1.Is it safe to travel to Bhutan?
Bhutan is a very safe place to visit, even if you’re travelling alone. The crime rate in Bhutan is very low and people are peace loving, although we advise you to take care of yourself and your belongings.
2.Do I need a visa to travel to Bhutan?
Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before travel to Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.
3. How can I get visa to travel to Bhutan?
We as a travel agent in Bhutan can get your visa. We assist our clients to acquire all necessary documents for visiting Bhutan. You simply need to email your:
- A digital copy of your valid passport
- A recent digital passport photo
- Valid travel insurance for the duration of your travel.
- Residential Address, Telephone number and Occupation.
Once we get above information we apply visa on your behalf.
4.How long does it take to issue my visa?
A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.
5. How much does the visa cost?
There is a one-off fee of US$40 is to be paid to directly to tour operator including your Bhutan tour payment.
6. How long does my visa allow me to stay in Bhutan?
The visa allows you to remain in Bhutan for a maximum of 90 days from the date of entry.
7. Can I extend my visa while I’m in Bhutan?
Yes, provided the extension is applied for before the original visa or permit expires.
8. Are there any nationalities restricted from being granted a visa to enter Bhutan?
No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.
9. How much is the SDF?
For all visitors except those from India, the SDF is US$200 per person, per night. For guests from India (who have an Indian passport or Indian voter ID card), the SDF is 1,200 ngultrum, or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees, per person, per night. Without an Indian passport or Indian voter ID card, the full SDF of US$ 200 will be levied.
Children aged 6 to 12 at the time of travel receive a 50% concessionary discount on their SDF. Those children who have not yet turned six are exempt from paying any SDF.
Day visitors to the Bhutanese towns bordering India are also exempt from paying the SDF until they reach a point designated by the Bhutanese government.
10. Are guests from Bangladesh and Maldives eligible to pay the reduced SDF?
No, all guests are required to pay the SDF of US$ 200 per person, per day (with discounts applied for children). Only guests from India are eligible to pay the rate of Nu. 1,200 (or equivalent in Indian Rupees) per day.
11. Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes. All visitors must have full, valid travel insurance for the duration of their visit.
12. How much cash can I bring into Bhutan?
You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.
13. Are there any restrictions on dress?
There are no rules about what visitors should wear. However if you are planning to visit places of religious significance, respectful smart-casual clothing that covers your body from shoulders to knees is appropriate and appreciated.
14. Which power plug is standard in Bhutan?
-Three different electrical plugs are used throughout Bhutan: the British plug (three square pins, compatible with type G sockets), the European plug (two round pins, compatible with type C socket) and the Indian plug (three thick round pins, compatible with type D sockets). It’s a good idea to bring adaptors for all three. 15. What mode of payment transfer you use?
– We accept payment through bank wire transfer. We found this mode of transfer safer than the payment made through visa cards. Furthermore, banks in Bhutan charge a high transfer fee for card payments.
16. Is it safe to drink tap water in Bhutan?
We advise you to drink bottled water only. Tap water can be used for washing and brushing your teeth.
17. Is it necessary to keep a day gap in between the outgoing flight from Bhutan and your connecting flight?
Yes, although Bhutan flights are always on time, you are advised to keep at least a day gap in case of unforeseen weather and events.