Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Bhutan.
Bhutan Status
NORMAL
Travel to Bhutan is operating normally. No major nationwide flight, airport, entry or border disruption has been identified. Travellers should arrange the appropriate visa or permit before travel and be aware that weather can affect flights and mountain roads.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Visa requirements
Most international visitors require a visa to visit Bhutan. Tourist visas can be applied for online through Bhutan’s immigration system or arranged through an authorized tour operator or hotel.
India, Bangladesh and Maldives
Indian nationals require a permit rather than a visa. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives require visas but have different application arrangements, including eligibility to process them on arrival.
Visa fee
The standard tourist visa application fee is US$40. Travellers are encouraged to apply in advance because processing can take several working days.
Sustainable Development Fee
Most adult international visitors pay Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee of US$100 per night. Reduced rates apply to children, while Indian visitors are subject to a different SDF rate.
Passport requirements
Travellers should have a passport meeting Bhutan’s validity requirements. The immigration authority currently requires tourist passports to be valid for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
Weather and mountain roads
Bhutan’s mountainous geography makes transport particularly vulnerable to heavy rain, landslides and severe weather. Roads can become blocked during the monsoon, and weather can also affect flights at Paro.
Latest Travel Changes
Border-town SDF waiver
Bhutan introduced a temporary Sustainable Development Fee waiver for tourists spending up to 24 hours in the border towns of Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrupjongkhar. The measure began in June 2026 and is currently scheduled to continue into 2027.
Normal travel continues
No major nationwide disruption currently prevents ordinary tourism in Bhutan. Travellers should nevertheless monitor weather conditions because flooding and landslides can affect roads and flights.
Before You Travel
Check your airline, Bhutan’s immigration requirements, visa or permit approval, weather conditions and the travel advice issued by your own government before departure.
If travelling during the monsoon, check road conditions before long journeys because landslides can block mountain roads for several days.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.