Passport and visa regulations
Nationalities
| Passport required | visa required | Return ticket required | |
| Germany | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Turkey | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other EU countries | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Switzerland | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Austria | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Passport information
Generally required, must still be valid for at least 6 months upon entry.
Note on the passport
Travelers must book their trip with a tour operator registered in Bhutan. This can be done through a travel agency in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Entry into Bhutan is generally only permitted in tour groups and with the approval of the Bhutanese Ministry of Tourism. Travel companies in Germany that organize trips to Bhutan also take care of the entry formalities (e.g. obtaining a visa). If you enter via India, you also need an Indian visa, if you enter by land you also need an Indian transit visa. For more information see India. A transfer from India can be organized through a Bhutanese agency.
Visa information
Attention: Bhutan has imposed an entry ban for all travelers from abroad for an indefinite period. Required for citizens of the countries listed in the table above, among others.
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Costs
Germany, Austria, Switzerland 40 US$ (entry fee for two weeks, to be paid at the airport/border crossing).
Validity
Depending on the travel program, up to 2 weeks. Registered tour operators carry out the travel booking and apply for the visa.
Application required
(a) Passport, which must be valid for at least six months upon entry. (b) 2 passport photos. (c) Entry Fee. (d) Airline ticket from a registered travel agent. (e) Proof of Sufficient Funds (see Sufficient Funds). Contact the tour operator for more information.
Processing time
Visa approvals must be applied for at least 2 1/2 months in advance (through the company for business trips) by a registered travel agency or by the responsible Bhutanese diplomatic mission at the Bhutanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (“visa clearance”). Once the visa has been approved, visas are usually processed within 3 days.
Proof of sufficient funds
Foreigners must have sufficient funds. As a rule, all expenses require US$ 290 per day for individual travelers in the high season, but a minimum of US$ 250 per day and person for group tours (US$ 200 in the low season).
Extension of stay
The two-week visa can be extended locally in Thiumphu for 510 NU.
Entry with children
German: Machine-readable children’s passport with photograph or your own passport. Austrians: Own passport. Swiss: Own passport. Turks: Own passport. Note: The same visa requirements apply to children as to their parents. Since June 27, 2012, children need their own travel document (passport / children’s passport) for trips abroad (also within the EU). Entries of children in the parental passport are no longer possible.
