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Bhutan Visa for United States Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

US citizens must obtain a Bhutan e-Visa (Tourist Visa) before travel; apply online via the official MFA Bhutan portal linked from https://www.mfa.gov.bt/; the e-Visa fee is USD 40 and a minimum daily tourism tariff of USD 200–250 per person per day applies through a licensed operator.

Guide last updated September 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
  • Specific forms: US citizens apply via the Bhutan e-Visa online portal; no DS-160, no VAF1A, and no separate visa application form is required for tourism. The e-Visa is linked to your travel itinerary.
  • Financial proof: No separate bank statements are required for the e-Visa; you must be able to cover the mandatory daily tourism tariff (see below) paid to your licensed Bhutanese tour operator. The e-Visa fee is USD 40.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: A confirmed itinerary with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator is required; a return or onward air ticket is recommended, and the operator will arrange hotel and transport as part of the package.
  • Photo spec: One recent passport-style photo (size 35x45 mm) with a plain white background; digital photo uploaded for the online application; recommended resolution at least 600x600 pixels; JPEG format.
  • Biometrics: No separate biometrics submission is required for the e-Visa; your identity is verified via the passport and online form.
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory for visa issuance but strongly recommended; ensure coverage for your travel period.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa (e-Visa) for Bhutan: Official name: Tourist Visa (e-Visa) for Bhutan. Validity: 7 days from the date of issue. Max stay: up to 15 days per visit. Entry: Single entry. Approximate fee: USD 40.
  • Notes: US citizens generally apply for the Tourist e-Visa; other types (Business, Student, Work) are not issued via the e-Visa portal for ordinary tourists. If you need non-tourist visas, contact the Bhutanese embassy or Department of Immigration for separate processes.

Application process

  • How to apply online: Start at https://www.mfa.gov.bt/ and follow links to the e-Visa portal.
  • Steps: 1) Plan with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator and gather required documents. 2) Complete the online e-Visa application with accurate personal and travel details. 3) Upload a photo and supporting documents if requested. 4) Pay the e-Visa fee USD 40 using the online payment portal (local currency equivalent will be shown). 5) Wait for approval; processing time is typically 72 hours (3 working days). 6) Receive the e-Visa approval by email; print the e-Visa. 7) Present the e-Visa printout and passport on arrival; your operator will handle the daily tariff arrangements. 8) Upon arrival, your entry is approved and you proceed to continue with your tour arrangements.
  • Fees: e-Visa USD 40; local currency equivalent calculated at payment; Daily tourism tariff is not paid at entry but is arranged by your tour operator (USD 200–250 per person per day).

Fees & processing time

  • E-Visa fee: USD 40. Local currency equivalent: approximately BTN 3,000–3,600 depending on the current exchange rate.
  • Daily tourism tariff: USD 200–250 per person per day, paid to your licensed Bhutanese tour operator; this covers accommodation, meals, guide, and internal transport within Bhutan.
  • Total cost estimate: e-Visa USD 40 + (daily tariff USD 200–250) × number of travel days; note this does not include international flights or optional extras.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: not applicable for the e-Visa route; processing time: typically 72 hours (3 business days).
  • Express/priority options: not offered for the Bhutan e-Visa; delays may occur during peak seasons.

Tips for United States travelers

  • Plan ahead: Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your travel date to allow for e-Visa processing and operator arrangements.
  • Common rejection reasons for US applicants: mismatched itinerary details, passport validity under 6 months, incomplete or inaccurate e-Visa application, or lack of a licensed tour operator booking; ensure all information matches your travel plan and operator confirmation.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy: The official route is the online e-Visa via the MFA Bhutan portal; most travelers book through a licensed tour operator who manages the daily tariff; there is no on-arrival visa option for tourism.
  • Travel advisories: Check the US State Department travel advisory for Bhutan and any health or security warnings; entry requirements can change, particularly around public health measures.
  • Extensions: If you need to extend your stay beyond the visa duration, apply for an extension through Bhutan's Department of Immigration in Thimphu (fees apply) in coordination with your tour operator; extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration and are subject to government policy.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.