BHUTAN

Here is the complete, up-to-date process for Indian citizens to get an Entry Permit (“Entry Pass”) to Bhutan — including fees, documents, extensions / permits if going beyond certain areas. If you like, I can also send you printable check-lists.

1. Who & Where: Basic Eligibility & Entry Points

• Indian nationals don’t need a visa for Bhutan, but they must obtain an Entry Permit from the Bhutan immigration authorities. Nirvana Lodge+3Consulate General of India Phuentsholing+3Embassy of India Thimphu+3
  
  

• Entry permit can be obtained:
  
  

  • By land: At Phuentsholing (Jaigaon-Phuentsholing border) or other land border immigration offices. Consulate General of India Phuentsholing+3indiabhutan.com+3Eternal Holidays+3
    
    

  • By air: At Paro International Airport. Embassy of India Thimphu+2indiabhutan.com+2
    
    

2. Required Documents

You will need:

Document

Details / Notes

Valid travel document

Either a valid Indian Passport with at least 6 months validity Consulate General of India Phuentsholing+2Embassy of India Thimphu+2 OR a Voter ID Card issued by the Election Commission of India. Consulate General of India Phuentsholing+2Nirvana Lodge+2

For minors (under 18)

If they don’t have a passport: original Birth Certificate in English. Sometimes also school ID. Must be accompanied by legal guardian. Consulate General of India Phuentsholing+2Nirvana Lodge+2

Passport-size photographs

Usually 2 photographs. Consulate General of India Phuentsholing+1

Travel insurance

For the duration of the trip. It may be required at the permit counter if you don’t already have one. You can often buy domestic insurance from Bhutanese providers at entry. Consulate General of India Phuentsholing+1

Accommodation booking / details

Probably useful / required, especially if staying more than a short time. Some tour guides/hotels help with this. Nirvana Lodge+1

3. Fee / Charges

Fee Type

Amount / Conditions

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

₹1,200 per person per night for Indian tourists. Children aged 6-12 pay 50% (i.e. ~ ₹600 per night). Children 5 years and under are exempt. indiabhutan.com+3Consulate General of India Phuentsholing+3Nirvana Lodge+3

User / Entry Fee at Pedestrian Terminal

For daily visitors to Phuentsholing who are just entering via the Pedestrian Terminal and staying in Phuentsholing only (less than 24 hours), there is no SDF. But a User Fee of Nu 10 (Bhutan Ngultrum) per person is charged at the pedestrian terminal each time. Consulate General of India Phuentsholing+1

No separate “permit fee” (for basic entry permit within Paro/Thimphu)

The entry permit itself (for travel in Paro / Thimphu) does not have a separate fee beyond the SDF. Offbeat Explorers+2indiabhutan.com+2

4. Step-by-Step Process

Here’s how you go about it:

1. Prepare Documents
   Collect your passport or Voter ID, photos, insurance, accommodation info, and if applicable birth certificate / school ID for child. indiabhutan.com+1
   
   

2. Travel to the Entry Point
   If going by road, reach the immigration office at the border (e.g. Phuentsholing). If by air, at Paro. Embassy of India Thimphu+1
   
   

3. Fill Application / Permit Form
   It is done in person at immigration counter. You may need to fill in information about travel plan. Offbeat Explorers+2indiabhutan.com+2
   
   

4. Verification & Processing
   Officials will check your identity documents, photos. Sometimes finger-prints / photo is taken at the counter. Offbeat Explorers+1
   
   

5. Payment of SDF
   Pay the SDF (if applicable based on length of stay, area visited). If staying in Phuentsholing for just a day and returning, you may be exempt. Consulate General of India Phuentsholing+2Nirvana Lodge+2
   
   

6. Receive Entry Permit
   Once everything is in order, you get the permit stamped in your passport or given in paper form if using Voter ID. bhutantours.in+2indiabhutan.com+2
   
   

5. Additional / Route Permit (if travelling beyond Paro / Thimphu)

• If you plan to travel beyond Paro and Thimphu (to other districts or special zones), you must obtain a Route Permit from the Immigration Department in Thimphu on working days. Embassy of India Thimphu+2bhutantours.in+2
  
  

• Also, if you stay more than 7 days or so, extension of the Entry Permit may be required. The Immigration Office in Thimphu handles extensions. Offbeat Explorers+1
  
  

6. Time Taken & Working Hours

• The entry permit process usually takes ~30 minutes or less at the Phuentsholing immigration office if documents are in order. Offbeat Explorers
  
  

• Immigration offices are generally open on working days; weekends and Bhutan public holidays may affect availability, especially for offices away from border/airport.