Bhutan offers a unique and peaceful experience to every type of Indian traveler. Hence if you are an Indian citizen and you want to obtain a Bhutan Visa for Indians. Read this complete blog to learn about the Bhutan visa application process for Indian citizens, visa types, processing time, and visa fees. Moreover, Bhutan offers Indian visitors amazing nature, adventure, culture, and a happy vibe with a peaceful environment.
The best time to Explore Bhutan
The Spring and autumn seasons are considered the best times to visit Bhutan. Particularly the months of March to May and September to November. Moreover, during these times of the year, the weather is mild. Hence perfect for many outdoor activities, adventures, and sightseeing. Moreover, you can witness the following activities
- Beautiful blooming of rhododendrons and other wildflowers
- Spring Festivals
- High-Quality Trekking
Can Indians Visit Bhutan Without Any Visa?
Indian citizens are allowed to travel to Bhutan without a visa, due to the 1949 pact between BHU and India. Moreover, this pact permits Indian citizens to freely move between these two countries until there is a mutual agreement.
Additionally, Indian citizens have the benefit of getting a visa upon arrival. However, they can get it at the border, international airport, or port while entering Bhutan.
Moreover, keep in mind that this entry permit is not a visa. Therefore it allows you to enter the country. But for multiple visits or entries, you need a new permit with every visit. However, it is also suggested to learn the validity period of this entry permit.
Categories of Bhutan Visa for Indians?
Generally, there are two main kinds of Bhutan Visas for Indians.
Tourist Visa
The tourist visas for Bhutan are not directly issued to the people but you can obtain them through Bhutan’s authorized tour operators. Hence on behalf of tourists operators can handle the visa process.
Entry Permit
This permit is specifically issued to Indian travelers who are not part of a tour group or package tour. Moreover, this permit can be used by all kinds of travelers including people visiting Bhutan for some business activities, official or personal reasons other than tourism.
What Documents are Required by the Indian Citizens to Enter Bhutan with Permit?
For Indian citizens, a Bhutan entry permit is required to enter Bhutan as an alternative to a visa. Therefore the requirements to get an entry permit are as follows.
- A valid passport in good condition with a validity of at least six months after your intended date of departure from Bhutan is required. Moreover, you can also use your Indian identity card.
- If you are visiting with a family which includes kids below 18 years you need a birth certificate for their entry. Moreover, the children can not travel alone without a guardian.
- Additionally, you will get an entry permit form which is required to be filled out completely.
- Applicants can also use a letter of Recommendation from a local host/counterpart to enter Bhutan from India.
- Booking Receipt from a licensed Bhutan tour operator.
- Payment of all the applicable charges including sustainable development fee.
- Two passport-sized photographs are also required.
- There might not be a need for a Bhutan visa for Indians to enter the country. However, the Indian citizens are required to have a valid travel health insurance policy for their complete duration.
- If there is any need for additional documents the department will ask you for it during the assessment.
Document Checklist For Tourist Visa
- Passport: To apply for a tourist visa applicants need a valid passport with at least two blank pages at the end and a validity period of at least three months before their intended date of departure from the destination country.
- Visa Application Form: The visa application form for the destination country can be downloaded from the official website of the embassy. Moreover, applicants can submit this visa application form either online or by visiting the embassy.
- Photographs: Two passport-size photos are required to apply for the tourist visa.
- Staying Details: Applicants need to provide the details of their chosen place to stay in the destination country. Such as name and location of the hotel, Contact details, Rental Agreement.
- Proof Of Travel Plans: If it is flight reservations as your traveling plan. Hence you need to provide the following information Passenger name, Flight number & name, Travel dates (arrival & departure).
- Cover Letter: A well-written cover letter that explains the purpose and intentions of your travel is required.
- Financial Means: Applicants can attach the following proofs to show their financial stability. Such as Income tax returns (last 2-3 years), Bank statements, Payment of Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Other Supporting Documents: According to the type of visa applicant might need to submit some additional documents.
Bhutan Visa for Indians Validity Period Information
As there is no Bhutan visa for Indians. Hence to get an entry permit Indian travelers need to follow a process. Moreover, Indian citizens will receive an entry permit on their arrival. This permit will be issued by the immigration authorities of Bhutan at any border point. However, the validity period of this permit is 7 to 15 days.
Additionally, applicants are required to verify this permit at every checkpoint in Bhutan as a part of the verification procedure. Therefore if the Indian citizens are planning a trip longer than the permitted duration. They can apply for an extension by visiting the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu.
