Bhutan entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Chinese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. You must arrange it before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. All applications go through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator as part of a pre-booked tour package. This rule applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Bhutan e-Permit | Apply for the Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before travel. This is not a visa sticker — it's a digital permit linked to your passport. Processing takes 3–5 business days; upload a clear passport scan and a passport-sized photo.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Bhutan. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Paro Airport asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. They want to see you're leaving Bhutan within the permitted stay. A flight booking or bus ticket out works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or tour confirmation | Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator or have confirmed hotel reservations. Have your hotel voucher or tour itinerary printed — immigration may ask to see it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Daily minimum spend | Bhutan enforces a minimum daily package of $200–$250 per person (depending on season) for tourists. Carry proof of payment or a bank statement showing you can cover this — though it's rarely checked at the border. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Chinese passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Bhutan. You must have an eVisa approved before you travel. The application is handled by your tour operator — do not book flights until the visa is confirmed.
Tour package mandatory
Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator. This includes the eVisa, accommodation, and itinerary. You cannot visit independently. The tour operator handles the visa process for you.
What happens at the border
1
Book a tour package with a licensed operator
Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator. The operator handles your eVisa application, accommodation, and itinerary. You cannot apply for a visa independently.
2
Tour operator submits eVisa application
Your tour operator submits the eVisa application on your behalf. Processing typically takes 3–5 working days. You will receive the eVisa approval via email.
3
Print or save eVisa approval
Once approved, print a copy of the eVisa and also save it on your phone. You will need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Bhutan.
4
Arrive at Paro International Airport
Most visitors fly into Paro International Airport. At immigration, present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport and you are free to enter.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year, renewable annually
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$500 USD (approx. $500 USD)
For long-term stays, requires sponsorship or investment.
work visa
Work Permit Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Bhutanese company. Requires a job offer and sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
~$100 USD per year
For students enrolled in recognized educational institutions in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD per year
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Bhutan. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry eVisa for tourism. | $40 USD (approx. $40 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries, valid for up to 90 days. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFor extending stay beyond the initial visa period, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying the visa validity, capped at $200 USD. | $10 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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 China holders transiting through Bhutan if staying airside and not passing through 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Bhutan's high altitude areas can cause altitude sickness; acclimatize gradually.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of dengue and malaria, but present in lower elevations.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk 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, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs
Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit and visa issues for arriving travellers.
Practical information for CN 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 = 96.82 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
No. There is no visa on arrival for Chinese passport holders. You must have an eVisa approved before you travel, arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Processing usually takes 3–5 working days. Your tour operator submits the application and will notify you once approved. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
Yes. Bhutan requires all tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) to book through a licensed tour operator. The eVisa is tied to your tour package. You cannot apply independently.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport validity is insufficient or your tour package is incomplete. Your tour operator will inform you and help resolve the issue. You may need to reapply with corrected details.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave Bhutan by the date specified in your visa. If you need more time, you must arrange a new tour package and visa before your current visa expires.
Yes. Immigration officers may ask to see your return or onward ticket. A confirmed booking is required. Keep a screenshot or printed copy handy.
It is not strictly mandatory for visa approval, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Bhutan can be high, and insurance covers emergencies. Some tour operators may require it as part of their package.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.