Bhutan entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bahraini passport holders need an eVisa to visit Bhutan. You must apply online and receive approval before you travel. This applies for all purposes, including tourism. The process is straightforward if you have your documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bhutan e-Permit | Apply for your Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before travel. The e-Permit is linked to your passport and covers your entire stay. Processing takes 3–5 business days — apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bhutan. Airlines at departure check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave Bhutan, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Paro International Airport always ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Budget airlines flying into Bhutan also check this at check-in. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Bhutan requires all tourists to book accommodation through a licensed tour operator as part of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) package. Carry your hotel confirmation or tour itinerary — immigration may ask for it on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. The SDF is $100 USD per person per night — have evidence you can pay this. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
You cannot board your flight to Bhutan without an approved eVisa. Apply online at least a week before travel. The visa is linked to your passport number — double-check all details before submitting.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Bhutan, not your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa website and fill out the application form. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport-sized photo. Pay the visa fee (around $40 USD) by credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3-5 working days. You'll get an email with your approved eVisa attached as a PDF. Print a copy and save it on your phone.
3
Prepare your documents
Before you travel, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance if you have it. Keep everything in a folder you can grab quickly.
4
Arrive at Paro International Airport
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa. The officer will stamp you in. The process is usually quick — under 10 minutes if you have everything ready.
5
Enjoy your stay
You're free to travel within Bhutan. Keep your passport and eVisa copy with you at all times — some hotels or tour operators may ask to see them.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 7 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 15 BHD)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 7 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 22.5 BHD)
Allows multiple visits within validity; each stay limited to 30 days.
Long-stay visa (business/student)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 37.5 BHD)
Requires sponsorship from a Bhutanese entity or educational institution.
work visa
Work Permit Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 37.5 BHD) per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Bhutanese company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 2 years
~$50 USD (approx. 18.75 BHD) per year
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 75 BHD) per year
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a Bhutanese business. Requires business plan and approval from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeNon-refundable fee for standard eVisa application. | $40 USD (approx. 15 BHD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard single-entry eVisa for tourism. | $40 USD (approx. 15 BHD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple-entry eVisa for frequent travellers. | $60 USD (approx. 22.5 BHD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstay; no cap specified. | $10 USD (approx. 3.75 BHD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Bhutan
No transit visa needed
Transit visa is not required for Bahrain holders transiting through Bhutan's international airports, provided they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for India, Bangladesh, or Nepal may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsParo International Airport (PBH)
Health & vaccines for Bhutan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedInfluenzaConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Bhutan's high altitude (e.g., Paro at 2,250m) can cause altitude sickness; acclimatize gradually.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea from contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of dengue and malaria, especially in lower elevations; use insect repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low, mainly in southern border areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Thimphu
Department of Immigration, Bhutan
Thimphu, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Convenient for airport arrivals; limited services.
Practical information for BH travellers
Country basics
CapitalThimphu
LanguageDzongkha
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to one year, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBhutanese ngultrum (BTN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.78 BTN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+6
vs New York+11h
vs Los Angeles+14h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,GTypes C (Europlug), D (old British), and G (British three-pin) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 3-5 working days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email.
The eVisa fee is around $40 USD, payable by credit card during the online application. There are no additional charges at the airport.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, you need a confirmed onward ticket — either a return flight to Bahrain or a ticket to your next destination. Immigration will ask for proof.
You must renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is calculated from your date of entry into Bhutan, not your departure date.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at Paro International Airport and all land border crossings. Just present your eVisa and passport at the checkpoint.
For independent travellers, no — the eVisa allows you to travel freely. However, some areas (like trekking routes) may require a licensed guide. Check with your hotel or a local tour operator.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.