Do Indian Need Visa For Bhutan

It is a fact that tourists need to get travel visa for many of the countries. Tourist Visa for Bhutan is no exception. Most people find it pretty inconvenient to apply for a visa that requires you to physically go to a particular country’s embassy or consulate to submit your application and then wait for the approval. So, think about getting an eVisa!

For those who are still new to the idea of Bhutan , it is a small kingdom in mainland Asia, known for its natural beauty and profound Buddhist culture. It was founded as a Buddhist nation in 1907 by the unification of Tibet and ‘Bumthang’ region. The country was known as ‘Druk Yul’ (land of the thunder dragon).

Prerequisites─Passport having validity of minimum six months and one empty page. Check your passport validity, if it is less than six months, you need to renew it now. In order to renew you need to get 4-month passport validity. You also require two photos, please carry them with you.

Do Indian Need Visa For Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan has put restrictions for international arrivals due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.
2. As per the RGoB’s current protocol, the period for mandatory institutional quarantine for incoming travellers who are fully vaccinated is fixed for 02 weeks, and 03 weeks for all other inbound travelers. All those who want to visit Bhutan must carry an RTPCR Negative report that was done within last 72 hours. As such, the Indian nationals are being facilitated for their entry into Bhutan after securing / seeking the approval / permission of National Covid Task Force (NC19TF) of Bhutan.
3. Accordingly, those Indians who wish to visit Bhutan for tourism purpose can do so by agreeing to mandatory quarantine for 14 days with following additional conditions : –

(a) Pay the Sustainable Development Fees (SDF) and the Minimum Daily Package Rates according to the seasons during the 14 days or 21 days quarantine period;
(b) Pay the minimum daily package rate for the entire travel after quarantine;
(c) Pay for all tests as per COVID-19 requirement;
(d) Strictly follow COVID-19 Protocol; and
(e) Have insurance coverage.

4. It is therefore, advised to please coordinate with NC19TF of Bhutan for your entry in Bhutan prior to leaving India on email id jtnamgyal@ddm.gov.bt.

5. Further, please be advised to also visit Ministry of Health, RGoB website www.moh.bt for the update Notification dated 5th September 2020 [https://www.gov.bt/covid19/05-09-20-covid-19-negative-certification-required-for-people-travelling-into-bhutan-moh/] about the requirement of Covid19 Negative certificate for all incoming individuals in Bhutan. For further queries, please be advised to contact with the Ministry of Health, RGoB – Phone lines 975-2328095, 321842, 322602, 328091.

6. It is also expected of you to keep yourself updated on the latest advisories / travel restrictions etc. issued by the Royal Government of Bhutan as well.

7. Indian nationals intending to visit Bhutan are required to carry any of the two valid ‘Travel Documents’ (a) Valid Indian Passport having validity of minimum 6 months; and/or (b) Voter Identity Card, issued by the Election Commission of India. No Visa is required to visit Bhutan.
8. Indians coming to Bhutan by road are required to obtain an ‘Entry Permit’ on the basis of valid Travel Document from the Immigration Office of Royal Government of Bhutan at Phuentsholing, located on the Indo-Bhutan border opposite Jaigaon, West Bengal. Similarly, Indians coming by air must posses any one of the above mentioned Travel Document and get the Entry Permit at the Paro International Airport. The ‘entry permit’ allows an Indian tourist to visit Thimphu and Paro only. However, any tourist going beyond Thimphu and Paro need to acquire a ‘special area permit’ from the RGoB Immigration Office at Thimphu on any working days (Monday to Friday).

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Indian nationals intending to visit Bhutan are required to carry any of the two valid ‘Travel Documents’ (a) Valid Indian Passport having validity of minimum 6 months; and/or (b) Voter Identity Card, issued by the Election Commission of India. No Visa is required to visit Bhutan.

Indians coming to Bhutan by road are required to obtain an ‘Entry Permit’ on the basis of valid Travel Document from the Immigration Office of Royal Government of Bhutan at Phuentsholing, located on the Indo-Bhutan border opposite Jaigaon, West Bengal. Similarly, Indians coming by air must posses any one of the above mentioned Travel Document and get the Entry Permit at the Paro International Airport. The ‘entry permit’ allows an Indian tourist to visit Thimphu and Paro only. However, any tourist going beyond Thimphu and Paro need to acquire a ‘special area permit’ from the RGoB Immigration Office at Thimphu on any working days (Monday to Friday)

Climate:

 During winter (November to March) the minimum temperature drops to minus 10 in the Thimphu valley. Summers (April-June) are very pleasant. One should avoid traveling during the rainy season (July-September)

Places to visit:

Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Wangdiphodrang, Bumthang. Special permits are however required to visit towns other from Thimphu and Paro.  

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