United States Visa RequirementsFor Bhutan passport holders
Bhutanese citizens must apply for a US B-1/B-2 tourist visa. The US is one of the most scrutinized visa applications for Bhutanese passport holders.
Bhutan passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply online via the CEAC portal (ceac.state.gov): complete the DS-160 form, pay the USD 185 non-refundable MRV fee, and schedule a biometrics and interview appointment at the US Embassy in New Delhi. Documents required: valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay), DS-160 confirmation page, appointment confirmation, photo, bank statements (6 months), employment letter, property/asset documentation, and strong evidence of ties to Bhutan. The interview is a critical component of the process.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Bhutan to United States: What You Need to Know
The United States requires Bhutanese citizens to obtain a non-immigrant visa (typically B-1/B-2 for tourism and business) before travel. There is no US embassy in Bhutan; applications are processed at the US Embassy in New Delhi. The US visa process includes a mandatory in-person interview and is among the most rigorous visa processes globally. The visa application fee is USD 185 (MRV fee) and is non-refundable regardless of outcome. Given Bhutan's limited passport strength and many applicants' limited travel history, the US visa represents one of the more challenging applications for Bhutanese nationals.
Practical Tips
The US Embassy in New Delhi has limited appointment availability; check wait times at travel.state.gov and apply several months in advance. Ties to Bhutan are critical: demonstrate stable employment, family responsibilities, or property ownership. A prior clean travel record (including trips to India) helps significantly. If you have family or a host in the US, an invitation letter from them can support your application. ESTA does not apply to Bhutanese passport holders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bhutanese citizens need a visa for the United States?
Yes. Bhutanese passport holders must apply for a US B-1/B-2 non-immigrant visa and attend a mandatory in-person interview at the US Embassy in New Delhi.
What is the US visa application fee for Bhutanese applicants?
USD 185 (MRV fee), which is non-refundable regardless of the visa outcome.
Can Bhutanese citizens use ESTA to visit the US?
No. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is only for nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries. Bhutan is not on that list; a full visa application with interview is required.
How far in advance should Bhutanese citizens apply for a US visa?
Apply at least 3 to 6 months in advance. Interview appointment wait times at the US Embassy in New Delhi can be several months, especially in peak periods. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov.