Travel Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent question are asked about traveling to Bhutan. We tried to put all common questions together to answer for the clarification, however, if you have any remaining doubts, you may write to us to provide you the full information.

1. Do visitors need a visa to visit Bhutan?

• Yes, all visitors will need a visa to visit Bhutan, except for visitors from India, who will require a permit.
• Nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives shall be eligible for a visa on arrival at the port of entry.
• Nationals of Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic and official passports shall be eligible for a visa on arrival at the port of entry.
• Visitors from India will need a permit to visit Bhutan. This applies to anyone holding an Indian passport, or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals aged under 18 years, a passport or a birth certificate will suffice, and they must be accompanied by legal guardians.

2. How can visitors process their visa or permit?

Visitors can process a visa or permit online from the website of the Department of Immigration. Visitors can also engage tourism service providers (see www.jamyanglhala.com for more details) to process the travel documents and plan a trip.

Although visitors from Bangladesh and Maldives can process visas on arrival and visitors from India can process permits on arrival at the port of entry, it is recommended that these be applied online to reduce wait time and for faster clearance at the port of entry.

3. What are the documents required to process the visa?

A passport copy is required. The passport must be valid for six months from the intended date of departure from the Kingdom;

Travel insurance valid for the duration of the trip; and

A recent passport size photograph.

4. How much is the visa fee and how long does it take to issue?

The visa fee is USD 40 per person and it is non-refundable. While the process to issue the visa is usually quick, the visa can take up to five working days to process.

5. What are the documents required to process the permit (for Indian guests)? 

Visitors from India can use a passport or voter ID card. Children under 18 years of age can use a birth certificate or passport, and must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

• Passport size photograph is also required.
• Travel insurance is required and should be valid for the whole duration of the trip.

6. How can I purchase insurance if I don’t have any?

There is also an option to purchase domestic travel insurance from Bhutanese insurance providers at the port of entry during arrivals. There are also tourism information officers stationed at all ports of entry who can assist travelers. Click here to get details on the insurance from Bhutan Insurance Limited.

7. What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)? 

From our reopening on September 23, visitors to Bhutan will make an active contribution to Bhutan’s economic, social and cultural development. The Sustainable Development Fee enables investment in transformative program that preserve our cultural traditions, protect our heritage and environment, upgrade infrastructure, create opportunities for our young people, and build resilience. For more on the SDF, visiting Bhutan and our plans, Inquire us.

8. How much is the SDF and where do the funds go?

Guests from India are levied SDF of Nu. 1,200 or equivalent amount in INR per person per night, which will remain in effect for two years, following which time it may be reviewed and revised in keeping with the principle of the preferential rate after two years.

Visitors from all other countries are levied SDF of USD 200 per person, per night.

There will be a concessionary levy of 50% on the SDF for children between the ages of 6-12 years and exemptions of SDF for children aged 5 years and below.

The SDF funds go to the national exchequer and are allocated to various projects that enhance facilities, services and infrastructure for nationals and guests who visit Bhutan, as well as funding free healthcare and education.

9. How can the SDF payment be made?

The SDF must be paid during the visa or permit application via wire transfer or using a credit card.

The SDF must be paid in USD; however, Indians can also pay in INR.

A guest who is eligible for a visa on arrival, should also pay the applicable SDF in USD at the port of entry.

10. Will day visitors be levied SDF?

The SDF will be waived for visitors to the Bhutanese towns bordering India, until the first designated point identified by the Government. The SDF will be levied on visitors spending the night within border towns.

11. How does one plan a tour or trip to Bhutan? 

While visitors to Bhutan can plan their own trip, they can also engage local tourism service providers [visit www.jamyanglhala.com for more information] who can provide more assistance. However, it is mandatory to stay in certified accommodation for the whole duration of the trip.

Guests visiting Bhutan shall arrange:

(1) Accommodation;

(2) A tour guides

(3) Travel insurance, and;

(4) Transportation around the country, including airport transfers.

12. How you can find us the best tour operator in Bhutan?

All the tour operators listed on tourism council of Bhutan are licensed by the Government of Bhutan and certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan looking upon quality and fulfilling all requirement as service provider to the visitor in Bhutan.

13. How can the tour payments be made?

All payments can be made directly to the business accounts of the service providers as per the policy of the service provider.

14. How long can a visitor stay in Bhutan on a visitor visa or permit? 

The visa or permit will be issued for a maximum of 90 days.

