This permit allows you to access other areas of the country, like Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, Haa Valley, and Bumthang. It can only be obtained from the Department of Immigration in Thimphu after you receive your initial Entry Permit. 

To apply, you must carry your valid passport or voter ID along with a passport-sized photo. The process includes submitting your documents, filling out the form, and then waiting for approval. 

Where It Applies

• Punakha & Wangdue
• Haa Valley
• Bumthang
• Eastern Bhutan regions

Required Documents

• Entry Permit
• Passport or Voter ID
• Passport-sized photograph
• Detailed itinerary

Why It Matters

• Allows access to Bhutan’s most scenic and culturally rich regions

9. Travel Insurance Requirement

Quick Info

• Highly recommended
• Covers medical & travel-related issues
• Valid for full trip duration

Travel insurance is not a mandatory part of the Bhutan visa requirements for Indian citizens, but it is highly recommended by travel experts and even the Indian Embassy. It protects you from unexpected expenses and travel-related issues. A good travel insurance plan covers medical emergencies, doctor consultations, and even evacuation in rare cases, which can otherwise be costly in remote regions. It also helps if your trip is disrupted due to flight delays, cancellations, or lost baggage. Your insurance should be valid for the entire duration of your stay. 

For more convenience, Bhutan also allows travellers to purchase domestic travel insurance from local providers at entry points like Phuentsholing or Paro Airport.

Coverage To Consider

• Medical emergencies
• Trekking-related injuries
• Evacuation (if required)
• Flight delays or cancellations
• Baggage loss

Where You Can Buy

• Any Indian insurer before departure
• Bhutanese insurance counters at Paro or Phuentsholing

Why It Matters

• Offers financial protection in remote areas with limited facilities

10. Entry and Exit Through Approved Immigration Points

Quick Info

• Approved entry points only
• Permit required for exit
• Checkpoints scan permits en route

As part of the Bhutan visa requirements for Indian citizens, entering and exiting the country is allowed only through approved immigration points. Indian travellers can fly into Paro International Airport, the only international airport in the country, and obtain their Entry Permit on arrival. People travelling by road can use one of three official border crossings: Phuentsholing in West Bengal, Gelephu in Assam, or Samdrup Jongkhar in eastern Bhutan. 

At these points, you must present a valid passport or voter ID along with passport-sized photographs to complete the permit process. Once issued, your permit must be shown at various checkpoints during your journey. Exiting the country also requires passing through these same authorised points for smooth and secure movement for all visitors.

Authorised Points

• Air: Paro International Airport
• Land:
  • Phuentsholing (West Bengal)
  • Gelephu (Assam)
  • Samdrup Jongkhar (Assam)

What Happens at These Points

• Document verification
• Biometric capture
• Permit stamping
• Exit validation during departure

Why It Matters

• Ensures legal entry and safe, regulated movement within Bhutan

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