Do Indians Need a Passport or Visa to Enter Bhutan in 2026?

No, Indian citizens do not need a visa to visit Bhutan. India is one of the few countries whose citizens enjoy visa-free entry to Bhutan for tourism and short-term visits. However, visa-free does not mean document-free. Indian travellers must obtain a Bhutan Entry Permit and carry a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card when entering the country. The Entry Permit can be obtained online before travel or at designated entry points and is generally issued for the duration of your approved travel itinerary.

Indian travellers must meet a few important entry requirements before crossing the border or arriving by air.

• Carry a valid Indian passport (with at least 6 months' validity) or a valid Voter ID card.
• Obtain an approved Bhutan Entry Permit before or at entry checkpoints.
• Keep a recent passport-size photograph.
• Provide details of your confirmed hotel or accommodation booking.
• Pay the applicable Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) during the permit process.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for medical and travel emergencies.
• Obtain additional permits if you plan to visit restricted or special regions beyond standard tourist areas.

Yes, Indian citizens can obtain an Entry Permit on arrival at designated entry points, although applying online in advance is recommended. This matches actual search behaviour.

Indian citizens must carry some documents to enter Bhutan. The documents listed below are necessary to obtain an Entry Permit at the Immigration Office while entering Bhutan.

For Adult Travellers

• A copy of your passport, which has a minimum of 6 months of validity.
• If you do not have your passport, you can also produce your Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India.
• 2 passport-sized coloured photographs.
• Accommodation and lodging details, including the address of the hotel.

For Children Below 18 Years

A Birth Certificate and valid school identity card must be produced. 

Documents Required for a Special Area Permit

The Entry Permit allows you to visit only Thimphu and Paro. If you want to visit other places in the country, you must acquire a Special Area Permit. The documents necessary to apply for it are:

• A photocopy of the Route Permit included in your Entry Permit.
• A duly filled application form.

Additional Requirement for Self-Drive Travellers

• If you are driving your own car, you will also require an Extension Permit, which can be obtained from the office of the Road Safety and Transportation Authority (RSTA).

Indian vehicles can travel within a designated zone in Bhutan without charges. However, beyond the Rinchending Check Post, vehicles must pay a Green Tax of Nu 4,500 per day and register on the Check Post Management System (CPMS).

Vehicle Documents Required

• Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle
• Original vehicle insurance papers with a stamp
• Valid driving licence
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate

Indian visitors can apply for an entry permit for Bhutan either before their trip or at the point of entry. If you're staying at a hotel or using a tour operator, they can apply on your behalf. Applying at entry points might involve long waits, so pre-applying online is preferable. Here’s a step-by-step guide for the Bhutan Entry Permit application process:

Step 1: Create an Account to Apply for Entry Permit to Bhutan:

Begin by signing up on the official immigration portal to apply for entry permits. Make sure you provide a valid email ID and contact details.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form Online for Indian Citizens:

Accurately fill out the required details and upload necessary documents, such as your passport-size photo. Ensure all information is correct to avoid delays.

Step 3: Make Payment for the Bhutan Entry Permit for Indians:

Pay the applicable fees, including the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), either online or in person.

Step 4: Submit Your Application:

Once your application is complete, submit it for review. You will receive updates through your registered account.

Since you cannot travel beyond Paro and Thimpu with the Entry Permit, you must apply for additional documents for Bhutan immigration for Indian citizens. You can apply for your “Special Area Permit” at the RGoB Immigration Office in Thimpu. Usually, the office issues these permits within an hour. In case, you are driving your own car, you must also visit the RSTA for your Extension Permit.

Indian tourists must pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of INR 1,200 per person per night to enter Bhutan. The SDF is a mandatory fee imposed on tourists to support Bhutan’s sustainable tourism practices and environmental conservation efforts. 

However, children under 5 years are exempt, and those aged 6-12 receive a 50% discount. Visitors to specific towns like Phuentsholing for 24 hours are exempt from SDF.

Yes, Indian citizens can drive their own car or motorcycle into Bhutan, making a road trip one of the most popular ways to explore the country. However, travellers must complete vehicle registration formalities and comply with Bhutan's road-entry regulations before travelling beyond the designated border zones.

What Additional Requirements Apply to Self-Drive Travellers?

• Vehicles travelling beyond the designated border area must pay a Green Tax of Nu 4,500 per day. 
• Vehicle details must be registered through Bhutan's Check Post Management System (CPMS) before entering restricted driving zones. 

Documents Required for Your Vehicle

• Original Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
• Valid vehicle insurance certificate
• Valid driving licence
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
• Authorisation letter from the owner if the driver is not the registered owner of the vehicle

• Roads in Bhutan can be challenging, especially in mountainous areas. Be prepared for winding roads, steep inclines, and potential landslides.

• While fuel stations are available in major towns, they may be less frequent in remote areas. Carry sufficient fuel reserves.

• Be aware of the operating hours of border checkpoints and plan your journey accordingly.

• There may be restrictions on certain types of vehicles entering Bhutan. Check with the authorities before your trip.

The duration of stay granted depends on the travel itinerary approved during the permit application process in Bhutan. Indian passport holders can stay for up to 15 days in Bhutan with their entry permit.

Yes, you can extend your Bhutan permit while in the country. To do so, use the same online visa/permit portal with the login details from your original application. You will need to present your original passport at the nearest immigration office for the extension. If you obtained the permit/visa on arrival, either you or your tour operator must visit the immigration office to process the extension in person. 

No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Bhutan, but you might be required to show the document while applying for an entry permit for Bhutan for Indian nationals. Therefore, it is always recommended to acquire travel insurance for Bhutan.

An international travel insurance policy is important as it effectively covers you against many types of unforeseen circumstances. Be it a medical emergency from a sudden trekking accident or loss of luggage. Even if you need to be hospitalised, the expenses are covered under these policies. The major reasons are as below:

• Emergency medical treatment in remote mountain regions can be costly.
• Road trips and treks involve a higher risk of accidents.
• Flight disruptions due to mountain weather are common.
• Coverage can help with baggage loss, trip cancellations, and medical evacuation.
• Travel insurance offers peace of mind when travelling in unfamiliar terrain.

Check out the below-mentioned benefits we give you with Travel Insurance for Bhutan With convenient customer service that is available at all times,  these plans are quite economical as well, starting at a premium of ₹290 for one adult for a sum insured of $50,000.

Adventure Activities Covered:

Our coverage includes activities such as bungee jumping, sky diving, etc. (provided the duration is one day).

Smartphone-enabled claims process:

It’s all smart with a smartphone-enabled claim process. No paperwork, no running around. Just upload your documents when you make a claim.

Missed Call Facility:

Give us a missed call, and we’ll call you back in 10 minutes. No more international calling charges!

Immediate Monetary Compensation for Flight Delays:

If your flight is delayed, we give you monetary compensation to ease your inconvenience.

Worldwide Support:

We’ve partnered with the world’s largest health & travel insurance network Allianz, to support you seamlessly across the globe. T&C apply*

Disclaimer: The information above has been collected by consulting various internet sources. Please make sure you visit the official government website of the respective country and verify the information before making any reservations or applying for a visa.