Bhutan entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need an eVisa to visit Bhutan. The eVisa system is straightforward and typically processed within a few days. Plan ahead and apply online before your trip in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Bhutan e-Permit | Apply for a Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before you travel. The eVisa is mandatory for all Saudi passport holders. Processing takes 3–5 working days, and you must pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 USD per night as part of the application.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Bhutan. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Paro Airport always ask for a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Bhutan does not allow overland exit for tourists. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Bhutan requires all tourists to book accommodation through a licensed tour operator as part of the mandatory tour package. Carry your hotel booking confirmation or tour itinerary in case immigration asks. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | While not always checked, having a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $200 USD per day helps if questioned. The SDF already covers daily costs, but extra funds show you can handle unexpected expenses. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
You cannot board a flight to Bhutan without an approved eVisa. Apply well in advance and keep a printed copy with you.
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 applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa website and fill out the application. Upload a digital passport photo and your passport details page. Pay the visa fee (around $40 USD) online. Processing usually takes 2-3 business days.
2
Book flights and accommodation
Book a round-trip flight to Paro International Airport (the only international airport in Bhutan). Reserve your first night's accommodation and get a confirmation with the address.
3
Prepare documents for travel
Print your eVisa approval, flight itinerary, and accommodation confirmation. Save digital copies on your phone. Arrange travel insurance and an eSIM if desired.
4
Arrive at Paro Airport
At Paro Airport, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer may ask for your accommodation details. The process is usually quick — expect 10-15 minutes.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. 150 SAR)
Standard visa for tourism; must be used within validity.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 375 SAR)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent visitors.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
Varies by employer; typically $100–500 USD
For foreign nationals employed by a Bhutanese company. Requires a job offer and sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
~$50 USD per year
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeNon-refundable, paid online during application. | $40 USD (approx. 150 SAR) |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)Mandatory for all tourists, paid in advance. | $100 USD per person per night (approx. 375 SAR) |
| Tourist visa single entryeVisa covers single entry for up to 90 days. | Included in eVisa fee |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap; avoid overstaying. | $120 USD per day (approx. 450 SAR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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 passengers staying airside and not passing through immigration do not need a visa. However, if you need to enter Bhutan (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa is required.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Common in high-altitude areas like Paro and Thimphu; acclimatize gradually.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of dengue and malaria, especially in lower elevations.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low, mainly in southern border areas during summer. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travelers.
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
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit and some visa issues.
Practical information for SA 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
Processing usually takes 2-3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The fee is around $40 USD, paid online during application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. If you need more time, you would need to exit and reapply.
If you are transiting through Paro Airport and not entering the country, you do not need a visa. But if you leave the airport, you must have an eVisa.
Your eVisa will be denied or you may be refused entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
It is not mandatory for the eVisa, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Bhutan can be high, and insurance covers emergencies.
No, there is no visa on arrival for Saudi passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before boarding your flight.
Rejections are rare but can happen if documents are incomplete. Check the rejection reason and reapply with correct information. Contact the Bhutan eVisa support team for help.
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.