Indian, Bangladesh and Maldives nationals can obtain a permit at the point of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)).
All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior traveling to Bhutan. Visa are processed through an online system by licensed Bhutanese tour operator directly or through a foreign travel agent.
You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your licensed tour operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB)’s Bank Account. Once received, the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours.
At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.
Online Regional Permit System
In order to streamline and facilitate smooth visitation by tourists from Bangladesh, India and Maldives, the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and the Tourism Council of Bhutan have launched the Online Permit System. The system facilitates the online processing of permits for regional tourists through registered Bhutanese tour operators and TCB certified hotels. The facility is offered as an optional channel to process permits for visitors from the region and is applicable for entry from Paro and Phuntsholing. Visitors who use this facility will be able to obtain their permit clearances and route permits ahead of their arrival in Bhutan similar to international tourists.
Minimum Daily Package
The minimum daily package for tourists travelling in a group of 3 persons or more is as follows:
• USD $200 per person per night for the months of January, February, June, July, August, and December.
• USD $250 per person per night for the months of March, April, May, September, October, and November.
The minimum daily package covers the following services.
• A minimum of 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).
• All meals
• A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay
• All internal transport (excluding internal flights)
• Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
These rates are applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan.
On the day of departure, the ‘local agents’ host obligation shall be limited to providing breakfast only and any extra requirements shall be payable on usage basis.
The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices for packages to Bhutan. These must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival in Bhutan.
Delayed Arrivals
There is no charge for delays in arrival and departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or road blocks. The tourist must however bear the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other services required.
It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance prior to travel.
Surcharges
Tourists travelling in a group of two (2) persons or less shall be subject to a surcharge, in addition to the minimum daily package rates.
These are as follows:
• Single individual – US$ 40 per night
• Group of 2 persons only – US$ 30 per person per night
Tour Cancellation Policy
Tour booked and subsequently cancelled will be subjected to cancellation charges as below
1) Before 28 days from start of tour- no Charges
2) Before21 days- 10% of total tour cost
3) Before14 days- 15% of total tour cost
4) Before 7 days- 30% of total tour cost
5) Less than 7 days- 50% of total tour cost
6) After arrival in Bhutan- 100%.
Rescheduled ticket not permitted for refund
Druk Air Flight Tickets Cancellation Policy
Druk Air tickets are valid for one year from the date of issue. Druk Air tickets are subject to the following cancellation and refund rules
-100% refund for tickets canceled more than 50 days prior to arrival date in Bhutan
-50% refund for tickets canceled between 30 and 45 days prior to arrival date in Bhutan
-No refund for tickets canceled within 30 days of arrival date in Bhutan
-An administration fee of $25 per ticket will be applicable for all canceled tickets
-Passengers who fail to show up for a flight will not be eligible for a refund
-Change of Name fee of $25 per ticket will be applicable for all tickets issued by Druk Air.
-Rescheduling is permitted, but once rescheduled; tickets are non-refundable and non-reroutable