15. How can I extend a visa or permit while in Bhutan?

The visa or permit extension can be processed by the Department of Immigration before the expiry of the visa or permit, whichever is applicable. The applicable SDF and visa or permit extension fees shall be paid to the Department of Immigration.

16. How long does it take to extend the visa or permit?

While the process is usually quite quick for visa or permit extensions, it can take up to five working days.

17. How does one make SDF payment for visa or permit extension while in Bhutan?

Visitors can extend their stay via the online visa application portal, using the same log-in details that were used to process the original visa. The SDF payment can also be made via the same portal.

18. Who can apply for visa or permit extension?

A guest or a service provider can process an application for a visa or permit extension.

19. Is there a refund on SDF if the trip is cancelled or shortened?

Yes, the SDF will be refunded by the Department of Immigration for any cancelled or shortened trips and any bank charges will be deducted from the amount that is refunded. A refund request of the SDF shall be submitted online using the immigration system. The refund will be processed only after the exit of the visitors from the Kingdom of Bhutan.

20. What is the best way to get to Bhutan?

Visitors can travel to Bhutan by taking flights from Bangladesh (Dhaka), India (Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra), Nepal (Kathmandu), Singapore (Changi) and Thailand (Bangkok).

For now, there are two airlines that fly into Bhutan – namely, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.

Private jets can fly into Bhutan after getting the relevant approvals from the competent authorities.

All visitors can also enter via land from Phuentsholing. Indian guests can enter Bhutan via other land entry points (Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar and Samtse).

21. What is the best way to travel to a hotel from the airport? 

Visitors can pre-arrange a pick-up service from the airport with their accommodation or tour operators.

22. How to travel within Bhutan?

There are domestic flights to Bumthang (Central Bhutan), Gelephu, Sarpang (Southern Bhutan) and Yongphula, Trashigang (Eastern Bhutan).

Visitors can also book helicopter services for special itineraries.

The other option is to hire a local tourism service provider who can arrange all the internal transfer and tour programs.

23. What is the most convenient local transport?

The most convenient transport facility is to hire a vehicle and driver from a car rental company or a tourism service provider like us. It is not possible to hire a vehicle without a driver in Bhutan.

24. Can visitors go trekking on their own?

It is mandatory to arrange trekking trips that require overnight stays through a local tour operator. The local tour operator can help you with all the logistical support for the hiking or trekking trip.

25. Do visitors need a guide?

A guide is strongly recommended for all visitors to Bhutan. Service provider like us has a team of professional guides, So that to make good experience during your travel to Bhutan.

Guides also help look after the safety and security of the visitors, as there are wild animals in the countryside, and the altitude and landscape can sometimes pose unique challenges.

It is mandatory to have a guide for all trekking activities and for any journeys that extend beyond Thimphu and Paro. For any visitors who enter Bhutan via the land borders, guides are mandatory when the visitors leave the border towns.

26. What types of accommodation are available in Bhutan? 

Bhutan offers a wide range of accommodation facilities, from luxurious 5-star hotels to homestays in traditional village settings.

28. Where can I find information about accommodation?

Visitors can request a list of certified accommodation from tourism council of Bhutan or inquire service provider like us who has practically, physically visited to hotels.

29. Can the visitors stay in a private home or camp at campsite areas?

Guests must stay in an accommodation certified by TCB or if trekking, camp at the designated areas only.

30. Is there a vaccination requirement to visit Bhutan? 

Although we recommend all visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to help stop the spread of the disease, there are now no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for adults or children to enter Bhutan from September 23, 2022.

However, all individuals (12 years and above) entering Bhutan may be subjected to random RT-PCR testing at the formal points of entry or at the worksite to maintain COVID-19 surveillance for new variants. No fee shall be charged for the RT-PCR testing for surveillance.

31. Can unvaccinated guests enter Bhutan? If so, what is the procedure? 

Yes, unvaccinated guests can enter Bhutan and there will be no quarantine period.

32. If someone gets COVID-19 while travelling in Bhutan, what happens?

If a guest tests positive for COVID-19 during their stay in Bhutan, they will be required to quarantine in their hotel until they test negative. The cost for the additional quarantine nights and PCR tests will be borne by the guest. The SDF will be waived during the quarantine period.

