Bhutan entry requirements for Italy passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Italian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan in 2026. The eVisa is processed online before travel and is linked to a mandatory daily tariff that covers accommodation, meals, and a guide. Plan ahead — the process takes at least a few working days.
Apply for Bhutan eVisaVisa only through licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application e-Permit for tourism | Apply for the Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before you fly. The eVisa is linked to your passport and costs $40 USD plus a $65 USD daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). Approval usually takes 3–5 business days — do not book flights until you have the permit.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Italian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bhutan. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Bhutan immigration, but your airline may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Paro Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they check this at the counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking confirmation | Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator or a registered hotel. Have your hotel voucher or tour itinerary ready — immigration may ask to see it on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Daily SDF and expenses | You need to show you can cover the $65 USD daily Sustainable Development Fee plus accommodation and meals. A bank statement or credit card with available limit works — immigration rarely asks, but tour operators may request proof before issuing the permit. | Recommended |
Daily tariff covers everything
The daily tariff ($200 peak / $150 low season) includes accommodation, all meals, a licensed guide, and internal transport. You don't need to book hotels separately — your tour operator handles it.
No visa on arrival
Bhutan does not offer visa on arrival for Italian passport holders. You must have your eVisa approved before you travel. Airlines will check it at check-in.
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 first night accommodation. Pay the visa fee (around $40 USD) and the daily tariff deposit. Processing takes 3–5 working days.
2
Receive eVisa approval letter
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa approval letter. Print it out and keep it with your passport. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Bhutan.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
After landing at Paro, head to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa approval letter, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
4
Pay remaining daily tariff (if applicable)
If you haven't paid the full daily tariff upfront, you'll settle the balance with your tour operator or at the Tourism Council of Bhutan office. This covers accommodation, meals, and a licensed guide for your entire stay.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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. €37)
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. €74)
For travelers planning multiple visits within 6 months.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeNon-refundable, paid online before travel. | $40 USD (approx. €37) |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)Mandatory for all tourists, paid via tour operator. | $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 mentioned; avoid overstay. | $50 USD per day (approx. €46) |
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
Italy holders transiting through Bhutan's airports (e.g., Paro) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Common in high-altitude areas like Paro and Thimphu; acclimatize gradually.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of dengue and malaria; use repellent in rural areas.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist 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.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit formalities and basic inquiries.
Practical information for IT 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 = 95.79 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
Typically 3–5 working days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Processing can be slower during peak season (March–May, September–November).
The daily tariff is a mandatory fee that covers accommodation, meals, and a licensed guide. As of 2026, it's $200 USD per person per night during peak season and $150 USD per person per night during low season. This is paid as part of your eVisa application.
Extensions are not possible for eVisa holders. You must leave by the date on your approval letter. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes. All tourists in Bhutan must be accompanied by a licensed guide for the duration of their stay. This is included in the daily tariff.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application is incomplete or your passport doesn't meet validity requirements. You'll get a refund of the visa fee (minus processing charges). You can reapply after fixing the issue.
Yes, but only via the Phuentsholing border crossing from India. You still need an eVisa. The process is the same — apply online and get approval before arriving at the border.
Not strictly required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars, and local hospitals may require upfront payment. Most travel insurance policies cover this.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.