Bhutan entry requirements for Sweden passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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

Swedish passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. You apply online before travel, and the eVisa is linked to your passport. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
e-Permit
Apply for the Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before you fly. The system processes applications within 5 working days — do not book flights until approved. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months 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 ticket. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation ready on your phone. Bhutan does not allow visa-free entry, so a return ticket is mandatory.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator — your hotel confirmation is part of the tour package. Carry the tour itinerary and hotel vouchers in case immigration asks. Unaccompanied independent travel is not permitted.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
You must show you can cover the daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 USD per person per night plus accommodation and meals. A bank statement or credit card with a limit of at least $2,000 USD for a week-long trip works. Immigration rarely asks, but tour operators may request proof before issuing the e-Permit.Recommended
eVisa is linked to your passport
Your eVisa approval is tied to the passport number you entered. If you renew your passport after approval, you'll need to reapply.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
All tourists pay a daily SDF of $100 USD per night. This is separate from the eVisa fee and is usually collected by your tour operator or at entry.

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. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3–5 working days. You'll receive an approval email with a PDF. Print it or save it on your phone.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. They may ask for your accommodation confirmation. The process is quick — usually under 10 minutes.
4
Collect your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. Your eVisa is now active. Keep the approval document with you during your stay.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 7 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 350 SEK)

Standard for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 7 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 875 SEK)

For multiple visits; extension possible per entry.

Long-stay visa (business/volunteer)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. 1,750 SEK)

Requires sponsorship from a Bhutanese organization.

work visa
Work Permit for Foreign Nationals
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 1,750 SEK) per year
For those employed by a Bhutanese company or organization. Requires a job offer and sponsorship. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 875 SEK) per year
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
volunteer visa
Volunteer Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 1,310 SEK) per year
For those engaged in volunteer work with a registered Bhutanese organization. Requires sponsorship and project details.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa processing feeNon-refundable, paid online during application.$40 USD (approx. 350 SEK)
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per nightMandatory for all tourists, paid in advance.$100 USD per night (approx. 875 SEK)
Tourist visa (single entry)Included in eVisa application.$40 USD (approx. 350 SEK)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying.$50 USD per day (approx. 440 SEK)

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

Sweden passport holders transiting through Bhutan's only international airport (Paro) do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, due to limited flights, most transits require overnight stays, which then require a visa.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If transit involves leaving the airport (e.g., overnight), a visa is required.
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)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedInfluenzaConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk

Many tourist destinations are at high altitude; acclimatize gradually and consider medication.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food to avoid illness.

Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk

Risk is low but present in lower-altitude areas; use insect repellent.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in Bhutan, mainly in southern border areas. Prophylaxis is 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, 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 formalities and some extensions.

Practical information for SE 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 = 95.82 BTN
updated May 15
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
Police113
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you need an eVisa. There is no visa on arrival for Swedish citizens. Apply online before you travel.
Typically 3–5 working days. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The eVisa fee is usually around $40 USD, but check the official portal for current rates. You also pay a daily sustainable development fee (SDF) of $100 USD per night during your stay.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave by the date stamped on your passport. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
Your eVisa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply.
Yes, you need a booked onward ticket out of Bhutan. A flight to Nepal or India works fine.
Not mandatory 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 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.