Bhutan entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Filipino passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. This requirement has been in place since 2023.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application e-Permit for tourism | Apply for the Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before you fly. You need a confirmed tour package booked through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator — independent travel is not allowed. The e-Permit fee is included in your tour package cost, and approval usually takes 2–3 business days.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Philippine passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Bhutan. Immigration at Paro Airport checks this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bhutan | Immigration officers at Paro Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Airlines also check this before issuing your boarding pass in Manila or your transit hub. Have a printed copy or digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or tour itinerary | Since your e-Permit is tied to a pre-arranged tour, your tour operator provides the accommodation details. Carry a printed copy of your hotel vouchers or the tour itinerary showing where you stay each night. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Bhutan requires a minimum daily tariff of $200–$250 per person (depending on season), which covers accommodation, meals, transport, and a guide. Your tour package receipt already proves this. Carry extra cash or a card for personal expenses. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Filipino passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Bhutan. You must apply and receive an approved eVisa before you travel. Without it, you will be denied boarding.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa website and fill out the application form. Upload a digital copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport-sized photo. Pay the visa fee (around $40 USD) online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive an eVisa approval letter via email. Print a copy and keep a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show this at check-in and upon arrival in Bhutan.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
After landing at Paro International Airport (the only international airport in Bhutan), proceed to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp your passport and you're in.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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
Cost$40 USD (approx. 2,200 PHP)
Standard eVisa for tourism; must pay SDF daily.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD (approx. 5,500 PHP)
For frequent visitors; still subject to SDF.
Work visa
Max stayDuration of employment contract
Validity1 year, renewable
CostVaries; employer usually sponsors
Requires job offer and work permit approval.
work visa
Work Permit Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer covers fees
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 study program
Varies; tuition fees apply
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; minimum investment required
For individuals investing in Bhutan's economy. Requires business registration and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeNon-refundable, paid online during application. | $40 USD (approx. 2,200 PHP) |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)Mandatory for all tourists, paid before arrival. | $100 USD per person per night (approx. 5,500 PHP) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Included in eVisa application. | $40 USD (approx. 2,200 PHP) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (approx. 550 PHP) |
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
Philippines passport holders transiting through Bhutan's only international airport (Paro) do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, due to limited flights, most transits require overnight stays and thus a visa.
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk
Many tourist destinations are above 2,500m; acclimatize properly and consider medication.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food to avoid illness.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low, but dengue and Japanese encephalitis occur in some areas; use repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in 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
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 visa issues.
Practical information for PH 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 = 96.24 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 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The eVisa fee is around $40 USD. You pay online during the application process.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires.
If you're transiting through Paro International Airport and not leaving the transit area, you do not need a visa. But if you plan to enter the country, 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. The fee is non-refundable.
Yes, immigration officers may ask to see your return or onward ticket. Keep a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone.
Not strictly required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation or hospital stays can be very expensive.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.