Bhutan entry requirements for Italy passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application e-Permit required for all foreign visitors | Apply for your Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before travel. You need a confirmed tour booking with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator — independent travel is not allowed. The e-Permit costs $40 USD per person per day (peak season) or $40 USD low season, plus a $65 USD visa fee.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Bhutan | Your Italian passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from your departure date from Bhutan. Airlines at check-in in Europe will enforce this strictly — they won't let you board without it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel required | Immigration at Paro Airport will ask to see your return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they don't always accept digital versions on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Tour operator handles all bookings | Your licensed tour operator arranges all hotels and transport as part of the mandatory tour package. Immigration may ask for your tour itinerary at entry — carry a printed copy from your operator. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Minimum daily spend enforced via tour package | Bhutan enforces a minimum daily package rate of $100 USD per person per night (low season) or $120 USD (peak season), which covers accommodation, meals, transport, and a guide. Your tour operator confirms this — you don't need to show cash at the border. | 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 May 15, 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 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 fee. | $40 USD (approx. €37) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; 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 = 95.82 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
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 May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.