GUIDELINES FOR INDIAN TOURISTS VISITING BHUTAN
Indian tourists visiting Bhutan are not required to obtain a visa. However, they must need to obtain an entry permit. This entry permit can either be obtained in advance through a local travel agency or upon arrival at the entry point.
Indian nationals with valid Indian passports or voter cardholders can enter Bhutan by flight to Paro or the bordering towns of Phuntsholing and Samdrupjongkhar. Day visitors to bordering towns are exempted without a permit for a duration of 12 hours. However, if wish to travel beyond these designated areas and overnight stay in a border town must pay SDF. Day visitors or daily visitors are charged a User Fee of Nu.10 per person for using the Pedestrian Terminal for entry and exit.
Document Requirements for Bhutan Permit:
Indian tourists need to present the following valid documents to obtain a Bhutan permit upon arrival or send these documents to their local travel agency for obtaining a Bhutan e-permit in advance:
Valid passport or Voter ID (with a validity of at least 6 months before departure)
Copy of valid travel insurance
Recent passport-sized photograph
Payment of the daily sustainable development fees in INR
Note: Tourists traveling independently need to arrange for local Bhutanese guide services in advance and provide a hotel confirmation voucher. To apply for an online permit by yourself, visit the Bhutan Immigration web portal- https://visit.doi.gov.bt/
Daily Sustainable Development Fees (SDF):
In line with the Bhutan Tourism Levy Act 2020, Indian tourists are required to pay a nominal daily sustainable development fee per person per night, in addition to their daily expenses. In case, entry and exit by bordering town will be exempted from paying one night SDF.
INR 1,200/- per person per night (for adults aged 13 years and above)
INR 600 per person per night (for children aged 6-12 years)
Children below 5 years are exempt from this fee.
This fee has been implemented to preserve the country’s ecology, promote the development of tourist amenities, and manage the increasing tourist influx.
Indian-Registered Vehicles:
Indian-registered vehicles can enter the designated zone without charges. However, if a vehicle crosses the Rinchending Check Post in Phuentsholing, a Green Tax of Nu 4,500 per day is applicable. Vehicle owners must also register on the Check Post Management System (CPMS) https://1010.bt/epass/apply/ to pass the RBP checkpoints.
Required Documents for Vehicles:
Original driving license
Original Registration Certificate (vehicle registration must not exceed 10 years from the registration date)
Vehicle insurance
Vehicle emission and roadworthiness certificate
If the driver and owner are different, an authority letter from the owner to the driver is needed.
Pedestrian Terminal at Jaigaon-Phuentsholing Border:
The Pedestrian Terminal at the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing border operates 24 hours. An online pre-registration system is available at the website-https://bms.doi.gov.bt. Successful registration generates a QR code that must be presented along with the required identity document at the immigration counter.
For current information kindly check with the Department of Immigration. https://www.doi.gov.bt/?lang=en