What to Bring
The Bhutanese visa process may appear complicated, but is actually quite straight forward. Since Bhutan has very few embassies abroad, the visa is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within Bhutan. You must apply in advance through a tour operator such as Aaro Bhutan and receive confirmation that your application has been approved before you travel to Bhutan.
You can download the form and, once completed, fax or e-mail it to Aaro Bhutan. There is no need to send the pictures or sign the visa application at this time.
The process takes a little more time than a normal visa application so it is advisable to apply early. Once you have completed the form, Aaro Bhutan submits your application first to the Tourism Council of Bhutuan (TCB) and then to the Foreign Ministry, both based in Thimphu. The visa is not issued until the TCB has checked that the full tour payment has been received into its bank account.
The confirmation and reference number is then sent to Aaro Bhutan and a copy will be sent to you. This is then shown by you at the check-in desk for Druk Air. Without this document you cannot board the Druk Air flight so it is very important to keep it with your passport.
The actual visa is stamped on the passport upon arrival in the country, either at Paro airport or (if entering by road) at Phuentsholing. It is at that time that you present a passport photo with your passport number written on the back and pay the visa fee, directly to the immigration officers at the port of entry.
The present rate is US$20 cash. Please prepare the cash before departing for Bhutan. Please note that the visa is issued for the exact number of days and the exact dates for which you have booked. A visa extension can be arranged once in Bhutan, if circumstances arise requiring an extension. Members of groups are expected to arrive and depart together.
Aaro Bhutan does not charge any fees for Visa processing.