Bhutan entry requirements for Vietnam 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

Vietnamese passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Bhutan. It's valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 90 days. Apply online before your flight.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Bhutan e-Permit
Apply for a Bhutan e-Permit at bhutan.travel/e-permit before you travel. This is a mandatory online visa application — you need a confirmed tour itinerary and a licensed Bhutanese tour operator to process it. The e-Permit is issued on arrival at Paro Airport after your tour operator submits the application.Apply for e-PermitRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your Vietnamese passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bhutan. Bhutan does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but your airline may ask for at least 6 months — check with your carrier before departure.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration at Paro Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Bhutan does not allow entry without proof of departure — have your printed or digital ticket ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Tour operator handles this
Your licensed Bhutanese tour operator arranges all accommodation as part of your mandatory tour package. You do not need to book hotels separately — the operator provides the itinerary to immigration.Recommended
Proof of funds
Minimum daily spend applies
Bhutan requires a minimum daily spend of $200 USD per person (or $250 USD in peak season) as part of the Sustainable Development Fee. Your tour operator collects this — carry extra cash or a card for personal expenses.Recommended
eVisa is mandatory
There is no visa on arrival for Vietnamese passport holders. You must apply and receive approval before you fly.
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 a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the visa fee online. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an eVisa approval letter by email. Print a copy and keep a digital backup on your phone.
3
Arrive at Paro International Airport
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa approval letter, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Bhutan Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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. 1,000,000 VND)

Standard option for tourism; must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 7 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 1,500,000 VND)

Allows multiple entries; still requires SDF and tour operator arrangement.

Long-stay visa (work/volunteer)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 2,500,000 VND)

Requires sponsorship from a Bhutanese employer or organization; SDF may be waived.

Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa processing feeNon-refundable, paid online before travel.$40 USD (approx. 1,000,000 VND)
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)Mandatory for all tourists, paid before arrival.$100 USD per person per night (approx. 2,500,000 VND)
Tourist visa (single entry)Included in eVisa application.$40 USD (approx. 1,000,000 VND)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstay.$50 USD per day (approx. 1,250,000 VND)

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

Vietnam passport holders transiting through Bhutan's Paro International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, due to limited international flights, most transits require overnight stays, which may necessitate a visa.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid visa for the final destination may transit without visa for up to 24 hours airside.
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)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessHigh risk

Bhutan's high altitude (up to 7,000m) can cause acute mountain sickness; acclimatize gradually.

Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Moderate risk

Present in lower-altitude areas; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria 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, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs
Kawajangsa, Thimphu, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and fee.

Paro
Paro Immigration Office
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00

Handles entry/exit formalities; limited extension services.

Practical information for VN 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
updated May 29
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. You cannot get a visa on arrival. Apply online before you travel.
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
The eVisa fee is typically around $40 USD, but check the official website for the current amount. Payment is made online during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the 90-day limit.
You must renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is calculated from your entry date into Bhutan.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — either a return ticket to Vietnam or a ticket to your next destination.
No, it's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers unexpected emergencies.

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.