Bhutan entry requirements for Latvia 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
Latvian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires planning — you'll need to apply through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or directly via the official eVisa portal.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Bhutan e-Permit | Apply for the Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before you travel. This is mandatory for all foreign visitors — you cannot board your flight without an approved permit. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and you'll need to upload a passport photo, passport scan, and flight itinerary.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Latvian passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned departure date from Bhutan. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Bhutan | Immigration officers at Paro Airport ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready — they won't accept a verbal promise. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or tour confirmation | Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator or have confirmed hotel reservations for the entire stay. Keep a copy of your booking confirmation or tour itinerary — immigration may ask to see it on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Daily minimum spend requirement | Bhutan enforces a minimum daily package of $200–$250 per person (depending on season) for most tourists. Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover this — immigration rarely checks, but tour operators will ask for proof before issuing your permit. | Recommended |
eVisa is linked to your passport
The eVisa is electronically linked to your passport number. You don't need a physical sticker — just show the approval email or a printout at immigration.
No visa-on-arrival for Latvian citizens
You cannot get a visa at the airport or land border. Apply for the eVisa before you travel. Arriving without one means you'll be denied entry and sent back.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa portal or book through a licensed tour operator. Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the visa fee (if applicable). Processing usually takes 3–5 working days. You'll receive an approval email — save it.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave, print or save on your phone: the eVisa approval, your passport (valid 6+ months), return flight booking, and first night hotel confirmation. Keep them together in a folder or a notes app.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
At Paro Airport (the main international gateway), head to immigration. Present your passport and eVisa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. They'll stamp you in — usually for the duration of your eVisa. The process is calm and takes about 10–15 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs checkpoint — declare any restricted items (like drones or large amounts of cash). Then you're free to meet your driver or head to your hotel.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia 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 7 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)
Standard eVisa for tourism; must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 7 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$80 USD (approx. €74)
For travellers needing to exit and re-enter Bhutan; also requires tour operator arrangement.
Long-Stay Visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. €186)
For specific purposes like volunteering or research; requires government approval and sponsor.
work visa
Work Permit Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. €186) per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Bhutanese company. Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. €93) per year
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD (approx. €465) per year
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a Bhutanese business. Requires business plan and government approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for Latvia passport holders. | $40 USD (approx. €37) |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per dayMandatory for all tourists, paid in advance. | $100 USD per night (approx. €92) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Included in eVisa process. | $40 USD (approx. €37) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple entry visas are not typically issued for tourism. | Not available for standard tourists |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstay. | $50 USD per day (approx. €46) |
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
Transit visa is not required for Latvia holders transiting through Paro International Airport for less than 24 hours, provided they do not leave the airport transit area.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Bhutan's high altitude (over 2,500m in many areas) can cause acute mountain sickness; acclimatize gradually.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea and other infections; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Dengue and chikungunya are present in lower altitudes; use insect repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended but consider for rural areas below 1,700m.
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 immigration matters. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit and limited extension requests. Best for airport-related issues.
Practical information for LV 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 = 96.65 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 Latvian citizens.
Processing usually takes 3–5 working days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The fee varies depending on the tour operator or the official portal — expect around $40–$100 USD.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Immigration will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months of validity from your entry date.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — either a return flight or a bus/train ticket out of Bhutan. Immigration checks this at the border.
It's not strictly required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Bhutan can be high, and insurance covers emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.
Yes, you can apply directly through the official Bhutan eVisa portal. However, many travellers use a licensed tour operator because they handle the paperwork and can include the visa fee in a package.
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.