Bhutan Tour Specialist from Nepal

You are here: Home » Bhutan Info » Travel Requirements

Bhutan Travel Requirements

Visa

Other than Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals, all visitors to Bhutan require a visa; all visas are issued from Thimphu. Visas are only issued to tourists booked with a local licensed tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. Applications for tourist visas are submitted by the tour operator. Visa clearance from Thimphu must be obtained before arriving to Bhutan. Visa clearance takes at least 10 days to process. Air tickets to Bhutan cannot be purchased without visa clearance. At your point of entry the visa will be stamped in your passport on payment of US$20, two passport photos will also be required. Visas are issued for a 15day period; extensions can be obtained in Thimphu at a cost of (Bhutanese ngultrum)Nu.510.

Delayed Arrivals

There is no charge for delays in arrival and departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or road blocks. The tourist must however bear the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other services required.
Note: INR (Indian Rupees) denominations of 500 and 1000 are not accepted in Bhutan.

Rates

The Government of Bhutan sets minimum rates for all the travel packages to Bhutan which must be paid in US dollars before arrival. High Season Tariff  is US$ 250 per person per night

Your pre-payment includes the following facilities:

  • All internal taxes and charges (including the royalty)
  • Basic Accommodation
  • All Buffet Meals
  • A licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide
  • All Internal Mass Transport
  • Camping Equipment and shipping them

The rate given above is per tourist per night in Bhutan. The rates shall apply uniformly irrespective of locations and the type of accommodation provided/asked for. List of hotels and lodges approved for international tourist accommodation updated from time to time shall be issued by TCB.On the day of departure, your host’s obligation shall be limited to breakfast only. Other than that , all other payments shall be made by the traveler.

Note:The existing Low season discount for the months of January, June and July will be discontinued to promote Bhutan as an “All-year-round” destination. Also, the royalty for children below the age of 12 years will be waived off. These changes will be effective from 1st July 2011.

Surcharges

Individual tourists and smaller groups of less than three persons shall be subject to surcharge, over and above the minimum daily rates applicable, as follows: Single individual US$ 40 per night Group of 2 persons US$ 30 per person per night

 

Cancellations

Tour programmes booked and subsequently cancelled with be subjected to the following charges:

• within 30 days of start of programme ~ no charges
• within 21 days ~ 10% of rate
• within 14 days ~ 15% of rate
• within 7 days ~ 30% of rate
• less than 7 days or without notice ~ 50% of rate
• after arrival in Bhutan ~ 100%

 

Accommodation

There are many different types of accommodations available to visitors in Bhutan. There are hundreds of options available ranging from luxurious 5-star resorts to cozy little hotels and home-stays in traditional Bhutanese homes.

The types of accommodations can be divided into:

  1.  Hotels
  2. Resorts
  3. Farm-stays
  4. Home-stays