Travel insurance
Comprehensive cover is strongly recommended, including journey cancellation, medical care, emergency evacuation, and the activities you plan to undertake.
Before you travel
Travel information
A clear guide to Bhutan’s visitor fees, entry documents, booking timelines, and the practical details worth knowing before you set out.
Plan with room to choose
Book ahead when you can.
Bhutan has a limited number of flights and the most sought-after stays fill early, particularly during spring, autumn, and festival periods. Booking in advance gives us more freedom to shape your preferred route, flight dates, and accommodation.
Last-minute journeys may still be possible. We will always check the best available options and be candid about what can be confirmed.
Visitor contribution
Sustainable Development Fee
Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee supports conservation, culture, public services, infrastructure, and long-term opportunities for Bhutanese communities. It is set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and is separate from your journey arrangements.
- Most international adults
- USD 100 per person, per night
- Indian adults
- Nu./INR 1,200 per person, per night
Children aged 6–11 pay half the adult SDF; children under 6 are exempt. Rates and concessions can change, so we confirm the applicable amount when preparing your proposal.
Check current SDF guidance on Bhutan TravelImmigration
Entry & travel documents
Indian nationals
Carry one of the following original documents:
- A valid Indian passport with at least 6 months’ validity beyond your intended departure from Bhutan; or
- A valid Indian Voter Identity Card.
Travellers under 18 may use a passport or birth certificate when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Indian visitors require an entry permit, which can be arranged online before travel or at the port of entry. Applying in advance helps avoid a possible wait on arrival.
Other nationalities
Most visitors need a valid passport and an approved e-visa before travelling. Bhutan’s official guidance says a correctly completed application may take up to 5 working days, so allow time for processing before confirming tight connections.
Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives follow separate visa-on-arrival provisions. We will confirm the process that applies to your passport when planning your journey.
Reservation terms
If plans need to change.
We hope every planned journey reaches Bhutan, but we understand that circumstances can change. The following schedule applies to cancellations made before the journey’s confirmed start date.
| Notice before arrival | Refund |
|---|---|
| 20 days or more | No Bhutan Beckons cancellation fee |
| 15–19 days | 75% of the journey amount is refunded |
| 10–14 days | 50% of the journey amount is refunded |
| 9 days or fewer | No refund |
This schedule applies to the ground arrangements described in your confirmed proposal. Airline tickets, visa or permit fees, bank charges, and other third-party services may carry their own non-refundable terms. Any SDF refund is processed under Department of Immigration rules. Your final proposal and confirmation will state the terms that apply to your journey.
Worth preparing
A few more things to know.
Flights & connections
Mountain weather can affect schedules. Leave comfortable connection time and keep essential medication and one change of clothes in your hand luggage.
Health & altitude
Tell us about mobility needs, allergies, or medical considerations early. If you have concerns about altitude or trekking, speak with your doctor before travel.
What to wear
Bring layers, rain protection, sun protection, and well-worn walking shoes. Shoulders and knees should be covered when entering temples and dzongs.
Money & connectivity
Cards work in many hotels and larger shops, but carry some cash for small purchases outside the main towns. Mobile coverage varies on mountain roads and in remote valleys.
Respecting sacred places
Follow your guide’s direction, remove shoes where requested, move quietly during rituals, and always ask before photographing people or religious interiors.
Ready when you are.
Tell us when you hope to travel and what matters most. We will help make the practical details feel simple.
Plan my journey