Bhutan entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Madagascar passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. The eVisa is processed online before travel and is valid for tourism. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires careful planning.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bhutan e-Permit | Apply for your Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit at least 5 working days before travel. You'll need a scanned passport photo and passport data page. The permit costs $40 USD per person per day (minimum package) — this covers accommodation, meals, and a licensed guide.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Bhutan. Carry a photocopy of the data page separately from your passport. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Paro Airport checks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing your entry stamp. Budget airlines flying into Bhutan enforce this strictly — have your booking confirmation ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Bhutan's e-Permit system ties your visa to a pre-booked tour package that includes accommodation. Carry your hotel booking confirmation or tour itinerary in case an officer asks at immigration. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks, but having proof avoids delays if questioned. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
All Madagascar passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Bhutan. There is no visa on arrival. Apply online at least a week in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you enter Bhutan, not from your departure date. Double-check now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa website. Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and accommodation. Upload a passport-style photo and a copy of your passport data page. Pay the visa fee (typically around $40 USD) by credit card. Processing takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. Keep it with your passport.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
At Paro Airport, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp your passport. The whole process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
4
Enjoy your stay in Bhutan
Your eVisa allows you to stay for the duration approved (typically up to 30 days). If you want to extend, you must apply at the Immigration Office in Thimphu before your visa expires.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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 date
Cost$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism; must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Requires a job offer from a Bhutanese employer and government approval.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
For enrollment in recognized educational institutions in Bhutan.
work visa
Work Permit Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$100 USD per year (approx. $100 USD)
For foreign nationals employed by a Bhutanese company. Requires a valid job offer and government approval. Allows legal residence and work.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 2 years
$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
For international students enrolled in recognized educational institutions in Bhutan. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
For individuals investing in Bhutanese businesses or startups. Requires proof of investment and business plan approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeStandard fee for tourist eVisa, non-refundable. | $40 USD (approx. $40 USD) |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)Mandatory daily fee for all tourists, includes visa processing. | $100 USD per person per night (approx. $100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Included in eVisa application; no separate fee. | $40 USD (approx. $40 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Bhutan does not offer multiple-entry tourist visas. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the authorized stay. | $50 USD per day (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | $500 USD (approx. $500 USD) |
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Bhutan's only international airport (Paro) do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. However, due to limited flights, most transits require overnight stays, which necessitate a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for India, Bangladesh, or Maldives may transit without a 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-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Bhutan's high altitude (especially in Paro and Thimphu) 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 occur in low-lying areas; use insect repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended but consider for remote southern regions.
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.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit formalities and limited visa services.
Practical information for MG 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 = 95.2 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
The eVisa fee is typically around $40 USD. You pay online by credit card during the application.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in Thimphu. You must do this before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and may involve additional fees.
If you are transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you need an eVisa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport is invalid. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Bhutan eVisa support team for guidance.
Yes, you can enter via land border crossings like Phuentsholing. You still need an eVisa. Show your eVisa and passport at the border checkpoint.
Diplomatic passport holders may have different rules. Check with the Bhutan Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your embassy before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.