Bhutan entry requirements for Malta 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
Malta passport holders need an eVisa to visit Bhutan. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Maltese citizens. Plan ahead, as the process involves a few steps and approvals.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bhutan e-Permit | Apply for the Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before you fly. The permit is tied to your passport number and flight details. Print the approval email — immigration at Paro Airport checks it before stamping you in.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Maltese passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bhutan. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Bhutanese law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Paro Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they issue your entry stamp. Budget airlines flying into Paro also check this at check-in. Have the booking confirmation ready on your phone or printed. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator or a registered hotel. Carry your hotel confirmation or tour itinerary — immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — a bank statement or credit card statement showing at least $200 per day is standard. Immigration rarely asks, but tour operators may request proof before confirming your itinerary. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
There is no visa on arrival for Maltese passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before boarding your flight to Bhutan.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Bhutan, not from your departure date. Double-check before you apply.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa portal and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the visa fee (around $40 USD) and any applicable tourist levy. Processing usually takes 3–5 working days.
2
Receive your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. It's usually straightforward — expect a 5–10 minute process.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, pick up your bags and walk through customs. There's no arrival declaration form to fill out. You're free to start your Bhutan adventure.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta 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 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
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. €74)
For multiple visits; must apply at embassy or online.
Long-Stay Visa (Work/Volunteer)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. €138)
Requires sponsorship from a Bhutanese employer or organization.
work visa
Work Permit for Foreign Nationals
1 year, renewable
$150 USD (approx. €138) per year
For those with a job offer from a Bhutanese employer. Requires company sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. €92) per year
For enrolment in a recognized Bhutanese educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
volunteer visa
Volunteer Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. €92) per year
For those volunteering with a registered NGO or government program. Requires sponsorship letter.
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 in advance. | $100 USD per person per night (approx. €93) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Included in eVisa application. | $40 USD (approx. €37) |
| 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
Malta passport holders transiting through Paro International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Bhutan's high altitudes (over 2,500m) can cause acute mountain sickness; acclimatize gradually.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Dengue and Japanese encephalitis occur in lower-altitude areas; use repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely 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 extensions and permits.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit and some extension requests.
Practical information for MT 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 = 96.38 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. There is no visa on arrival for Malta passport holders. Apply online before you travel.
Processing usually takes 3–5 working days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
The eVisa fee is around $40 USD. You may also need to pay a daily tourist levy (around $200–$250 per night) depending on your travel package — this is usually handled by your tour operator.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave by the date approved on your visa. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a new visa from outside Bhutan.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
It's not strictly required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Bhutan can be very high, and insurance covers unexpected emergencies.
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.