Tourists to Bhutan are obliged to use Druk Air (the only airline serving Bhutan) either on entering or leaving the country. The Government may refuse entry to those wishing to visit for mountaineering, publicity and other research activities.

(a) There are two ways of entering Bhutan: by air to Paro Airport or by road to the Bhutanese border town of Phuentsholing. All travellers entering the country by road must ensure that they have the necessary documentation for transiting through that part of India to Phuentsholing. Consult the Passport/Visa section for India. Visitors are also advised to contact the Government of India Tourist Office (see India section) to check exactly what special permits or other documents may be necessary as these regulations are subject to change at short notice. (b) Visitors are required to book with a registered tour operator in Bhutan, which can be done directly through an affiliated travel agent abroad. (c) A yellow fever certificate is required by all if arriving within six days from an infected area.

Valid passport required by all.

Required by all except nationals of India.

Tourist: US$20 (payable in hard currency).

Visas are initially granted for stays of up to 14 days. The Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited (BTCL) can apply for an extension of tourist visas for an additional fee per person.

Visa applications for all tourists processed by the travel/tour agent through the Tourism Authority of Bhutan (TAB). Only once the visa has been cleared can visitors travel to Bhutan. Visas are issued (stamped in passport) on arrival at Paro Airport or at Phuentsholing check post.

(a) Application forms, which may be obtained from the BTCL, who should be contacted directly (see Passport/Visa Information). (b) Faxed details of passport to the BTCL prior to arrival. (c) All necessary documents for transiting India (see Note above). (d) Confirmed onward or return ticket. (e) Sufficient funds for length of stay (Mar-May, Sep-Nov: US$200 per day; Jun-Aug, Dec-Feb: US$165 per day). (f) Fee. (g) Two passport-size photos.

Visa clearance takes at least 10 days to process and should be applied for at least 60 days prior to arrival in Bhutan.

Royal Bhutanese Embassy in India
Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021, India
Tel: (11) 2688 9230 or 9806/7.

Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited (BTCL)
PO Box 159, Thimphu, Bhutan
Tel: (2) 324 045 or 322 647.
Website: www.kingdomofbhutan.com

Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited (BTCL) in the USA
c/o Far Fung Places, 1914 Fell Street, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Tel: (415) 386 8306.
Website: www.farfungplaces.com or www.kingdomofbhutan.com