Bhutan is known for its beautiful natural scenery and unique cultural heritage. It is well-known as the 'Land of Happiness', valuing the happiness index.
CapitalThimphu
Population763,000
Official language(s)Dzongkha, English
CurrencyIndian Rupee, Ngultrum
Time zoneUTC+6
A visa is required to visit Bhutan, and travel plans must be arranged in advance through bookings.
Bhutan generally requires advance authorization for tourist travel, and the exact entry requirement depends on your nationality and travel arrangement. This is separate from ordinary electronic travel authorizations such as the US ESTA or Korea’s K-ETA; for Bhutan, the key point is to confirm your approved tour and government clearance before departure. There is no widely used, standing online arrival declaration system known for Bhutan, and paper arrival forms may still be completed on arrival.
Present passport and approval documents
At immigration, present your passport and the pre-approved travel documents. Even for tourism, visa or entry authorization rules can vary by nationality, so a ticket alone does not guarantee entry.
Confirm purpose and stay details
The officer may ask about your purpose of stay, accommodation, itinerary, and onward or return travel. If your plans are unclear, you may receive additional questions, so keep your booking details easy to show.
Follow customs and quarantine rules
Bhutan can enforce strict import rules, so check whether meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, seeds, and plant-based products must be declared or are restricted. Tobacco and medicines may also have limits, so it is safest to review the latest rules before travel.
Check the stamp and proceed
After clearance, check that your passport has the entry stamp and review the permitted stay period and conditions. If the stamp or stay details are incorrect, ask for correction right away to avoid problems when departing.
Check passport and stay status before departure
Before leaving, make sure your passport, stay authorization conditions, and ticket name and dates all match. Overstaying can cause issues at departure control, so it is important to align your departure date in advance.
Check permitted items and exports
Make sure souvenirs, medicines, cash, and electronics purchased in Bhutan are not subject to export restrictions. Items that may be considered cultural property or require permission can need separate documentation.
Pass departure control and security
At the airport, present your passport and boarding pass for departure control. Bhutan is not generally known for a separate, prominent exit tax, but it is wise to check whether airport-related charges are already included in your ticket price.