Bhutan entry requirements for Nepal 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
Nepali passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. The eVisa is issued before travel and is linked to your passport. As of 2026, the process is entirely online and straightforward.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bhutan e-Permit | All Nepali passport holders need an e-Permit to enter Bhutan. Apply through the official Bhutan Tourism portal at bhutan.travel/e-permit at least 5 working days before travel. You'll need a scanned passport photo and a confirmed tour itinerary — Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Bhutan. Airlines at Kathmandu and Delhi check this strictly before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you book. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Paro Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Bhutan does not allow visa-free exit — you must have a flight out. Budget airlines like Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines check this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Tour operator booking confirmation | Bhutan requires all tourists to have a pre-booked tour package through a licensed operator. Your tour operator will provide a confirmed hotel itinerary — keep a printed copy. Immigration at Paro may ask to see it, especially if you're arriving without a group. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Minimum daily spend requirement | Bhutan enforces a minimum daily package rate of $200–$250 per person per night (depending on season). Your tour operator handles this, but carry proof of payment or a bank statement showing you can cover the trip. Immigration rarely asks, but tour operators require it upfront. | Recommended |
eVisa is linked to your passport
The eVisa is electronically linked to your passport number. You don't need a physical visa sticker. Just carry the approval email printout or a digital copy.
No visa on arrival for Nepali passport holders
You cannot get a visa at Paro Airport. You must have an approved eVisa before boarding your flight. Airlines will check this before allowing you to check in.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for 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 scan of your passport bio page. Pay the visa fee (if any) online. You'll receive the eVisa by email within a few days.
2
Prepare your documents
Print a copy of your eVisa approval email. Save a digital copy on your phone. Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking confirmation ready. If you have travel insurance, keep the policy number handy.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
After landing at Paro Airport (the only international airport in Bhutan), follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Present your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then walk through customs (usually a green channel for most tourists). You're now free to start your Bhutan trip.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Nepal 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 (subject to approval)
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. NPR 5,300)
Standard option for tourism; must have confirmed itinerary and accommodation.
Work visa
Max stayVaries (up to 1 year, renewable)
Validity1 year
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires a job offer from a Bhutanese employer and work permit approval.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostVaries (institution-dependent)
Requires admission to a recognized educational institution in Bhutan.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals employed by a Bhutanese company. Requires a job offer and work permit approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable annually
Varies (institution-dependent)
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 (based on investment amount)
For individuals investing in Bhutan's economy. Requires approval from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeNon-refundable, paid online during application. | $40 USD (approx. NPR 5,300) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry, valid for stay as per visa. | $40 USD (approx. NPR 5,300) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Bhutan does not offer multiple entry tourist visas. | Not available for Bhutan |
| Stay extension feeeVisa is not extendable; must leave and reapply. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are determined by immigration on a case-by-case basis. | Not specified |
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
Nepal passport holders transiting through Bhutan do not require a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Bhutan may transit without additional visa.
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)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Bhutan's high altitude regions can cause altitude sickness; acclimatize gradually.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrhea and other infections; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of dengue and malaria, but present in southern lowlands; use repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but prophylaxis is recommended for travel to southern regions (e.g., Samtse, Sarpang).
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 inquiries; bring passport and visa documents.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit formalities; limited extension services.
Practical information for NP 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. Apply online before you travel. The eVisa is linked to your passport and is valid for a single entry.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. There is no expedited option.
The eVisa fee varies. Check the official Bhutan eVisa website for the current fee. It is typically around $40 USD, but confirm at the time of application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave Bhutan before the visa expiry date shown on your approval. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans.
You must renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Immigration will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your arrival date.
Yes, you need a confirmed onward ticket showing you will leave Bhutan. It can be a flight to another country, not necessarily back to Nepal.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Bhutan are high, and insurance covers hospital stays, evacuation, and trip disruptions.
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.