Bhutan entry requirements for Croatia 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
Croatian passport holders need an eVisa to visit Bhutan. The eVisa is mandatory for all tourism and business visits, and you must apply online before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires careful preparation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. Apply through the official Bhutan Tourism e-Permit portal at bhutan.travel/e-permit. The process requires a scanned passport, a passport-sized photo, and a confirmed itinerary — your tour operator usually handles this. Approval takes 5–7 working days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Croatian 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 Required for entry | Immigration officers at Paro Airport always ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Without one, you'll be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. Budget airlines also check this before letting you board. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator who arranges your hotels. Carry a printed copy of your hotel confirmations or the tour operator's itinerary — immigration may ask to see it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | You need to show you can cover your stay — the official minimum is $200 per person per day (including the Sustainable Development Fee). Carry a bank statement or credit card statement showing sufficient funds. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Bhutan does not offer visa on arrival for Croatian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this at check-in.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is non-refundable
The $100 USD per night SDF is paid upfront with your eVisa application. If your visa is rejected or you cancel, the SDF is not refunded. Only the visa fee ($40) is refundable.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa portal and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the visa fee (around $40 USD) and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) — currently $100 USD per night for tourists. Processing takes 3-5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print at least two copies — one for your carry-on, one in your luggage. You'll need to show this at check-in and upon arrival in Paro.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport (PBH)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, and first night hotel confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in. The queue is usually short — 10-20 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check if you're carrying anything dutiable. Then you're free to meet your driver or guide.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Croatia 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 stayUp to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)
Standard eVisa for tourism; must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €93)
Available for frequent visitors; requires justification.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostVaries; typically $50–$200 USD
Requires employer or educational institution sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeNon-refundable, paid online during application. | $40 USD (approx. €37) |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)Mandatory for all tourists, paid before arrival. | $100 USD per person per night (approx. €93) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Included in eVisa application. | $40 USD (approx. €37) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstay. | $50 USD per day (approx. €46) |
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
Croatia passport holders transiting through Bhutan's only international airport (Paro) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, all international flights to Paro are from a limited number of countries, and transit is rare.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Bhutan's high altitude (e.g., Paro at 2,250m, Thimphu at 2,350m) can cause symptoms; acclimatize gradually.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Present in lower-altitude areas; use insect repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low, mainly in southern border areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.
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
Kawajangsa, Thimphu, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and supporting documents.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit formalities; limited extension services.
Practical information for HR 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
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. You'll receive the approval by email.
The SDF is a daily fee for tourists, currently $100 USD per person per night. It's paid when you apply for the eVisa. Children and students get discounts.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave by the date on your approval. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a new visa from outside Bhutan.
Yes, independent travel is not allowed. You must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. They handle your itinerary, guide, and accommodation. The eVisa application requires a tour reference number.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport is invalid or your application is incomplete. You'll get a refund of the visa fee but not the SDF. Reapply with corrected info.
Yes, but you still need an eVisa. The same rules apply. The land border at Phuentsholing has immigration checks. Show your eVisa approval and passport.
The Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN) is the local currency, pegged 1:1 to the Indian rupee. Indian rupees are widely accepted. ATMs are available in Thimphu and Paro, but bring some USD or INR for small purchases.
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.