Moreover, it is suggested to keep multiple copies of your passport-size photographs because you might need them during the application process for a permit.
Is it Necessary To Contact A Local Tour Operator To Visit Bhutan?
It is optional that either you want a random travel agent for your assistance or a local tour operator from Bhutan. However, Indian travelers need to get assistance from a local tour operator to explore Bhutan. Moreover, the local licensed tour operator will help to find accommodation, and transportation and arranging permits. Additionally, it will be beneficial to fulfill the requirements of their tourist policies.
Moreover, Bhutan has an official tourism website that offers the details of many local tour operators. Hence you can get details from there.
What is the fee structure for sustainable development for Indian citizens as tourists?
For tourists with citizenship in India, the sustainable development fee (SDF) to visit Bhutan is 12,00/- per person for one night. However, children aged 6-12 must pay only 50 percent of the sustainable development fee. Additionally, children below the age of 5 are free from these charges.
Moreover, remember that this fee of INR 1200 per night is only for the citizens of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives.
However, for the citizens of other countries, the sustainable development fee is high and is approximately INR 17,00 (200$) per person for a day.
Requirements To Enter Bhutan From India In A Private Vehicle?
The first thing to travel in a private vehicle from India to Bhutan requires permission from the royal government of Bhutan. Moreover, make sure that the vehicle must be registered in India. Hence the Indian registered vehicles can enter the selected areas of Bhutan without any additional fee. Additionally other than these selected areas Indian citizens might be required to pay 4500 Bhutanese Ngultrum per day.
Moreover, it is suggested to get the necessary permit from the Bhutan immigration authority. You also need to register your vehicle at the Bhutan checkpoint to avoid any trouble and have a smooth ride in your vehicle.
List Of Required Documents For Indian Registered Vehicle
If you want to enter Bhutan with a private car from India you need to have the following documents.
- An original Indian Driving License
- Certificate of car registration
- Insurance papers of the vehicle or car
- You also need to submit a recent pollution-free certificate for the car
Document with car fitness check details
Additionally, remember that a vehicle that is older than ten years is not allowed to enter Bhutan. Moreover also note that the primary driver of the car entering Bhutan should be the owner of the car. Because it is compulsory to have a letter of authorization from the car owner without it you are not allowed to enter Bhutan.
Tips for a smooth trip to Bhutan from India
If you want to have a smooth and hassle-free trip to Bhutan follow the following tips
Permit extensions
If your plan changes then your decided period of stay at the destination country. It is advised to apply for the permit extension in advance to avoid any complications during your trip. Moreover, keep in mind that applicants need to visit Thimphu for a permit extension.
Photography rules
Butan follows a high-value, low-impact tourism policy. Hence even being a paradise for photography. It is important to respect the local traditions and values. Therefore you encounter some places that restrict photography because of their particular religious beliefs and customs.
However, be mindful about taking permission when it is necessary and required.
Currency exchange
The official currency of this country Bhutan is called Ngultrum (BTN). However, the Indian rupee is also valuable and accepted here widely. But it is important to have or carry enough local currency. Particularly when you are aiming to visit remote areas where card payments and other ways are not acceptable.
FAQS
What language do I need to speak in Bhutan?
In Bhutan, there are a total of 19 languages but the national language of this country is Dzongkha. In Bhutan’s education system, English is used throughout. Hence it is widely used and understood.
For how long a Bhutan visa for Indians is valid?
If Indian citizens are visiting Bhutan using an Entry permit. Hence the legal period to stay in the country is 7 to 15 days from the date of your entry. However, if you are planning an extended stay you need to extend your entry period by fulfilling the requirements of Bhutan immigration authorities.
Is driving in Bhutan Safe?
If you are an experienced driver with skills to drive in the mountains. Hence you can drive safely in Bhutan because it is mountainous terrain. Moreover, it is advisable to follow the traffic rules and get permits while traveling. Additionally, it is better if you are aware of weather conditions to avoid any kind of potential hazards.
Why are hotel bookings necessary to get a Bhutan entry permit?
The government of Bhutan needs to track the traveler’s location and address during their stay in Bhutan. Hence it is important to provide the details of your stay to get an entry permit. Moreover, you can also get certified accommodations in the Department of Tourism in Bhutan
What is the international country code?
Bhutan’s country code is +975 for making calls over the telephone. Moreover, make sure you add this to the start of any number if calling Bhutan from abroad.
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