33. Will there be any COVID-19 protocols for leaving Bhutan?

There will be no COVID-19 protocols to leave Bhutan, unless they will be required by the country the guest is travelling to.

34. What currency can the visitor use in Bhutan? 

The official currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum (Nu.) and only the local currency is accepted in the country.

35. Can visitors use international visa cards to make payments?

International credit cards are widely used in the urban areas in Bhutan. However, this service may not be available in other parts of the country.

Visitors can also use the digital wallet app called goBoB that can be operated with a local sim card and is also widely accepted throughout the country.

Visitors are recommended to inform their card issuer banks about their trip to Bhutan, in order to avoid card usage restrictions by the issuing bank.

36. Where can currency be exchanged?

There is a currency exchange facility at the airport, and currency can also be exchanged at the banks, hotels and at the authorized money changers in the city areas.

37. Are there any restrictions on dress code? 

There are no restrictions on dress code in general. However, respectable dress code covering your knees and shoulders (smart casual) is recommended while visiting temples and religious places.

38. Where can visitors get a sim card from?

Visitors can get a sim card from visitor information centre on arrival, branch offices of Bhutan Telecom and Tashi cell or from authorized agents in towns.

39. How much cash can visitors bring to Bhutan?

Visitors can bring cash equivalent up to USD 10,000.

40. Where can visitors shop for Bhutanese products?

The Cottage and Small Industries (CSI) outlet, handicraft shops, the OGOP outlets, and the Centenary Farmers Market are some of the popular shopping areas for visitors.

Guests are required to process export permits online [https://mocp.doc.gov.bt/] for non-antique products such as statues, ritual objects and religious handicrafts from the Department of Culture before exiting the country.

41. Where can visitors find essential customs information?

For a detailed list of prohibited, restricted or declarable items, please visit the website of the Ministry of Finance [https://www.mof.gov.bt].

42. When is the best time to visit Bhutan?

Bhutan is a year-round destination.

Spring is a botanist’s delight with nature in full bloom and wild flowers covering the meadows like a carpet. It’s a remarkable time of the year to explore nature.

Summer is green, fresh and revitalizing. The low hanging clouds draped over the head, hazy mist covering the green carpeted valleys, the place stems right out of the mystery. Most of the farming activities also take place in summer.

Autumn is a merry season of feast and festivals. As farmers reap the fruits of their work, the streets are covered with healthy harvests of the year.

Winter is crisp and clear. You can get the glimpse of the high snow glistening in the Himalayan mountains and view the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.

43. Is Bhutan a safe destination to visit?

Yes, Bhutan is a very safe destination for visitors and crime is uncommon. However, petty crime sometimes happens and visitors should take care of themselves and their belongings.

Flooding and landslides can happen. In the monsoon season from June to September, transport and services can be affected. Check with your hotel or tour operator for possible disruptions.

There are a number of stray dogs that roam freely around the city areas. While normally the dogs keep their distance and do not bite humans, sometimes dog attacks happen. It is recommended that visitors to Bhutan do not feed or pat the stray dogs. It is also recommended that guests take care around the stray dogs and keep their distance, especially if they have children.

44. Are there any visitor information centre at the airports and land entry points?

Yes, there are visitor information centre at the arrival area just before immigration check at the airport and in all entry points.

Getting Into Bhutan

Bhutan’s topography makes for exhilarating drives and breathtaking hikes. A fleet of transport options is at your disposal: from mountain bikes, motorbikes and yaks, to domestic buses and flights, suvs with private drivers and helicopter services.

Bhutan has two national airlines: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Direct flights to and from our international airport in Paro connect you to Bangladesh (Dhaka), India (Bagdora, Gauhati, Kolkata and New Delhi), Nepal (Kathmandu), Singapore, and Thailand (Bangkok).

There are four official entry points by road from India: Samtse and Phuentsholing (in western Bhutan), Gelephu (in central Bhutan), and Samdrup Jongkhar (in eastern Bhutan).

The most convenient way to travel in Bhutan is to hire a vehicle and driver from a car rental company or a tourism service provider. It is not possible to hire a self-drive vehicle in Bhutan. You can also book a local driver or transport service provider.

Four airports connect the country’s western, central, southern and eastern regions. Although airlines always aim to provide the highest service, Bhutan’s unique landscape occasionally makes for unreliable departure dates. Yonphula airport – located in the eastern part of Bhutan – is given to unpredictable weather in the summer months due to its altitude and micro-climate. Flights are thus sporadically delayed or cancelled. Other domestic airports are located in Bumthang and Gelephu, and there is the international airport in Paro.

