As a traveller, I have always been fascinated by the mysterious and enchanting country of Bhutan. This small Himalayan kingdom has maintained its unique traditions and culture while embracing modernity. One of the aspects of Bhutan that has modernized is its visa process. In this article, I will guide you on how to apply for Bhutan Evisa, making your journey to this beautiful country hassle-free.
The Bhutan Evisa, also known as the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), is an online visa application process allowing travellers to obtain their visas online. This process eliminates needing to visit an embassy or consulate to apply for a visa in person. The Evisa system was introduced to make the visa application process more convenient and efficient for foreign travellers visiting Bhutan.
In the following sections, we will explore the Bhutan Evisa requirements, the step-by-step guide on applying for Bhutan Evisa, its duration and validity, process time, cost, and some tips to ensure a smooth application process. We will also discuss how to get your Bhutan Evisa once approved, common issues faced during the application process, and how to resolve them.
Check if your country supports Bhutan Evisa or Visa or Visa on Arrival
| Afghanistan | visa required |
| Albania | visa required |
| Algeria | visa required |
| Angola | visa on arrival |
| Antigua and Barbuda | e-visa |
| Armenia | e-visa |
| Australia | e-visa |
| Bahamas | visa required |
| Bahrain | e-visa |
| Barbados | visa required |
| Belarus | visa required |
| Belize | visa required |
| Benin | e-visa |
| Bolivia | visa on arrival |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | visa required |
| Botswana | visa required |
| Brazil | visa required |
| Burkina Faso | visa required |
| Burundi | visa required |
| Cambodia | visa on arrival |
| Cape Verde | visa on arrival |
| Central African Republic | visa required |
| Chad | visa required |
| China | visa required |
| Comoros | visa on arrival |
| Congo | visa required |
| Costa Rica | visa required |
| Croatia | visa required |
| Cuba | visa required |
| Djibouti | e-visa |
| Dominican Republic | visa required |
| DR Congo | visa required |
| Egypt | visa on arrival |
| El Salvador | visa required |
| Equatorial Guinea | visa required |
| Eritrea | visa required |
| Ethiopia | e-visa |
| Gabon | e-visa |
| Georgia | e-visa |
| Ghana | visa required |
| Grenada | visa required |
| Guatemala | visa required |
| Guinea | e-visa |
| Guinea-Bissau | visa on arrival |
| Guyana | visa required |
| Honduras | visa required |
| India | visa free |
| Iran | e-visa |
| Iraq | visa required |
| Ireland | visa required |
| Ivory Coast | e-visa |
| Jamaica | visa required |
| Jordan | visa on arrival |
| Kazakhstan | e-visa |
| Kenya | visa on arrival |
| Kiribati | visa required |
| Kosovo | visa required |
| Kuwait | e-visa |
| Kyrgyzstan | e-visa |
| Lebanon | visa on arrival |
| Lesotho | e-visa |
| Liberia | visa required |
| Libya | visa required |
| Madagascar | visa on arrival |
| Malawi | visa on arrival |
| Malaysia | e-visa |
| Maldives | visa on arrival |
| Mali | visa required |
| Mauritania | visa on arrival |
| Mexico | visa required |
| Moldova | e-visa |
| Morocco | visa required |
| Mozambique | visa required |
| Myanmar | e-visa |
| Namibia | visa required |
| Nauru | visa required |
| Nepal | visa on arrival |
| Nicaragua | visa on arrival |
| Niger | visa required |
| Nigeria | visa on arrival |
| North Korea | visa required |
| North Macedonia | visa required |
| Pakistan | visa required |
| Palau | visa on arrival |
| Palestine | visa free |
| Paraguay | visa required |
| Peru | visa required |
| Qatar | e-visa |
| Rwanda | visa on arrival |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | e-visa |
| Saint Lucia | visa on arrival |
| Samoa | visa on arrival |
| Sao Tome and Principe | e-visa |
| Saudi Arabia | visa required |
| Senegal | visa on arrival |
| Serbia | visa required |
| Sierra Leone | visa required |
| Slovakia | visa required |
| Slovenia | visa required |
| Somalia | visa on arrival |
| South Africa | visa required |
| South Sudan | e-visa |
| Sudan | visa required |
| Suriname | e-visa |
| Swaziland | visa required |
| Syria | visa required |
| Tajikistan | e-visa |
| Tanzania | visa on arrival |
| Togo | visa on arrival |
| Tonga | visa required |
| Trinidad and Tobago | visa required |
| Tunisia | visa required |
| Turkey | visa required |
| Tuvalu | visa on arrival |
| Uganda | visa on arrival |
| Ukraine | e-visa |
| United Arab Emirates | e-visa |
| United Kingdom | visa required |
| Uzbekistan | e-visa |
| Vanuatu | visa required |
| Venezuela | visa required |
| Yemen | visa required |
| Zambia | visa on arrival |
| Zimbabwe | visa on arrival |
Understanding Bhutan Evisa Requirements
Before diving into the details of how to apply for Bhutan Evisa, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the requirements that need to be met for a successful application.
- Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport for at least six months from your arrival in Bhutan.
- Digital Passport Photo: A recent digital passport-sized photograph with a white background is required for the Evisa application. The photo should be in JPEG or PNG format and not exceed 100KB in size.
- Travel Itinerary: A detailed travel itinerary, including your arrival and departure dates, is required for the application. This should be prepared in consultation with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
- Proof of Accommodation: You must provide proof of your accommodation in Bhutan, such as a hotel reservation or confirmation from your tour operator.
- Return Flight Tickets: A copy of your confirmed return flight tickets is required for the Evisa application.
- Payment of Visa Fee: The visa fee must be paid online during the application process.
Please note that Bhutan has a strict “High Value, Low Impact” tourism policy, and all tourists (except for citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) must book their trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator and pay a daily tariff. This tariff includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and a licensed guide.
How to Apply for Bhutan Evisa: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know the Bhutan Evisa requirements, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on applying for Bhutan Evisa.
Step 1: Choose a Licensed Bhutanese Tour Operator
As mentioned, all tourists must book their trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. You can find a list of these operators on the official Bhutan Tourism website. Choose a tour operator that suits your preferences and budget, and they will help you prepare the necessary documents for the Evisa application.
Step 2: Complete the Online Evisa Application Form
Once you have all the required documents, visit the official Bhutan Evisa website to complete the online application form. You must provide your personal information, passport details, and travel itinerary and upload the required documents.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee and Daily Tariff
You must pay your trip’s visa fee and daily tariff at this stage. The payment can be made online using a credit or debit card. The visa fee is non-refundable, while the daily tariff will be refunded if your Evisa application is rejected.
Step 4: Submit Your Application and Wait for Approval
Submit your application after completing the online form and making the required payments. Your tour operator will receive a confirmation email, and your application will be processed by the Department of Immigration in Bhutan. The processing time may vary, so applying well before your planned trip is advisable.
Bhutan Evisa Duration and Validity
The Bhutan Evisa is a single-entry visa, which means you can only enter the country once using this visa. It is valid for a stay of up to 30 days, and the visa duration starts from your arrival in Bhutan.
An extension of the Evisa is possible, but you must apply for the extension at the Department of Immigration in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The extension process can take up to a week. So plan your trip accordingly if you wish to extend your stay.
Bhutan Evisa Process Time
The standard processing time for a Bhutan Evisa is 5-7 business days. However, it is always recommended to apply well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues or delays.
If you need a faster processing time, you can opt for the expedited service, which takes 3-4 business days. This service comes at an additional cost and is subject to availability.
Bhutan Evisa Cost: Fees and Payment Methods
The Bhutan Evisa fee is USD 40 and must be paid online during the application process. This fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected.
In addition to the visa fee, you must pay the daily tariff for your trip, as per Bhutan’s “High Value, Low Impact” tourism policy. This tariff includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and a licensed guide.
The payment can be made online using a credit or debit card. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. The payment is processed securely, and your card details are not stored on the Bhutan Evisa website.
Tips for a Smooth Bhutan Evisa Application
To ensure a smooth Bhutan Evisa application process, consider the following tips:
- Apply well in advance: Start your Evisa application as early as possible to avoid any last-minute issues or delays.
- Ensure your passport is valid: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival in Bhutan.
- Double-check your application: Before submitting your application, double-check all the information you have provided and the uploaded documents. Any errors or missing data can lead to delays or rejection of your application.
- Please keep a copy of your Evisa: Once your Evisa is approved, print a copy and carry it with you during your trip. You must present it at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival in Bhutan.
How to Get Bhutan Evisa: Receiving and Printing
Once your Evisa application has been approved, you will receive an email with your Evisa attached as a PDF document. Download the file and print a copy to carry with you during your trip.
Printing your Evisa in colour and on high-quality paper is essential, as you must present it at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival in Bhutan.
Common Issues and Solutions in the Bhutan Evisa Application Process
The Bhutan Evisa application may encounter some issues like any online application process. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Technical issues with the website: If you experience technical difficulties while accessing the Evisa website, clear your browser cache and try again. If the problem persists, try using a different web browser or device.
- Incorrect or missing information: Double-check your application before submitting it to ensure all the information is accurate and complete. Any errors or missing data can lead to delays or rejection of your application.
- Payment issues: If your card payment is not going through, contact your bank to ensure everything runs smoothly with your card. Alternatively, try using a different card to make the payment.
Contact your tour operator for assistance if you encounter any issues during the application process that cannot be resolved using the above solutions.
With this comprehensive guide on how to apply for Bhutan Evisa, you are now well-equipped to streamline your journey to this enchanting Himalayan kingdom. By understanding the requirements, following the step-by-step guide, and being aware of the common issues and their solutions, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free Evisa application process.
Read: How to apply and get Bolivia eVisa
So, pack your bags, apply for your Bhutan Evisa, and embark on an unforgettable journey to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.