Bhutan entry requirements for Uganda passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Ugandan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bhutan. Arrange it before travel — there is no visa on arrival. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires careful preparation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bhutan e-Permit | You need an e-Permit (visa) before you fly. Apply at bhutan.travel/e-permit at least 5 working days before departure. The fee is $40 USD plus a $65 USD Sustainable Development Fee per night.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bhutan. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Bhutan immigration, but your airline may enforce 6 months — check with them before you fly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Paro Airport check for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are flexible. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Bhutan requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator who arranges your hotels and itinerary. Carry your tour confirmation and hotel vouchers — immigration may ask to see them. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or a credit card. The Sustainable Development Fee of $65 USD per night must be paid upfront via your tour operator. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
You cannot enter Bhutan without an approved eVisa. Apply online before your trip — there is no visa on arrival for Ugandan passport holders.
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. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Bhutan eVisa website and fill out the application. Upload your passport scan and a recent photo. Pay the fee (if any) and wait for approval — typically 3-5 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save digital copies of your eVisa approval, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. Keep them in a folder or on your phone for easy access.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The process is usually quick — 5-10 minutes if your documents are ready.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. Then walk through customs — there's usually nothing to declare unless you're carrying restricted items.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Uganda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 150,000 UGX)
Standard option for tourism; must have pre-booked tour.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 60 days
Validity3 months
Cost$50 USD (approx. 185,000 UGX)
Requires invitation from Bhutanese company.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course (up to 1 year)
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost$100 USD (approx. 370,000 UGX)
Requires admission to a Bhutanese institution.
work visa
Work Permit for Foreign Nationals
1 year, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. 370,000 UGX) per year
For those with a job offer from a Bhutanese employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 1 year, renewable)
$100 USD (approx. 370,000 UGX) per year
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Bhutan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 1,850,000 UGX) per year
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a Bhutanese business. Requires business plan and approval from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeNon-refundable, paid online before travel. | $40 USD (approx. 150,000 UGX) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for most tourists. | $40 USD (approx. 150,000 UGX) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple entry visas are not issued for tourism. | Not available for standard tourist visits |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not permitted for tourist eVisa. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $200 USD. | $10 USD per day (approx. 37,000 UGX) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No confirmed accommodation25%
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
Uganda passport holders transiting through Bhutan do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, a visa is required if leaving the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for India, Bangladesh, or Nepal 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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Uganda).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedRabiesConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Bhutan's high altitude (e.g., Thimphu at 2,320m) can cause altitude sickness; ascend gradually and stay hydrated.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrhea and other infections from contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of dengue and malaria, especially in lower elevations; use insect repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas, but prophylaxis may be considered for travel to southern lowland regions (e.g., 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
Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit formalities at airport.
Practical information for UG 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 = 95.2 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 a week before your flight to be safe. There's no rush service.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's less, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, you need a confirmed onward ticket — either a return flight home or a ticket to your next destination. A screenshot is fine.
Not strictly required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Bhutan can be high, and insurance covers emergencies.
No, there is no visa on arrival for Ugandan passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
The Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN). Indian rupees are also widely accepted. ATMs are available in Thimphu and Paro.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.