Ways to Get into Bhutan: Your Complete Travel Guide
If you’re considering a journey to this extraordinary kingdom, understanding the ways to get into Bhutan is essential. The tiny country, Bhutan is largely isolated from the rest of the world until the early 1960`s. During those days, entering the country was difficult as it was covered by thick dense forest and jungle in the south, and difficult terrain and high frozen mountain passes in the north, which it made difficult to pass as it was only accessible by foot. The main entry and exit points were through Tibet from the North, and plains of Assam and West Bengal from the South.
However, the 1st five-year plan was started with carefully planned economic development with the much accessible to get into Bhutan through motorable roads, and also one international airport in the western part of the country. Later, multiple domestic airports have been established in the east, south and central. In this guide, we’ll cover all the routes, entry points, and requirements to make your entry into Bhutan as smooth as possible.
Entry Requirements for Getting into Bhutan
All visitors require a visa to get into Bhutan in advance, except citizens from India, Bangladesh, and Maldives.
Visa Application
- Tourist Visa: All tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) need a visa to enter Bhutan.
- Visa on Arrival: Travelers from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives can obtain a visa on arrival with a valid passport.
- Documents Required: For a visa application, you’ll need a passport valid for at least 6 months, passport-sized photographs, and details of your booked tour.
- Visa Fees: Bhutan has a unique daily fee structure for tourists called the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which contributes to Bhutan’s sustainability initiatives. The SDF is currently set at US $100 per night per person, in addition to the visa fee of US $40.
Ways to Get into Bhutan by Air
One of the most popular ways to get into Bhutan is by air, with Paro International Airport serving as the primary entry point for international tourists. However, we also have domestic flights within a country; Bathbalathang in the Central, Yonphula in the East, and Gelephu in the South.
Flying into Paro International Airport
Paro International Airport is Bhutan’s sole international airport and is surrounded by breathtaking mountains. Known for its dramatic and scenic landing, only a few pilots are certified to navigate this challenging approach. Flights to Paro offer stunning views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga, making the journey itself a memorable experience.
Airlines That Fly to Bhutan
As of now, we only have two airlines operating flights into Bhutan: Drukair (Bhutan’s national carrier) and Bhutan Airlines. As Bhutan’s national carrier, Drukair offers a gateway to the world, with seamless connections from Paro International Airport to 10 international destinations and 3 domestic routes. Likewise, Bhutan Airlines connects with 4 international destinations.
- India (Delhi, Calcutta, Bagdogra, Both Gaya, & Guwahati): Delhi offers frequent flights to Paro, making it a convenient gateway for travellers from around the world.
- Kathmandu, Nepal: The Kathmandu-Paro route is known for its spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas.
- Bangkok, Thailand: Bangkok serves as a major Southeast Asian connection to Bhutan, with regular flights from Paro.
- Dhaka, Bangladesh: Drukair operates 2 times a week to and from Dhaka, i.e., Monday & Thursday.
- Singapore: Drukair operates 2 times a week to and from Singapore, i.e., Thursday & Sunday.
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Drukair operates 2 times a week to and from Dubai, i.e., Tuesday & Saturday.
Booking flights in advance is highly recommended due to limited seats and high demand, especially during peak seasons (spring & autumn).
Ways to Get into Bhutan via Road
For travellers who prefer an overland adventure, Bhutan can also be reached by road from India. There are 3 main entry points for overland travel, each offering unique access to different regions of Bhutan.
Entry Points for Overland Travel
- Phuentsholing: Located in the southwestern Bhutan. Phuentsholing is the most common overland entry point, connecting Bhutan with the Indian state of West Bengal. It’s a popular choice due to its accessibility from cities like Kolkata and Bagdogra, which is around 170 km drive.
- Samdrup Jongkhar: Located in the south-eastern Bhutan, and connects with the Indian state of Assam. It is located 101 km away from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam and takes approximately 3 hours. Therefore, it’s ideal for those planning to explore eastern Bhutan and provides a less crowded entry experience.
- Gelephu: Situated in south-central Bhutan, Gelephu offers access to central Bhutan and connects to the Indian state of Assam. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a quieter entry route and easy access to Bhutan’s central regions.
Requirements for Overland Entry
- Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian Nationals: Indian citizens can enter with a passport or Voter ID card, while Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals can apply for a visa on arrival.
- Other Nationalities: All other tourists must obtain a Bhutan visa in advance, as well as special permits for travelling to restricted areas beyond the entry point.
- Permit Applications: For overland travel, permits are checked at each border point and within Bhutan’s regional checkpoints.