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Bhutan

Bhutan travel guide for the Irish

Irish citizens must obtain a visa for Bhutan; apply through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator before flying to Paro. The visa must be cleared before departure. The operator submits the application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the visa is emailed as a PDF to be printed and presented on arrival.

Updated Sep 20262 min read
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Key facts

Visa requiredcheck
Yes – apply via a licensed operator
Sustainable Development Fee
USD 55 per night (≈ €52)
Currency
Ngultrum (BTN), 1 BTN ≈ 1 INR

Quick answer

Irish passport holders need a visa for Bhutan. The visa is issued only when you book a pre‑approved tour with a Bhutanese operator; the operator will submit the application on your behalf.

Entry requirements (visa)

Apply online through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. You will need a valid passport (at least 6 months beyond travel), a recent passport‑photo, and proof of onward travel. The operator forwards the application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the visa is emailed as a PDF and must be printed and presented on arrival.

  • Passport valid ≥6 months
  • Tour booking with licensed operator
  • Visa fee USD 40 (≈ €38) per person
  • Sustainable Development Fee USD 55 per night

Embassy contact

Bhutan does not have an Irish embassy. The nearest Irish diplomatic mission is the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi, India.

  • Embassy of Ireland, New Delhi
  • Address: 7/8, Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India
  • Phone: +91 11 2419 6400
  • Email: [email protected]

Cost of a trip (EUR)

A typical 7‑day itinerary (including flights, accommodation, meals, guide, driver and fees) costs roughly €2,200 – €2,800 per person, depending on season and hotel level.

Cost of a trip (EUR)
ItemEstimated cost (EUR)
Round‑trip flight from Dublin to Paro≈ €1,200 (check)
Sustainable Development Fee (USD 55 × 6 nights)≈ €312
Tour operator fee (guide, driver, permits)≈ €600–€800
Mid‑range hotel (per night)≈ €70–€120
Meals (per day)≈ €30

Prices are 2026 estimates; vary by airline and season.

Flight and time difference

There are no direct flights from Ireland to Bhutan. Typical routing: Dublin → Delhi (≈ 9 h) → Paro (≈ 2 h). Total travel time, including layover, is about 14–16 hours.

Bhutan is UTC+6, 5 hours ahead of Dublin (UTC+1 in summer).

Electrical plugs

Bhutan uses Type D, F and G plugs, 230 V / 50 Hz. Bring a universal travel adapter.

Tipping

Tipping is customary for guides and drivers at the end of the trip. Typical amounts: guide €10‑€15 per day, driver €5‑€10 per day.

Emergency numbers

Police: 113

Ambulance: 112

Fire: 110

Questions people ask

Do the Irish need a visa for Bhutan?

Yes. Irish passport holders must obtain a visa through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator before traveling to Bhutan.

How much does a trip to Bhutan cost in EUR?

A 7‑day mid‑range trip typically costs €2,200 – €2,800 per person, including flights, accommodation, meals, guide, driver and fees.

Where is the nearest Ireland embassy in Bhutan?

Bhutan has no Irish embassy; the nearest is the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi, India.

What is the Sustainable Development Fee?

A mandatory fee of USD 55 (≈ €52) per night, paid to the Bhutanese government as part of your tour package.

Is Bhutan safe to visit?

Bhutan is generally safe for tourists. Crime rates are low, and the government provides emergency numbers 113, 112 and 110.

Verify with the official source

Draft, not field-verified

Rules, fees, schedules and prices change. Verify with the official source (the government, embassy, operator or venue) before you book or travel.

Deep dive

Every source; changeable facts are marked check

Sources

Ask about Bhutan

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