Bhutan Travel Planning: Entry, Fees and Logistics

Entry rules depend on nationality

Bhutan manages entry through a regulated system. Indian nationals and international visitors follow different routes, and rules can change, so always confirm current details before you travel.

International visitors

International visitors travel through a licensed Bhutanese operator, and fees are invoiced together. As of October 2026:

• The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is USD 100 per adult per night, USD 50 for children aged 6 to 11, and free for children under 6. This rate has been confirmed through 31 August 2027, and no later rate has been announced.
• A one-off visa fee of USD 40 per person applies. Approval usually takes five to six working days after the trip is confirmed.
• Bangladeshi nationals have a separate rate.

Indian nationals

Indian nationals pay an SDF of INR 1,200 per night (INR 600 for children under 12), and can obtain an entry permit at the border or airport. Carry a valid passport or voter ID card. Day visits to border towns such as Phuentsholing do not attract the SDF if you stay within the designated zone and leave within 24 hours.

Getting there

• By air: Flights land at Paro, with limited schedules and weather-related delays.
• By road: Phuentsholing, across the border from Jaigaon, is around five hours from Siliguri. The onward road to Thimphu takes around five to six hours, and Paro is about one to one and a half hours further. Allow a full day for the drive and border formalities.

On the ground

Roads are narrow and winding, so plan generous transfer times. Altitude is moderate, but Paro and Thimphu sit above 2,000 m, so take it easy on arrival. Dzong opening hours and festival dates vary, and we verify them closer to your trip.

Fees change

The Department of Tourism sets and revises fees from time to time. We confirm the current position at enquiry stage and again before final booking. Do not treat any figure on a website, including ours, as final.

Planning tip

Share your nationality, dates and preferred entry route when you enquire, and we will explain the exact process. See our Bhutan destination page for sample routes or the four-night Bhutan itinerary for a compact start.