Bhutan Ends Free Entry for Indians: What You Need to Know

Bhutan, the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” has officially ended its longtime practice of free entry for tourists from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. In a major shift, the Bhutanese government is introducing a sustainable development fee (SDF) of US$17 (≈ INR 1,200) for these visitors, starting July 2020. This decision aims to manage tourist volume and protect Bhutan’s fragile ecology.

If you’re planning to visit Bhutan, here’s what you must understand about the new entry rules, permits, and travel preparations.

Why Bhutan Introduced the Entry Fee

  • Bhutan has seen a surge in tourist numbers, especially from India, with over 1.9 million Indian visitors in recent years.

  • To protect its environment and cultural heritage, the government decided to impose a fee to promote sustainable tourism.

  • Officials assure visitors this new regulation will be implemented smoothly, without causing major inconvenience.

Entry Conditions & Permits for Indian Tourists

Document Requirements

Indian visitors must carry:

  • A valid Indian passport

  • A Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission
    No visa is required for Indian citizens, but you’ll need permits if traveling beyond certain regions.

Entry Permits

  • By road: Obtain an entry permit at border immigration (e.g., Jaigaon, West Bengal).

  • By air: If you land via Paro International Airport, you’ll receive a permit to visit Paro and Thimphu. To explore other areas, you must acquire a “special area permit” from immigration in Thimphu.

 

Know These Entry Conditions Before Visiting Bhutan

Indian citizens who are planning to visit Bhutan in near future are required to possess these two essential documents a) a valid Indian passport b) Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India. To travel Bhutan, Indian tourists need not obtain a visa. If you plan to visit Bhutan by road, you have to get an ‘entry permit’ from the immigration office of the Royal government of Bhutan, located on the Indo-Bhutan border opposite Jaigaon, West Bengal.

However, if you intend to explore the country by air, you must get the entry permit at Paro International Airport. Note that, you can only explore Thimphu and Paro in such a case. To go beyond Paro, you have to obtain a ‘special area permit’ from the immigration office at Thimphu. With the new regulation, apart from the concerned entry permits, you must pay the sustainable development fee as explained.

Conclusion

Ending free entry for Indian tourists marks a new chapter in Bhutan’s tourism policy. While the Bhutan entry fee for Indians might raise eyebrows, it reflects the country’s approach to sustainable travel and environmental protection.

If you’re planning a trip, be aware of the new fee, permit requirements, and travel conditions—but don’t let this deter you. Bhutan still offers unmatched natural beauty, rich culture, and spiritual calm.