Bhutan entry requirements for Iceland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Icelandic passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. Apply online before you travel; approval is mandatory. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires planning.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bhutan e-Permit | All foreign visitors need a Bhutan e-Permit before arrival. Apply at bhutan.travel/e-permit at least 5 working days before travel. You'll need a scanned passport photo and flight itinerary — the system emails you a PDF permit within 3–5 days.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Icelandic passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bhutan. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Bhutan immigration, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Paro Airport checks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. If you're flying out to another country, a printed itinerary showing your departure flight works. Budget airlines flying into Paro also enforce this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator who arranges hotels and guides. Carry your tour confirmation or hotel booking voucher — immigration may ask for it on arrival, especially if you're not on a pre-arranged package. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | No set minimum amount is published, but having access to at least $200 USD per day (the official minimum daily package rate) in cash or card statements helps. ATMs are scarce outside Thimphu and Paro. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no exceptions
You cannot enter Bhutan without a pre-approved eVisa. Apply at least 3 weeks in advance. There is no visa on arrival for Icelandic passport holders.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Bhutan, not from your departure date. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa website and fill out the application. Upload your passport scan and photo. Pay the fee (if any) and wait for approval. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and your first night's accommodation. Keep confirmation emails or screenshots handy.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
At Paro Airport, proceed to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from baggage claim. You're free to enter Bhutan.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. 5,200 BTN)
Standard eVisa for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. 10,400 BTN)
For multiple visits; each stay limited to 30 days.
Long-stay visa (business)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 19,500 BTN)
Requires invitation from Bhutanese company.
work visa
Work Permit Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year (approx. 26,000 BTN)
For foreign nationals employed by a Bhutanese company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$100 USD per year (approx. 13,000 BTN)
For enrollment 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 (approx. 65,000 BTN)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a Bhutanese business. Requires business plan and approval from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeNon-refundable, paid online during application. | $40 USD (approx. 5,300 ISK) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry, valid for stay as per visa. | $40 USD (approx. 5,300 ISK) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Bhutan does not offer multiple-entry tourist eVisa. | Not available for standard tourist eVisa |
| Stay extension feeeVisa is not extendable; must leave and reapply. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are determined by immigration on a case-by-case basis. | Not specified |
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
Iceland 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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Many areas are above 2,500m; acclimatize gradually and consider medication.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk at high altitudes; use repellent in lower regions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in southern border areas below 1,700m; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit and some extension requests.
Practical information for IS 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 = 96.38 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. You cannot get a visa on arrival.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
You'll need a scan of your passport (valid 6+ months from entry), a passport-sized photo, and details of your flights and first night accommodation.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires.
Not always required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa on arrival for Icelandic passport holders.
Yes, you must have a booked return or onward ticket. Immigration may ask to see it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.