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Bhutan Visa for Canada Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Canadian citizens need a visa for Bhutan, approved online before arrival through a licensed tour operator, plus a Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per night.

Guide last updated September 28, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
  • Visa application submitted online through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or the Department of Immigration's online system
  • Proof of a booked itinerary/tour arrangement, as independent travel without a licensed operator is generally not permitted for most nationalities
  • Digital passport photo for the application
  • Return or onward ticket, typically on Drukair or Bhutan Airlines
  • Biometrics: fingerprints and photo captured on arrival at Paro Airport
  • Travel health insurance: recommended, not always mandatory

Visa types

  • Tourist visa: arranged through a licensed operator, visa fee USD 40, valid for the length of the booked trip
  • Business visa: similar process, requires a local business sponsor or invitation
  • Both require payment of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night in addition to the visa fee

How to apply online

  • Apply through your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, who submits your details via the Department of Immigration's online visa system
  • Steps: confirm your itinerary and operator, submit passport and photo details online, pay the visa fee and SDF, and receive online visa approval before departure
  • Fee: USD 40 visa fee plus USD 100 per night SDF (reduced rates may apply for children and some long-stay categories)
  • Processing time: typically a few business days once documents and payment are submitted
  • Approval arrives as an official visa clearance letter to present on arrival, with the visa stamp issued at Paro Airport

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: USD 40
  • Sustainable Development Fee: USD 100 per person per night
  • Total cost estimate: USD 140 for the first night plus USD 100 for each additional night, excluding tour costs
  • Standard processing time: a few business days after full payment and documents are submitted
  • Express/priority option: not formally offered; book with your operator well in advance during peak season (March-May, September-November)

Tips for Canada travelers

  • Book with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator at least a few weeks in advance, especially for peak trekking seasons
  • Confirm what is included in your quoted price, as the SDF is often bundled with accommodation and guide fees
  • Common delays stem from incomplete payment or missing passport scans; submit documents early
  • Direct flights to Bhutan operate only from a handful of cities, so plan connections through Delhi, Bangkok, or Kathmandu
  • Visa extensions or itinerary changes should be coordinated through your tour operator with the Department of Immigration

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.