Bhutan entry requirements for Thailand 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
Thai passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan in 2026. The online application is simple, and you'll present it with your passport at Paro International Airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bhutan e-Permit | Apply for your Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit. This is the official tourism portal — you'll need a confirmed itinerary and hotel bookings before applying. The e-Permit is linked to your passport number and is checked at Paro International Airport upon arrival.Apply for e-Permit | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Thai passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Bhutan. Airlines at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang enforce this strictly — they won't let you board without sufficient validity. | 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. Budget airlines flying into Bhutan also check this at check-in — have a printed copy or a screenshot ready. | 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're arriving without a pre-booked package. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | While not always checked, having proof of sufficient funds (around 20,000 THB or equivalent in cash or bank statement) can help if immigration questions your ability to cover your stay. ATMs are scarce in Bhutan — bring cash in USD or Indian rupees. | Recommended |
eVisa is electronic — no sticker needed
The eVisa is linked to your passport number. You don't need a physical sticker. Just show the approval email or PDF on your phone at immigration.
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 when you apply. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
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 copy of your passport data page. Pay the visa fee (around $40 USD) by card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive the eVisa by email — print it or save it on your phone.
2
Pack your documents
Before heading to the airport, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance documents. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. They'll stamp your passport with a 30-day entry permit. Collect your bags and exit.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand 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 date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 1,400 THB)
Standard eVisa for tourism; must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Work visa
Max stayDuration of employment contract
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostVaries; employer typically pays
Requires a job offer from a Bhutanese company and government approval.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study program
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostVaries; institution may assist
Must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeNon-refundable, paid online before travel. | $40 USD (approx. 1,400 THB) |
| Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)Mandatory for all tourists, paid via tour operator or online. | $100 USD per person per night (approx. 3,500 THB) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Included in eVisa application. | $40 USD (approx. 1,400 THB) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Only single-entry eVisa issued. | Not available for standard tourists |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 17,500 THB). | $10 USD per day (approx. 350 THB) |
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
Thailand passport holders transiting through Bhutan's Paro International Airport do not require a visa if they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. However, all transiting passengers must have a confirmed onward ticket and may be subject to security checks.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Bhutan's high altitude (over 2,400m in many areas) can cause acute mountain sickness; acclimatize gradually.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Drink only bottled or boiled water; avoid street food to reduce risk of diarrhea.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Low risk in most areas, but present in southern lowlands; use insect repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for southern regions near India.
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 immigration matters. Bring passport, visa, and supporting documents.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit formalities and some visa issues. Limited services compared to Thimphu.
Practical information for TH 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
Yes, you need an eVisa. There is no visa on arrival for Thai nationals. Apply online before your flight.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
The eVisa fee is around $40 USD (about 1,400 THB). You pay online by credit or debit card during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the 30-day limit. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking confirmation. The officer may ask for any of these.
Yes, an onward ticket to any destination outside Bhutan is fine. It just proves you're not staying indefinitely.
Not for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies and evacuation.
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.