Bhutan entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
German passport holders need an eVisa to visit Bhutan. Apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options. The eVisa covers tourism and short visits. You'll show it along with your passport when you land at Paro International Airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bhutan e-Permit | You need an e-Permit (eVisa) to enter Bhutan. Apply at bhutan.travel/e-permit at least 5 working days before travel. The fee is $40 USD per person per day (minimum $200 USD) — this covers your visa, accommodation, guide, and meals as part of the mandatory Sustainable Development Fee.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your German passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bhutan. No minimum validity beyond departure is required, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Paro Airport strictly check for a confirmed return or onward flight. Have your printed or digital ticket ready — they will deny boarding if you don't have one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Your e-Permit is tied to a pre-booked tour package that includes accommodation. Carry the hotel confirmation from your licensed Bhutanese tour operator — immigration may ask for it on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $200 USD per day in cash or a card to cover the mandatory daily fee. Immigration rarely asks for proof, but having it avoids delays if questioned. | Recommended |
eVisa is your only option
There is no visa-on-arrival for German citizens. You must have your eVisa approved before you board your flight to Bhutan. Print a copy or save it offline on your phone.
Paro airport is small and efficient
Immigration at Paro International Airport is usually quick — expect 10–15 minutes. Have your passport, eVisa, and return ticket ready. The staff are friendly and used to tourists.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa website and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the visa fee (typically $40–$50 USD) and submit. Approval usually comes within 3–5 business days via email.
2
Prepare your documents
Print or save digital copies of your eVisa approval, passport, return ticket, and first-night hotel booking. Keep them in a folder or on your phone for easy access at the airport.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
When you land at Paro, head to immigration. Present your passport and eVisa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel confirmation. The process is straightforward — expect a short queue of 10–15 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs checkpoint but it's usually quick for tourists. Then you're free to meet your driver or head to your hotel.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry) – embassy
Max stay30 days, extendable 7 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)
Apply at Bhutanese embassy; requires confirmed tour itinerary.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. €92) per year
For those with a job offer from a Bhutanese employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable
$50 USD (approx. €46) per year
For enrollment in recognized educational institutions in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. €184) per year
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a Bhutanese business. Requires business plan and approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for German passport holders applying online. | $40 USD (approx. €37) |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per dayMandatory fee for all international tourists, paid in advance. | $100 USD per person per night (approx. €92) |
| Tourist visa (single entry) – if applying via embassyAlternative to eVisa, processed at Bhutanese embassy. | $40 USD (approx. €37) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple entry visas are not typically issued for tourism. | Not available for standard tourists |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the authorized stay. | $10 USD per day (approx. €9) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | $500 USD (approx. €460) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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
German passport holders transiting through Paro International Airport do not need a transit visa 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Many areas are above 2,500m; acclimatize gradually and consider medication.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Drink bottled or boiled water; avoid street food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Risk is low but present in lower-altitude areas; use repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for remote southern regions.
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 formalities and basic inquiries.
Practical information for DE 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 = 95.67 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
Yes, you need an eVisa. Apply online before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival for German passport holders.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The eVisa fee varies — check the official portal for current rates. It's typically around $40–$50 USD, but can change.
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.
Your eVisa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, you need a confirmed onward ticket out of Bhutan. It can be a flight to another country, not necessarily back to Germany.
Not officially required for the visa, but strongly recommended. Medical costs are high, and insurance covers emergencies and trip cancellations.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.