Bhutan entry requirements for Kenya 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
Kenyan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. Apply and receive approval before your flight. At Paro International Airport, present your eVisa, passport, and onward ticket. This rule applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit. You need a confirmed tour booking with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator — independent travel is not allowed. Processing takes 5–7 working days, and you pay the Sustainable Development Fee ($100 USD per night) as part of the application.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Kenyan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Bhutan. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Paro Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Bhutan does not allow visa-free exit — you must have a flight booked out of the country. If you arrive without one, expect to buy a ticket at the airport counter before clearing immigration. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Tour operator handles this | Your licensed Bhutanese tour operator arranges all accommodation as part of your package. You do not need to book hotels separately — the e-Permit application includes your full itinerary. Print the confirmation from your operator and carry it with your passport. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sustainable Development Fee covers costs | The $100 USD per night Sustainable Development Fee is paid upfront during the e-Permit application. You do not need to show bank statements or cash at the border — the fee receipt serves as proof of financial means. Carry a credit card for any personal expenses. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Kenyan passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport. Apply for and receive an eVisa before flying to Bhutan. Start the process at least 2 weeks before your departure.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Bhutan, not from your departure date. Double-check before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa portal and fill out the application. Upload a digital passport photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Pay the visa fee (if any) and submit. Processing typically takes a few business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an eVisa document via email. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
After landing, proceed to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya 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 stayUp to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. 5,200 KES)
Standard eVisa; 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$60 USD (approx. 7,800 KES)
Available for frequent travellers; requires justification.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries; typically $100–$200 USD (approx. 13,000–26,000 KES)
Requires a job offer from a Bhutanese employer and government approval.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostVaries; typically $50–$100 USD (approx. 6,500–13,000 KES)
Requires admission to a recognized educational institution in Bhutan.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$100–$200 USD (approx. 13,000–26,000 KES)
For foreign nationals employed by a Bhutanese company. Requires employer sponsorship and government approval. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 1 year renewable
~$50–$100 USD (approx. 6,500–13,000 KES)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
Varies; typically $500–$1,000 USD (approx. 65,000–130,000 KES)
For individuals investing in Bhutan's economy. Requires proof of investment and government approval. Limited availability.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeNon-refundable, paid online during application. | $40 USD (approx. 5,200 KES) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry, valid for stay up to 90 days. | $40 USD (approx. 5,200 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within visa validity. | $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES). | $10 USD (approx. 1,300 KES) per day |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible for up to 30 days, subject to approval. | $30 USD (approx. 3,900 KES) per extension |
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
Kenya passport holders transiting through Paro International Airport do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, most transit scenarios involve entering Bhutan due to limited international connections.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to clear immigration (e.g., to change airports or due to overnight layover), you must obtain an eVisa in advance.
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)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Bhutan's high altitude (e.g., Paro at 2,250m, Thimphu at 2,320m) can cause altitude sickness; ascend gradually and stay hydrated.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk in most areas, but dengue and chikungunya occur in southern lowlands; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Bhutan, mainly in southern districts below 1,700m. Prophylaxis is not routinely recommended for most travellers, but consider if visiting remote southern 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
Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and supporting documents.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit and some visa issues; limited services.
Practical information for KE 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 must apply and receive approval before you travel. There is no visa on arrival for Kenyan citizens.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your trip to avoid delays. There is no official rush service.
The eVisa fee is typically $40 USD, but check the official Bhutan eVisa portal for the current fee at the time of application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. For a longer stay, apply for a different visa type before travel.
Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Immigration will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date.
No official requirement to show proof of funds at immigration. However, carrying a credit card or some cash is practical for your stay.
Not for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Bhutan can be high, and insurance can cover unexpected hospital stays or evacuation.
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.