Bhutan Visa for India Passport Holders

Indiapassport Bhutandestination

Visa-Free entry ApprovalHigh Transit visaNo

Data verified 15 May 2026

At a glance

India passport holders: Visa-Free entry for Bhutan. Fee: INR 1200 (~USD 12.5). Processing: Same day at border / airport. Indicative only — always verify with the official mission before applying.

Overview

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT for Indians: NO VISA REQUIRED for Indians under Indo-Bhutan Friendship Treaty 1949 (revised 2007). Free entry on Indian passport or Voter ID. BUT Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of INR 1,200/day applies for tourism (concessional rate for Indians).

Visa types: Visa-free entry (Tourist, on passport or Voter ID); Business; Diplomatic; Official. Indians can drive across Phuentsholing/Gelephu/Samdrup Jongkhar border or fly direct on Drukair/Bhutan Airlines. Tourist must pay SDF (INR 1,200/day for Indian nationals — special concessional rate).

Fees & funds

Visa fee (local)FREE visa + INR 1,200/day SDF for Indians

In USDUSD 0 visa

In INRINR 0 (visa only)

Minimum bank balanceDocumented proof required (amount unspecified)

Stay & validity

Validity: Permit issued at entry. Max Stay: 7 days initially (extendable). SDF applies daily.

Extension possibleYes

Overstay penalty: Per-day fine USD 3-5; deportation; future visa scrutiny

How to apply

MethodPermit on arrival (no visa)

Application centreVisa-Free

Processing timeSame day at border / airport

AppointmentNo

InterviewNo

Urgent processingN/A

Requirements

Bank Statement Yes Yes (SDF coverage)

Return Ticket Yes

Hotel Booking Yes Yes (via operator)

Sponsor Doc No No (independent tourism allowed for Indians, unlike other foreigners)

Invitation Letter No

Vaccination No None typically required

Travel Insurance Recommended

Biometrics No

Police Clearance No

Employment Letter No

Passport & photo

Passport validityIndian Passport or Voter ID

Required documents: Valid Indian passport OR Voter ID card; Permit on arrival (Phuentsholing or airport — free); Hotel bookings; SDF payment INR 1,200/day for Indian nationals (concessional rate vs USD 100/day for others); Return ticket; No vaccinations required typically.

Visa types (1)

Tourist ★

Visa-Free INR 1200 (~USD 12.5) Same day at border / airport

Common rejection reasons

Common IN entry issues (very rare, mostly procedural): (1) Voter ID without photo may be questioned; (2) Inadequate SDF payment plan; (3) Restricted zone permits (above Thimphu/Paro requires Route Permit from immigration); (4) Inadequate hotel proof; (5) Indians enjoy unique advantage over all other nationalities — independent self-driving tourism allowed; (6) Children under 5 exempt from SDF; ages 6-12 pay 50%.

Embassy / consulate

AddressRoyal Bhutanese Embassy, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India

Phone+91 11 2688 9230 | +91 11 2688 9807

Emailbhutan-delhi@mfa.bt

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Official portal

Apply or confirm the current requirements on the destination government's official site.

Government visa portal ↗

Data quality

ConfidenceHigh

Last verified2026-05-15

Indicative information for reference only — Visandra is not affiliated with any government or embassy. Always verify with the official mission before you travel.

Good to know

Bhutan visa FAQ for India passport holders

Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan with a India passport?

India passport holders can visit Bhutan visa-free for short stays. Apply via Permit on arrival (no visa).

How much does a Bhutan visa cost for India passport holders?

The Bhutan visa fee is USD 0 visa (about INR 0 (visa only)). Additional service, biometric or courier charges may apply on top.

How long does it take to get a Bhutan visa?

Typical processing for a Bhutan visa is Same day at border / airport. Apply well ahead of your travel date and allow for appointment availability.

How long can I stay in Bhutan on this visa?

A Bhutan visa for India passport holders typically allows a stay of Validity: Permit issued at entry. Max Stay: 7 days initially (extendable). SDF applies daily.. Extensions may be possible (Yes).

How do I apply for a Bhutan visa from India?

Apply for your Bhutan visa via Permit on arrival (no visa). Your passport should be valid Indian Passport or Voter ID.