Bhutan entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
As an Ivory Coast passport holder, you need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. The online system is mandatory for all tourists — apply and get approval before you travel. As of 2026, processing takes a few business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bhutan e-Permit before travel | Apply for a Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit at least 5 working days before your trip. You need a scanned passport photo, passport data page, and a confirmed tour itinerary from a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. The permit costs $40 USD plus a $65 USD Sustainable Development Fee per day.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your departure date from Bhutan. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Paro Airport always ask for a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Tour booking confirmation | Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator — your hotel and itinerary are part of that package. Carry a printed copy of your tour confirmation showing your daily schedule and accommodation details. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Not formally required but carry evidence | Bhutan does not set a minimum cash threshold, but immigration may ask how you will cover the $200–$250 USD daily Sustainable Development Fee and tour costs. Carry a credit card or bank statement showing sufficient funds. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no exceptions
You cannot enter Bhutan without an approved eVisa. There is no visa-on-arrival for Ivory Coast passport holders. Apply at least a week before your trip.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in Bhutan, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa website and complete the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the visa fee (around $40 USD) and processing takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive an approval letter by email — print it or save it on your phone.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave, gather: your eVisa approval letter, passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, first-night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone and printed backups in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
Most visitors fly into Paro (PBH). At immigration, present your passport and eVisa approval letter. The officer will stamp you in — no additional forms needed. The whole process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
4
Show your return ticket and accommodation
Immigration may ask to see your return ticket and first-night hotel booking. Have them ready on your phone or printed. If you have travel insurance, keep the policy number handy.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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
Cost$40 USD
Standard option for tourism. Must apply at Bhutanese embassy.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$100 USD
For frequent visitors. Requires supporting documents.
Work Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.
work visa
Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies
For those with a job offer in Bhutan. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
Varies
For enrollment in a Bhutanese educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies
For those investing in Bhutan. Minimum investment amount required. Allows long-term stay and business activities.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Tourist)Mandatory for all Ivory Coast passport holders. Apply online before travel. | $40 USD |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)Mandatory for all tourists. Covers tourism infrastructure and sustainability. | $100 USD per person per night |
| Stay ExtensioneVisa cannot be extended. Must leave and reapply. | Not available for eVisa |
| Overstay FineCharged for each day overstayed. Pay at immigration before departure. | ~$50 USD 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 Ivory Coast passport holders transiting through Bhutan if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsParo International Airport (PBH)
Health & vaccines for Bhutan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanusRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude SicknessModerate risk
Bhutan has high altitudes; acclimatize properly.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Drink bottled or boiled water; eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne DiseasesLow risk
Low risk in most areas; use repellent in lower regions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in southern border areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended.
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
Kawajangsa, Thimphu
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit and basic inquiries.
Practical information for CI 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 = 95.2 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 business days. Apply at least a week before your travel date to be safe. You'll receive an approval letter by email.
The eVisa fee is around $40 USD. You pay online during the application. There may be additional processing fees depending on the portal.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
If you're transiting through Paro Airport and not leaving the transit area, you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a visa for any stopover.
You'll be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your entry date, not your departure.
No. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Ivory Coast passport holders.
Contact your embassy or consulate immediately. For the eVisa, you can re-download the approval letter from the portal if you have your application number. Keep a digital copy on your phone and email it to yourself.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.