The check-in baggage allowance for domestic flights is 30kg for business class and 20kg for economy class. International travellers are advised to keep their passports with them at all times (with a minimum validity of six months).

The Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services Limited (RBHSL) is available for private hire. The RBHSL was initially founded for emergency medical evacuations, but it also caters to heli-hiking and other guest services, making otherwise long journeys possible in less time, while offering an aerial view of our kingdom. Helicopters only fly in clear and calm weather conditions.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and Autumn are the best time to visit Bhutan. Having said so, summer and winter have their own draws and attractions.

Spring is the favourite time to visit Bhutan. Nature lovers who are keen on local flora should consider visiting Bhutan end of April or in May. Flowers would be in full bloom then.

Fall is another high and crowded season for Bhutan. Though Bhutan does not offer browning forest nor Maples, the mild weather in autumn makes it a perfect time to visit Bhutan. Thimphu Festival usually takes places at the end of September or early October.

If you like to avoid the higher tariff and the cold of winter, consider visiting Bhutan early June. If the monsoon is late, the whole of June will be great for traveling. Monsoon will be in its earnest in July. Having said so, our personal experience with monsoon in Bhutan has been limited to afternoon light shower once every 2 to 3 days. Some outlying district such as Gangtey can be given a miss as the country road can be swollen with mud. Summer often offers vibrant green foresting and flourishing paddy fields against a backdrop of the clear blue sky after the rain.

To avoid the crowd and catch the Black-Necked Cranes, winter would be the time to go. To catch Himalayan blue sky without paying the additional tariff, consider visiting Bhutan in December. The temperature will not be too cold yet as lowest temperature usually takes places near the end of January. In January or February, Paro and Thimphu may experience a one-day snow.

Tour Cancellation Policy

Our judicious cancellation policy protects both the parties. We are only one of very few tour companies in Bhutan who has friendly cancellation policy.
After you confirm your trip we will assume that you have read thoroughly, understood it and abide by it:

Tour cancellation & refund policy

• Full refund will be made for the tour cancelled 30 days or more prior to arrival date.
• 20% penalty on the total tour cost for the tour cancelled less than 30 days prior to arrival date. This is because by this time hotels would be already booked and company is subject to cancellation charges for rooms cancelled in less than 30 days.
• Duration lost or trip shortened due to unforeseen reasons after arrival in Bhutan, no refund will be made because we will already have had paid for the hotels and other logistics.

Drukair cancellation & refund policy

• 100% refund permitted for tickets cancelled more than 30 days from the date of travel.
• 50% refund permitted for tickets cancelled between 30 days – last 15 days from the date of travel.
• No refund will be made for missed connections or “no show” at the airports.
• Additional fee of US $10 is levied for every date change once the tickets have been issued.
• For every cancelled ticket, an administrative fee of US $50 is levied.

Visa Information

Applying for a visa (or permit) is simple and straightforward – and brings your journey to Bhutan one step closer.

All visitors require a visa before travelling to Bhutan (except those from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives, for whom the relevant processes and fees are outlined separately below).

As part of the visa application process, you will be required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$200 per day (per adult; concessionary rates apply for children).

A non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of US$40 is also payable.

Visitors from India require a permit. No fees are payable in advance.

You can also apply at your point of entry, but please be aware that there may be a long wait depending on the number of applicants at the time. If you are applying for a permit on arrival, you will need a passport-size photograph. You must also have insurance for the duration of your visit, which you can prearrange or purchase upon arrival. Your SDF is payable when applying for your permit, either online or in person.

Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives require a visa, but the process is the same as the one outlined above for Indian nationals.

We recommend arranging your permit or visa beforehand.

Accommodation

A wide variety of accommodation is available ranging from luxurious 5-star hotels to cozy little hotels and homestays in traditional Bhutanese homes and settings. Visitors can be assured of their warmth and comfort of the hotels. Similarly, the ambience and hospitality offered by the hotels are incredible.

The types of accommodations can be divided into:

1.  Hotels
2. Resorts
3. Farm-stays
4. Home-stays

Additionally visitors embarking on long treks will be provided with tents and whatever other camping equipment is deemed necessary. Regardless of where they stay, visitors can be assured of their comfort and traditional Bhutanese hospitality.

