Bhutan, a mysterious land-locked country in Asia and my 137th Country. It is between power countries like China and India, tiny compared to them, but it will make your eyes wide with awe when you get to visit. Get to see the amazing Tiger’s Nest Temple and ancient monasteries.

Though it’s secluded, it’s not left behind the world; with fast internet, modern cars and amazing 5-star hotels. It also has well preserved its culture (from the practices, outfits to buildings and Museums). The people are welcoming and friendly as well, we got to wear their traditional costumes too!

Bhutan is a dream come true. It’s so enchanting and otherworldly, you definitely feel you are somewhere secret and magical. Getting a Bhutan Tourist Visa is also quite easy. We will teach you the steps to going to one of the happiest countries in the world:

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Quick Facts About The Bhutan Tourist Visa

Validity: short stay for up to 15 days

Number of Entries: Single

Processing Time: 2 Weeks

How and Where to Apply: Online via Licensed Bhutanese Tour Operator
Contact Number: +975-2-323251 (Tourism Council of Bhutan)
Email Address: info@tourism.gov.bt

Exceptions:

Of all countries in the world, Citizens of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives can get a permit at the Port of Entry while other citizens need a visa

Bhutan Tourist Visa Requirements

1. Valid Passport (valid for at least 6 months)

2. Licensed Bhutan Tour Operator. Here is a comprehensive list as per the Bhutan Website. For our tour, we chose Aiming Bhutan Tours.

3. Tour Package Payment

For a minimum of 3 persons, package costs:

January, February, June, July, August, and December - USD 200 per person per night
March, April, May, September, October, November - USD 250 per person per night
A surcharge of USD 40 per night for a Single person and USD 30 per person per night if you are only 2.

Do not worry as the package includes:

A 3-star accommodation (additional payment if ever you will go to a ⅘ star hotel)
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
Transportation
Equipment and haulage for trekking tours
Sustainable Development Fee - USD 65

4. Visa Fee of USD 40

Step-by-Step Guide on getting a Bhutan Tourist Visa

Getting a visa for Bhutan is relatively easy and can be done in 5 easy steps.

STEP 1: Choose a licensed BhutanTour Operator for your trip to Bhutan.

STEP 2: Contact the Tour Operator and work out on your itinerary. From there, your tour fee will be computed including your Visa Fee.

STEP 3: Wire your payment to the Tourism Council of Bhutan (Bhutan National Bank). Follow the instructions of the Tour Operator. After payment, send your receipt to the Tour Operator.

STEP 4: After receiving your receipt of payment, Tour Operator will ask for a copy of your passport; it must be clear and colored.

STEP 5: Wait for a copy of your visa or a visa clearance letter that is sent by the Tour Operator to your e-mail. You need to print the copy for you to be cleared in the immigration to go to Bhutan as well as purchase a ticket.

STEP 6: Get your visa when you arrive in Bhutan, it will be stamped in your passport.

FAQS in Applying for Bhutan Tourist Visa

1. How much is the visa fee?

The visa fee is USD 40.

2. Where do I pay?

You will wire the payment to the Tourism Council’s Bank Account.

3. Is personal appearance mandatory?

No, the visa application is done online through a licensed Tour Operator.

4. Where shall I claim my approved visa?

Claim it when you arrive in Bhutan.

5. I saw a tour that is cheaper online, less than a stated amount. Can I book through there?

Amount stated here USD 250/200 is what the Tourism Council has started to be the fee for tours, Tour Operator you saw might not be licensed.

6. Where can I see the official list of Tour Operators?

Here is a comprehensive list as per the Bhutan Website.

7. My tour operator wants me to pay directly to them, is that okay?

No, the tour operator might not be legit or licensed. All payments are done through the Tourism Council of Bhutan (Bhutan National Bank account), they transfer payment to the operator once the tour is done.

FAQS about Bhutan

1. What is the language in Bhutan?

Dzongkha or Bhutanese is the National Language in Bhutan, however, English is widely spoken as it is the medium of instruction in schools as well as signs are both in English and Dzongkha.

2. What is the currency in Bhutan?

Ngultrum is used in Bhutan; 1 BTN is 0.70 PHP.

3. When to visit Bhutan?

March to May, spring season, you may witness flowers and plants blooming as well as summertime as they are in full bloom. Autumn (September to November) has a gold landscape as leaves turn color. Winter is a bit chilly in Bhutan, however, you can see the Himalayas covered in snow.

4. Is Bhutan safe?

Bhutan is very safe for tourists; no scams, begging, or thieves. The problem will be climbing or altitude; so better if you have your travel insurance in case of emergencies.

5. How to get to Bhutan?

From the Philippines, you can go to Bhutan by air via Bangkok or Singapore into Paro International Airport.

Those are the steps and requirements for getting a Bhutan Tourist Visa, quite easy right? No need for Bank Certificates or Airline tickets; just your passport and payment. Bhutan is really a hidden gem and you won’t regret going there. For Philippine Passport Holders as well as those who want to go to Bhutan, this guide.