🇧🇹 Bhutan visa, Indian passport.
Bhutan offers visa-on-arrival to Indians but charges a ₹1,200/day Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). 7-day trip = ₹8,400 SDF on top of all costs. Pay before/during arrival via the SDF portal.
How to apply, 4 steps.
- 1
Pay SDF online at bhutan.travel
₹1,200/day × planned nights, non-refundable. Get receipt.
1-2 weeks before flying - 2
Carry passport + SDF receipt
Both checked at Paro airport or Phuentsholing land border.
Before flying - 3
Confirm hotel booking (Bhutan-approved)
All licensed hotels accept SDF-paid Indians; verify accreditation.
Before flying - 4
Cross immigration at Paro
VoA stamp + SDF verification. Total 10-15 min.
On arrival
Document checklist.
- Passport (6+ months)
- SDF receipt
- Hotel booking
- Return/onward ticket
Why Indians get rejected.
- SDF not paid in advance
- Booking with unlicensed Bhutanese hotel
FAQ
How long does Bhutan visa take for Indians?
Processing time is instant. Visa is issued at the destination airport on arrival.
How much does Bhutan visa cost for Indians in 2026?
₹36,000 per person (Q2 2026 official rate).
How long can Indians stay in Bhutan?
30 days per entry on the visa-on-arrival visa. Extension possible from inside the country in most cases, check with local immigration.
Do Indians need a return ticket to enter Bhutan?
Yes, a confirmed return or onward ticket within the visa duration (30 days) is required at airline check-in and at Bhutan immigration. Open-jaw and circle-trip tickets qualify.
Bhutan visa vs other popular destinations
Side-by-side comparison for Indian passport holders, Q2 2026 official rates.
| Country | Visa type | Fee (INR) | Stay | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇹 Bhutan (this page) | visa on arrival | ₹36,000 | 30 days | instant |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | visa free | Free | 30 days | instant |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | e Visa | ₹2,100 | 90 days | 3 days |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | visa on arrival | ₹2,800 | 30 days | instant |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | e visa | ₹6,500 | 60 days | 3-5 days |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | e visa | ₹450 | 90 days | ~5 working days |
Source: official embassy + consular sites, last verified Q2 2026.