Bhutan Entry for Indians 2026 — No Visa, Entry Permit & SDF Daily Fee Explained
Bhutan — the Land of the Thunder Dragon — is uniquely accessible for Indians: no visa, just an entry permit and the daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which is heavily discounted for Indian nationals.
Do Indians need a Bhutan visa?
No visa — Indians need an entry permit (applied online or on arrival) and must pay the SDF per night. Indian nationals pay a special discounted SDF rate.
SDF & costs (2026)
| Traveler | SDF (per person, per night) |
|---|---|
| Indian adult | INR 1,200 |
| Child 6–12 | 50% off (INR 600) |
| Child 5 and under | Exempt |
Entry permit process
- Apply for the entry permit online via the official Bhutan travel portal (or through a registered operator).
- Pay the SDF for your number of nights.
- Carry a valid passport (6+ months) or Voter ID card.
- Receive the permit; it covers Thimphu and Paro — extra permits needed for other regions.
What to carry
- Passport (6+ months) or Voter ID card.
- Confirmed hotel bookings and SDF payment receipt.
- Passport photos; travel insurance (recommended).
Key points to remember
- The SDF (INR 1,200/night) is the main cost — budget it per night of your stay.
- No visa, but the entry permit is mandatory — apply online ahead of time.
- Permits cover Thimphu/Paro; travelling further needs additional permits.
- Carry a passport or Voter ID; entry by air (Paro) or land (Phuentsholing).
Official application & disclaimer
Apply only through the official channel: the official Bhutan Department of Immigration / travel portal (bhutanecp.gov.bt). Beware of look-alike websites and agents charging inflated fees.
Last verified: June 2026. Visa fees, processing times, and rules for Bhutan change frequently and can vary by applicant profile and season. Always confirm the latest fees and requirements on the official site above before you apply. This guide is for general information and is not legal or immigration advice.
