Getting into Bhutan

Getting into Bhutan is a special experience because the kingdom has its own rules for tourism. Known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan protects its culture, traditions, and environment by controlling how visitors enter. Unlike many other countries, you cannot just buy a ticket and arrive. Tourists have to make a successful plan in time.

Bhutan entry points are by air or at some land ports, and tourists will have to get visas or permits based on their nationality. The measures will assist Bhutan to introduce tourism in a sustainable manner so that the travellers have a safe and true experience during their travels.

Entry Points

There are two main ways of getting into Bhutan: by air and by land. By air, travellers arrive at Paro International Airport, the only international airport in Bhutan. Bhutan Airlines and Druk Air serve it with flights from cities such as Kathmandu, Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Bangkok, and Singapore.

By land, visitors from India can enter Bhutan through three border towns: Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar. Among these, Phuentsholing is the most popular entry point because it connects directly with West Bengal, India, and provides easy access to western Bhutan, including Thimphu and Paro.

Bhutan Visa and Entry Requirements

To travel to Bhutan, most visitors need a Bhutanese visa before arrival. All visas are issued by the Department of Immigration and must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese travel agency. Visa fees are paid to the Bhutan Tourism Board, and travel plans should be made at least 90 days in advance.

Citizens of the Maldives, India, and Bangladesh can get entry permits on arrival with a valid passport. Indian nationals may also use their voter ID card. All other foreigners must secure visa clearance through a registered tour operator before entering Bhutan.

Travel Regulations

Bhutanese tourism is guided by the policy of “High Value, Low Impact”, which keeps visitor numbers low and ensures the country remains clean, peaceful, and authentic. All international tourists must book their trips with an authorised Bhutanese tour operator or a certified affiliate.

Tourists also have to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which benefits Bhutan’s healthcare, education, and environment. The Indian nationals do not pay a lot of SDF as compared to other tourists. These strict rules aim to safeguard Bhutan’s cultural heritage. They also ensure that visitors enjoy a high-quality, meaningful travel experience inside the kingdom.

Key Tips

If you want to travel to Bhutan, you have some easy travelling advice. You should make your reservations early, especially in the season, which is in spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Such are the best moments to visit Bhutan: in the period of festivals, fine weather, and mountain ranges. Always have valid identification with you like a passport, visa or permit, since roadblocks are used to check at airports.

Respect Bhutan by dressing in a simple fashion, speaking in a polite tone and following the local rules, especially in the monasteries and dzongs. You will be enjoying a stress-free and memorable trip to Bhutan with prior planning and keeping up of traditions.