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South Asia · Destination guide

Bhutan Visa for Indians: Types, Official Portal & Documents (2026)

Bhutan follows a 'high value, low volume' tourism policy and charges visitors a daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). Indian nationals do not need a visa, but they need an entry permit and pay a reduced SDF.

Official sources last checked

For Indian passport holders

Visa-freeNo visa – entry permit plus SDF of INR 1,200/day

Indian nationals need a passport (6+ months valid) or original voter ID to obtain an entry permit on arrival by air or road. The Indian Embassy in Thimphu lists an SDF of INR 1,200 per person per day for Indian nationals.

Source: official government page(official site, opens in a new tab)

Ways to enter Bhutan

Official sources

Government websites — the only authoritative place for current rules and fees. Beware of look-alike sites.

Typical documents

Commonly requested items. The official checklist for your visa category always takes priority.

  • Indian passport valid 6+ months, or original voter ID
  • Passport-size photos
  • Birth certificate for minors without a passport
  • Hotel bookings
Build a printable document checklist

Processing time and fees

Processing

Entry permits are issued at the point of entry; extra permits are needed for areas beyond Thimphu and Paro.

Government fees

SDF INR 1,200 per day for Indian nationals, as listed by the Embassy of India in Thimphu (Nov 2026). Check Bhutan's Department of Immigration for changes.

Providers that cover Bhutan

Sample prices

17 listed providers file Bhutan tourist applications for Indian passports. Totals below are illustrative sample figures (service + estimated government fee), not quotes. You can also apply yourself on the official portal above.

Compare all 17 providers

Tips before you apply

  • Budget for the daily SDF on top of hotels.
  • Carry original documents – photocopies are not enough.
  • Get route permits for travel beyond Thimphu and Paro.

Bhutan visa FAQ for Indians

Do Indians need a visa for Bhutan?
No, but you need an entry permit, issued at Paro airport or at border immigration offices.
What is the SDF for Indians?
The Indian Embassy in Thimphu lists INR 1,200 per day.
Can I use Aadhaar to enter Bhutan?
The Indian Embassy lists a passport or original voter ID as accepted documents for adults.
VisaScout

VisaScout helps travellers discover and compare visa providers — prices, processing times, coverage and requirements — before choosing where to apply. Applications always happen on the provider's own website or at official government channels.