Bhutan entry requirements for Israel passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Israeli passport holders must get an eVisa to enter Bhutan. The online application is straightforward, and approval usually takes a few days. Plan ahead — you need the visa confirmed before you can board your flight.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bhutan e-Permit | You need a Bhutan e-Permit (visa) before travel. Apply at bhutan.travel/e-permit at least 5 working days before departure. The e-Permit costs $40 USD plus a $65 USD Sustainable Development Fee per night — pay online with a credit card.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Israeli passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure 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 at Paro Airport will ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they check this every time. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Bhutan requires all tourists to book accommodation through a licensed tour operator. Have your hotel confirmation or tour itinerary ready — immigration may ask to see it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry proof of sufficient funds — at least $200 USD per day to cover the Sustainable Development Fee and expenses. A bank statement or credit card works. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Bhutan does not offer visa on arrival for Israeli passport holders. You must have your eVisa approved before you board your flight. Plan ahead and apply at least a week in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Bhutan, not from when you leave. If it 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. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the visa fee (around $40 USD) and submit. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Bhutan.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
After landing at Paro Airport (the only international airport in Bhutan), proceed to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp you in — expect a quick process if your documents are in order.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check unless you're carrying restricted items. You're free to start your trip.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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. 150 ILS)
Standard option for most visitors.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 7 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$80 USD (approx. 300 ILS)
For travelers planning multiple visits.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries, typically $100–200 USD
Requires employer sponsorship and government approval.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries, typically $50–100 USD
Requires admission to a recognized institution.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$100–200 USD per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Bhutanese company or organization. Requires employer sponsorship and government approval. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$50–100 USD 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
Varies, typically $500–1000 USD
For individuals investing in Bhutanese businesses or projects. Requires proof of investment and government approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeBhutan eVisa is processed through a licensed tour operator; the fee is typically bundled with the tour cost. | $40 USD (included in tour package) |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)Mandatory daily fee for all tourists, paid in advance as part of the tour package. | $100 USD per person per night |
| Tourist visa single entryStandard eVisa for single entry, valid for the duration of the tour. | $40 USD (included in tour package) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay is not permitted; fines are imposed and may lead to deportation. | $50 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Israel passport holders transiting through Bhutan's airports (e.g., Paro) do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, due to limited international flights, most transits require passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for India or Bangladesh may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Bhutan's high altitude (e.g., Paro at 2,250m, Thimphu at 2,350m) can cause acute mountain sickness; acclimatize gradually.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of dengue and malaria, mainly in southern lowlands; use insect repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in southern districts (e.g., Samtse, Sarpang) during monsoon season; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travelers.
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.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit formalities and some extensions.
Practical information for IL 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
Yes, you need an eVisa. You cannot get a visa on arrival. Apply online before your trip, and make sure you have the approval before you fly.
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. The fee is around $40 USD.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months from entry), the eVisa approval (printed or on phone), a return or onward ticket, and proof of your first night's accommodation.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave by the date stamped in your passport. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
It's not strictly required at immigration, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Bhutan can be high, and insurance covers emergencies and trip cancellations.
You may be denied entry. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight booking ready.
Yes, eSIMs from providers like Airalo work in Bhutan. They activate as soon as you land, so you don't need to queue at the airport for a physical SIM.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.