Hotels

Bhutan has hundreds of hotels located all across the country. They range from small, simple and clean local hotels to luxurious resorts for affluent travelers seeking the ultimate getaway.Hotels in Bhutan are rated according to a National 5 Star rating System. All Tour Operators are required to provide their guests with a minimum of 3 Star accommodations so you can be assured of your comfort. Most hotels provide their guests with Television, Room Service, Fitness Centers, Spas and Wi-fi. However the exact services available will vary from hotel to hotel.

Guest House

There are various Guesthouses located around the Bhutan. They are graded on the same scale as hotels. The exact services available can vary among Guesthouses.

Farm Stay

Visitors also have the option of spending a night in a traditional Bhutanese Farm House. Agriculture is still one of the major sources of livelihood amongst the Bhutanese people and a Farm-Stay will give you an excellent glimpse into the day-to-day life of a typical Bhutanese family.

You’ll be able to observe age old Bhutanese farming traditions as the family goes about its daily tasks. You’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked meals and the unparalleled hospitality of a Bhutanese host.

All officially sanctioned and listed Farm-stays are located in the gorgeous Bhutanese countryside amidst lush farmland far from the noise and crowds of population centers. In order to experience a traditional life, electricity and running water are not available at Farm-Stays. Hot water can be provided by the family but will be served in a wash basin/bowl.

Home Stay

Visitors have the option of spending a night in the traditional home of a Bhutanese family. A Home-Stay will give you an excellent glimpse into the day-to-day life of a typical Bhutanese family.

You’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked meals and the unparalleled hospitality of a Bhutanese host.

All officially sanctioned and listed home-stays are located in the gorgeous Bhutanese countryside, far from the noise and crowds of population centers. In order to experience a traditional life, electricity and running water are not available at Home-Stays. Hot water can be provided by the family but will be served in a wash basin/bowl.

FAQs

What types of accommodation are available in Bhutan? 

Bhutan offers a wide range of accommodation facilities, from luxurious 5-star hotels to homestays in traditional village settings.

Where can I find information about accommodation?

Visitors can request a list of certified accommodation from tourism council of Bhutan or inquire service provider like us who has practically, physically visited to hotels.

Can the visitors stay in a private home or camp at campsite areas?

Guests must stay in an accommodation certified by TCB or if trekking, camp at the designated areas only.

Travel Tips

• Few temples and monasteries maybe off limits to tourist, always ask for permission prior to entering.
• Always check if taking photographs is allowed once you’re in the premise of the temple or monastery.
• Remove your shoes while entering temples and monasteries.
• Visitors should be properly dressed while visiting dzongs, temples monasteries and Government institution. As a mark of respect, refrain wearing hats and shorts as you enter these premises.
• Do not wash, swim or dispose waste in lakes which may be considered sacred.
• Smoking in public area is strictly prohibited and violators will be penalized by authorities.

The Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan has initiated a travel and medical plan solely for the travelers. To find out more information on the insurance scheme, please visit ricbl.com.bt

While Dzongkha is the national language, locals in the urban areas can speak English and Hindi. So if you ever get lost or need assistance, reach out to the locals and they will be happy to assist you.

Local hotels in Bhutan comply with the Tourism Council of Bhutan standardization policy and most tourist accommodate in a 3 star to a 5 star hotel. The star system is not the same as the international rating standard. However travelers can be assured of the quality of service offered by the local hotels.

Bhutan experiences great variations in its climate. In general summers are warm with average daily temperature ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures are usually below 15 degrees Celsius. The northern regions are colder than the southern tropical region and travelers are recommended to pack accordingly.

Other suggested items to pack are a pair of sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, umbrella, camera, travel sickness tablets, antiseptic cream, insect repellent cream, altitude sickness medication, if trekking above 3000m.

Contrary to traveler’s perception, there are many exciting places travelers can go and hang out. There are multiple options from bars where local bands perform impressive gigs or go to karaoke and nightclubs or if you prefer having a quiet dinner with your travelling companions, there are multiple cafes and restaurant which stay open during the night.

• Hello – Kuzu zangpola
• Thank You – Kadin chey la
• Goodbye – Log jay gay

In the event of an emergency, please contact these toll free numbers below:

• Police: 113
• Hospital: 112
• Fire brigade: 110
• Bank of Bhutan: 1095
• Druk Air:1300
• Bhutan Airline: 1234