Bhutan travel advisory today

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Bhutan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Bhutan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, see the Bhutan government’s visa entry page or contact the Bhutanese Embassy in Brussels.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Bhutan.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter and leave Bhutan.

Applying for a visa

You must apply for your visa in advance. The authorities will pre-approve the visa and issue it when you arrive in Bhutan.

You can arrange a visa through a Bhutanese tour operator, through a Bhutanese hotel or directly through the Department of Immigration’s website. You will need to pay a non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of 40 US dollars.

If you’re travelling for business or other non-tourism reasons, you must arrange your visa through your sponsoring organisation in Bhutan.

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

Make sure the border control officer stamps your visa in your passport.

Permits

You must have permits to travel to some states in Bhutan. Your tour guide will help to get these.

If you want to extend your stay in Bhutan, go to the Department of Immigration in Thimphu to make a request.

Entry and exit points

You can enter or exit Bhutan by air through the international airport in Paro, or by the land entry point in Phuentsholing.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bhutan guide.

Sustainable development fee

All adult visitors must pay a daily sustainable development fee (SDF) of 100 US dollars per night. There is a lower daily charge for children. Read more information about the SDF.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Bhutan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

It is illegal to take antiques out of Bhutan. Customs officials may inspect items that appear to be antiques.

Taking tobacco into Bhutan

You can bring a small supply of tobacco for personal use. You will need to pay taxes and duties and be able to show proof of tax and duty payments if the authorities ask you to at any point during your visit.

Taking money into or out of Bhutan

You can take up to 30,000 Bhutan ngultrum into or out of Bhutan.

If you plan to take foreign currency worth 10,000 US dollars or more into or out of Bhutan, you must declare it and get clearance from the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan.

Indian rupees are widely accepted in Bhutan.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Bhutan.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required

You must buy a travel package from an authorized travel agent in advance to get your visa.

Special permits

You must also obtain a special permit from the Bhutanese Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs to travel outside of Thimphu and Paro.

• More information on applying for a visa – Tourism Council of Bhutan
• Visa requirements – Department of Immigration, Royal Government of Bhutan

Entry/exit points

There are two ways to enter Bhutan:

• by road through Phuentsholing, on the southwest border with West Bengal, India
• by air

The border with China is closed.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.