Bhutan
Bhutan visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens
All listed nationals must obtain a visa before arriving in Bhutan; apply through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, pay the Sustainable Development Fee per night, and have the visa cleared before flying to Paro.
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Key facts
- Visa requiredcheck
- Yes for US, UK, CA, AU, NZ, IE citizens
- Application methodcheck
- Through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator
- Sustainable Development Feecheck
- US$200 per night (2026 estimate)
- Electronic travel authorisationcheck
- Not required; visa is mandatory
- Maximum stay without special permitcheck
- 30 days per visa
Quick answer
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish citizens all need a visa to enter Bhutan. The visa is issued only after you book a licensed Bhutanese tour operator and pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). No separate electronic travel authorisation is required.
How to get a Bhutan visa
Contact a licensed Bhutanese tour operator – they will submit the visa application on your behalf. The operator must provide a copy of your passport, a recent photo, and flight itinerary. Once approved, the operator sends you a visa approval letter, which you present at the airport in Paro. The visa is stamped on arrival.
- Book a licensed operator (mandatory).
- Pay the Sustainable Development Fee (US$200/night, 2026 estimate).
- Submit passport copy, photo, and itinerary to the operator.
- Receive visa approval letter (usually within 3‑5 business days).
- Show the letter at Paro airport; visa is stamped on entry.
Fees and length of stay
The Sustainable Development Fee is charged per night of stay, not per person, and is payable to the operator before travel. The standard tourist visa allows a stay of up to 30 days, extendable only with a special permit from the Tourism Council.
| Item | Cost (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Sustainable Development Fee | US$200 per night |
| Standard tourist visa | Included in SDF; no separate charge |
| Maximum stay per visa | 30 days |
Entry requirements at the airport
At Paro International Airport you must present:
• Passport (valid at least 6 months).
• Visa approval letter from your tour operator.
• Proof of SDF payment (receipt from operator).
Customs may ask about the purpose of travel and itinerary. No electronic travel authorisation (eTA) is needed.
Questions people ask
Do US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens need a visa for Bhutan?
Yes. All these nationals must obtain a visa through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator before arrival.
How long can I stay in Bhutan without a visa?
A tourist visa, once issued, permits up to 30 days of stay. Longer stays need a special permit from the Tourism Council.
Do I need an electronic travel authorisation before flying to Bhutan?
No. Bhutan does not use an eTA system; the visa obtained via a tour operator is sufficient.
Can I extend my stay beyond 30 days?
Only with a special extension permit from the Tourism Council, which is rare and usually granted for official or medical reasons.
What happens if I arrive without a licensed operator?
Entry will be denied. All foreign tourists must travel with a licensed Bhutanese operator who handles visa and SDF.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialUS Department of State – Bhutan travel
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice – Bhutan
- officialGovernment of Canada – Bhutan travel advice
- officialSmartraveller – Bhutan
- officialSafeTravel – Bhutan
- officialIrish DFA – Bhutan
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialUS Department of State – Bhutan travel
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice – Bhutan
- officialGovernment of Canada – Bhutan travel advice
- officialSmartraveller – Bhutan
- officialSafeTravel – Bhutan
- officialIrish DFA – Bhutan
Ask about Bhutan
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