Skip to main content

Bhutan Visa for Kenya Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Kenyan citizens need an online visa clearance for Bhutan plus payment of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per night, arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or the Bhutan e-visa portal; approval typically issued within 3-5 working days.

Guide last updated September 24, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
  • A confirmed booking with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator (independent travel without a booked itinerary is not permitted for most visitors)
  • Passport-size digital photo for the online application
  • Full travel itinerary including dates of entry and exit
  • Proof of payment of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
  • Travel/health insurance is recommended, particularly given Bhutan's high-altitude regions
  • Printed visa clearance letter to present at check-in and on arrival

Visa types

  • Tourist visa: single entry, validity matched to your booked itinerary (typically up to 2 weeks, extendable), visa fee USD 40
  • Business visa: requires a formal invitation from a Bhutanese company, arranged through the Department of Tourism or Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Official/diplomatic visa: for government or NGO delegations, arranged government-to-government

How to apply online

  • Book your trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or via the Sustainable Tourism portal linked from the Bhutan e-visa system
  • Submit your passport details, photo and itinerary through the Bhutan online visa application system
  • Pay the visa fee (USD 40) and the Sustainable Development Fee (USD 100 per person per night for non-regional tourists) online
  • Receive your visa clearance letter by email once approved, typically within 3-5 working days
  • Present the printed clearance letter at check-in and have your passport stamped on arrival in Paro or at a land border

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: USD 40 (one-time, non-refundable)
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): USD 100 per person per night for non-regional (including Kenyan) tourists
  • Total estimated cost for a 7-night trip: approximately USD 740 in fees alone, excluding tour package costs
  • Standard processing time: 3-5 working days once full payment and documents are submitted
  • No formal expedited service, though tour operators can sometimes fast-track urgent requests

Tips for Kenya travelers

  • Book your licensed tour operator well in advance, as visa clearance cannot be obtained without a confirmed itinerary
  • Budget for the Sustainable Development Fee separately from your tour package cost, as it is a mandatory government charge
  • Common delays occur from incomplete payment or mismatched passport details between the application and passport
  • Carry both a digital and printed copy of your visa clearance letter, as it is checked before boarding your flight to Bhutan

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.