Bhutan entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Laos passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. The eVisa is for tourism and must be obtained before travel. This rule applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bhutan e-Permit | Apply for your Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before you travel. The eVisa is required for all Lao passport holders. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Bhutan. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Paro Airport will ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Bhutan does not allow entry without proof of departure — no exceptions. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or tour itinerary | Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator or have a confirmed hotel reservation. Have your booking confirmation or tour itinerary printed and ready to show at immigration. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Minimum $200 per day | Bhutan mandates a minimum daily spend of $200 per person (including accommodation, meals, and guide). Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover this amount. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no exceptions
Laos passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Bhutan. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Airlines will check this at check-in.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in Bhutan, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Submit your eVisa application through the official Bhutan eVisa portal. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Processing usually takes a few business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an eVisa confirmation via email. Print a copy or save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
At Paro Airport, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer may ask about your accommodation. The process is straightforward.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There are no additional checks for most tourists. You're free to start your trip.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 3,500 BTN)
Standard eVisa for tourism; must have confirmed accommodation and return ticket.
Group tourist visa
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD per person (approx. 3,500 BTN)
For groups of 3 or more; requires a licensed tour operator in Bhutan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeNon-refundable, paid online during application. | $40 USD (approx. 3,500 BTN) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry eVisa. | $40 USD (approx. 3,500 BTN) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple entry visas are not offered for this visa type. | Not available for eVisa |
| Stay extension feeeVisa is not extendable; must leave and reapply. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | Approx. $10 USD per day (approx. 850 BTN) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Laos passport holders transiting through Bhutan's airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for India, Bangladesh, or Maldives 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Bhutan's high altitude (e.g., Paro at 2,250m) can cause altitude sickness; ascend gradually and stay hydrated.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrhea and other infections from contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Dengue and chikungunya occur in lowland areas; use insect repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended but consider for rural lowland 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-related inquiries; bring all original documents.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry and exit procedures; limited extension services.
Practical information for LA 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
No. There is no visa on arrival for Laos passport holders. You must get an eVisa before you travel.
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your planned departure to be safe.
The eVisa fee is not fixed in the database, but expect to pay around USD 40–50. Check the official portal for current fees.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave by the date on your visa.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes. You need a confirmed onward ticket to any destination outside Bhutan. A one-way ticket is not sufficient.
It's not mandatory, but medical costs in Bhutan are high. A simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Insurance is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.