AB Travel

Travel Permit for Indians

Travel Permit for Indians

Travel permit for Indians can be applied through us. We will apply travel permit in advance for a small fees. It will save you time and you don’t have to wait in queue to apply for your permit on arrival. Permits are given at the entry points at the border town in Phuntsholing or at the Paro airport. Permit for Indians are not given by Bhutan embassies or consulates abroad  you will have to apply for permit through an agent in Bhutan, get it at the entry point or apply online yourself. 

travel permit for indians
fort in Thimphu

Documents required

  1. Original Indian Passport (with minimum six months validity) or Original Voter ID
    card;
    For children below 18 years, Original birth certificate (in English language) or
    passport, and must be accompanied by a legal guardian;
    02 passport size photographs are required.
  2. Travel insurance is optional. Its better to have one but not mandatory. 
Contact us for more details

Opening hours of immigration desk in Phuntsholing town

The immigration desk in the pedestrian terminal in Phuntsholing is open 24/7 so you can walk in anytime of the day. After formality check by the security agencies you will be allowed entry into Bhutan. For entry you have to carry your voter card or your passport in original. 

SDF payable for travel permit

Indians have to pay SDF (sustainable development fees) to get travel permit. The SDF payable to Bhutan Government is as follows:

  • All tourists above 12 years will have to pay INR1200/person per night stay in Bhutan
  • Children Between age 5 to 12 have to pay INR600/person per night stay in Bhutan
  • Children 5 years and below do not have to pay SDF to visit Bhutan but they must be accompanies by their legal guardian. 

No SDF for staying overnight in border town (Phuentsholing)

Phuntsholing is called as free zone and you do not have to pay SDF to stay overnight in Phuntsholing. You can enter the border town and stay in Bhutan as casual visitor. 

Tourist guide compulsory to get your travel permit from border town.

Without a Bhutan tourist guide you won’t be given travel permit. Your guide will assist you to apply travel permit. Guides usually charge INR2000/day.