Indians need no visa for Bhutan, but there is a permit and a daily Sustainable Development Fee. Here is how entry works by air and by road, and what to expect once you arrive.
In this article
Bhutan welcomes Indian travellers warmly - there is no visa, the ngultrum is on par with the rupee and the flight from Delhi or Kolkata is short. Since 2022, however, the country has followed a "high value, low volume" tourism policy, and a few rules are worth understanding before you book.
Entry Permit: No Visa, but ID Is Required
Indian citizens receive an entry permit on arrival at Paro airport or at the Phuentsholing land border. You will need one of the following:
- A valid Indian passport (at least six months' validity), or
- A Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India.
Children without either document can travel with a birth certificate. Keep hotel confirmations and your itinerary handy - officials may ask for them.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Every visitor pays a daily Sustainable Development Fee, which funds Bhutan's free healthcare, education and conservation. For Indian nationals the SDF is ₹1,200 per person per night. Children aged 6 to 12 pay half, and children under 6 are exempt.
Getting There
By air
Drukair and Bhutan Airlines fly to Paro, Bhutan's only international airport, from Indian cities including Delhi, Kolkata and Bagdogra. The approach through the mountains into the Paro valley is one of the most spectacular landings anywhere - sit on the left side when flying in from Delhi or Kolkata for Himalayan views.
By road
The land border is at Jaigaon (West Bengal) - Phuentsholing. The nearest airport on the Indian side is Bagdogra, and the nearest large railway station is New Jalpaiguri; Hasimara station is closer still. From Phuentsholing it is a winding six-hour drive to Thimphu.
Route Permits Beyond Thimphu and Paro
Your entry permit covers Thimphu and Paro. To visit other districts - Punakha, Phobjikha, Bumthang and beyond - an additional route permit is issued in Thimphu. Your tour operator arranges this for you during your first day in the capital.
Money, Phones and Time
Etiquette & Dress Code
- Wear long sleeves and full-length trousers or skirts when visiting dzongs and temples, and remove hats inside.
- Walk clockwise around chortens, temples and prayer wheels.
- Photography is not allowed inside temples and monasteries.
- Tobacco is tightly regulated - smoking in public places is prohibited.
- Do not point your feet at altars or touch religious objects.
How Long Should You Stay?
Five nights is enough for Paro, Thimphu and the Tiger's Nest hike. Seven or eight nights lets you add Punakha, with its magnificent dzong, and the glacial Phobjikha valley. Our Best of Bhutan tour covers all four at a comfortable pace, with permits, SDF and a licensed guide included.
Nepal Trip Holiday Travel Desk
The same team that plans and operates our tours across Nepal, India and Bhutan. Questions about this guide? Call or WhatsApp us on +91 63071 02408 - we are happy to help.
