Bhutan Visa RequirementsFor India passport holders
Indian passport holders enjoy completely free entry into Bhutan with no visa required. Indians can stay indefinitely and only need a valid Indian passport or a voter ID card to enter.
Great news! India passport holders can enter Bhutan without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
No visa application is needed. Indians can enter Bhutan through authorized entry points: by air via Paro International Airport (Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines) or overland at Phuntsholing (from West Bengal), Samdrup Jongkhar (from Assam), or Gelephu (from Assam). Carry your valid Indian passport or voter ID card. A small entry permit (free of charge) is issued at the border.
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
India to Bhutan: What You Need to Know
Bhutan has a unique open-door policy for Indian nationals that does not apply to any other nationality. While foreigners from all other countries must pay a Sustainable Development Fee and book through licensed tour operators, Indian citizens are exempt from all these requirements. You can enter Bhutan freely, travel independently, and stay as long as you wish. This is a truly unique privilege of the Indian passport.
Practical Tips
Bhutan is consistently rated one of the happiest countries in the world and offers stunning Himalayan landscapes, ancient dzongs (fortresses), pristine forests, and a deeply Buddhist culture. Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha are the most visited areas. The Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN) is pegged 1:1 to the Indian rupee, and Indian rupees are freely accepted. Bhutan is ideal for a long weekend or extended holiday from eastern India. Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang) monastery is an iconic hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Bhutan?
No. Indian nationals do not need a visa to enter Bhutan. This is a unique privilege that no other nationality enjoys. You only need a valid Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card to enter. The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) that applies to foreign tourists does not apply to Indians.
What documents do Indians need to enter Bhutan?
Indian nationals can enter Bhutan with a valid Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. A small entry permit (free of charge) is issued at the port of entry. If traveling by air to Paro, your airline will process the entry documentation. There is no advance application required.
Can Indians use Indian rupees in Bhutan?
Yes. Indian rupees (INR) are freely accepted throughout Bhutan and are effectively an alternative currency alongside the Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN). The BTN is pegged 1:1 to the INR. Note that Indian 500 and 2000 rupee notes may have restricted use; carry smaller denominations or use the ngultrum.
How do Indians get to Bhutan?
Indians can reach Bhutan by air (Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines fly to Paro International Airport from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Guwahati) or by road overland. The main overland entry points are Phuntsholing (accessible from West Bengal, about 4 hours from Siliguri), Samdrup Jongkhar (from Assam), and Gelephu (from Assam). The overland routes are very popular for road trip enthusiasts from eastern India.