Visa guide · updated October 2026Do Indians need a visa for Bhutan?
Indian citizens do not need a visa for Bhutan, but they do need an entry permit. You can get it with a passport valid for at least 6 months or a voter ID card, and you pay a Sustainable Development Fee of INR 1,200 per person per night.
Bhutan visa options for Indians
| Option | Who it is for | Stay and validity | Official fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry permit | Indian citizens | For the dates and places on the permit | No visa fee |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) | Every Indian visitor aged 12 or over | Charged per night | INR 1,200 per night |
| SDF, children aged 6 to 11 | Children | Charged per night | INR 600 per night |
Bhutan visa fees
| Option | Official fee |
|---|---|
| Entry permit | No visa fee |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) | INR 1,200 per night |
| SDF, children aged 6 to 11 | INR 600 per night |
The Sustainable Development Fee is charged per person per night in Indian rupees or ngultrum. It is separate from hotel, guide and transport costs. From 2 June 2026 until August 2027, tourists who stay within the designated zones of Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu or Samdrupjongkhar for up to 24 hours do not pay the SDF.
Documents required
The official source lists these documents:
- Indian passport valid for at least 6 months, or voter ID card
- Birth certificate for children under 18 who have no passport
- Passport photo
- Travel and accommodation details
How to apply
A passport valid for at least 6 months, or your voter ID card.
For children under 18, a birth certificate or passport.
Your entry permit, applied for online before travel or at the entry point.
Proof that the Sustainable Development Fee is paid for each night.
Processing time
Apply online in advance, or get the permit at the point of entry.
Best Time to Visit Bhutan
Bhutan's unique position in the Himalayas creates distinct seasonal variations. The best time depends on your interests:
- Spring (March to May): The most popular season with blooming rhododendrons covering the valleys. Clear views of the eastern Himalayas. Temperatures of 10-25C. The Paro Tsechu festival usually takes place in March-April.
- Summer (June to August): Monsoon season with rainfall, especially in southern Bhutan. However, northern valleys like Paro and Bumthang are less affected. Lush green landscapes and fewer tourists.
- Autumn (September to November): The best season for trekking with clear skies, pleasant temperatures of 10-22C, and breathtaking mountain views. Thimphu Tsechu and black-necked crane festivals take place during this period.
- Winter (December to February): Cold with temperatures dropping to -5C in higher altitudes. Snowfall in northern regions. Clear skies offer excellent Himalayan views. Fewer tourists and lower hotel rates.
Visa application centres in India
You apply online on the Department of Immigration’s online system, so there is no visa application centre to visit in India.
Checked against official sources on 26 October 2026.
Popular places to visit in Bhutan
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Thimphu by Douglas McLaughlin, CC BY 2.5; Paro by David Broad, CC BY 3.0; Punakha by The original uploader was Technopilgrim at English Wikipe…, CC BY-SA 3.0; Phuentsholing by Christopher J. Fynn, CC BY 2.5.
Frequently asked questions
Indian citizens do not need a visa for Bhutan, but they do need an entry permit. You can get it with a passport valid for at least 6 months or a voter ID card, and you pay a Sustainable Development Fee of INR 1,200 per person per night.
Entry permit: No visa fee. Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): INR 1,200 per night. SDF, children aged 6 to 11: INR 600 per night. The Sustainable Development Fee is charged per person per night in Indian rupees or ngultrum. It is separate from hotel, guide and transport costs. From 2 June 2026 until August 2027, tourists who stay within the designated zones of Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu or Samdrupjongkhar for up to 24 hours do not pay the SDF.
Apply online in advance, or get the permit at the point of entry.
A passport valid for at least 6 months, or your voter ID card. For children under 18, a birth certificate or passport. Your entry permit, applied for online before travel or at the entry point. Proof that the Sustainable Development Fee is paid for each night.
From the official sources listed at the end of this page, checked on 26 October 2026. Visa rules and fees change, so confirm them on the official site before you apply.
Official sources
The visa facts on this page come from these official pages, checked on 26 October 2026. Rules and fees can change, so confirm them before you apply.