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🇧🇹BhutanJP-BT

Japan to Bhutan visa requirements

Japanese ordinary passport holders need a visa for Bhutan. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival channel. You apply online for an e-visa/e-permit at the official portal (immi.gov.bt) before travel, paying a USD 40 application fee plus the Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per night of your stay. Bhutan grants visa-free entry only to citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. All other nationalities, including Japan, must obtain a visa in advance. Since 2022-2023 Bhutan operates a fully online e-visa/e-permit system run by the Department of Immigration (immi.gov.bt). The process is straightforward: a non-refundable USD 40 visa application fee, plus the mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night, both paid upfront when applying. You can apply yourself directly on the portal, or have a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or hotel apply on your behalf. Applications are reviewed within about five working days, and the visa/permit is single-entry, issued for the dates of your booked and paid trip (extendable, with a maximum stay up to 90 days). A passport valid for at least six months beyond your departure date and valid travel insurance covering the trip are required. The SDF is the dominant cost: at USD 100/night, a typical one-week visit means USD 700 in SDF on top of the USD 40 visa fee. This concessionary SDF rate is in effect through 31 August 2027. Bhutan is not in the Schengen area, so the 90/180 Schengen short-stay rule and ETIAS do not apply.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMSINGLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe →Japan (PR)Living in Japan as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
e-Visa / e-Permit (apply online before travel)
Maximum stay
Issued for the dates of your booked trip; up to 90 days, extendable in-country
per entry
Entries
Single entry
from issue date
Visa fee
USD 40 visa fee + USD 100/night SDF
consular fee only
Processing time
Reviewed within ~5 working days
standard track
Validity
Valid for the approved travel dates (single entry)
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Book your trip and travel insurance
Confirm flights into Paro (PBH) and accommodation, and arrange travel insurance covering your full stay in Bhutan, which is required for the application.
· Required before applying
/02
Create an account on the official portal
Go to immi.gov.bt and register on the tourist online visa/permit system. Alternatively, a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or hotel can apply on your behalf.
· immi.gov.bt
/03
Complete the application and upload documents
Fill in your travel dates and personal details, then upload a passport bio-page scan, a recent passport-size photo, and your travel insurance.
· Passport + photo + insurance
/04
Pay the fees online
Pay the USD 40 non-refundable visa application fee plus the Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per night, by credit card or secure wire transfer.
· USD 40 + USD 100/night
/05
Wait for approval
Applications are typically reviewed within about five working days. You will receive the approved e-visa/permit by email.
· ~5 working days
/06
Travel with your approved visa
Carry a printed or digital copy of the approved visa. It is checked on arrival in Bhutan and tied to your booked, paid travel dates.
· Single entry
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
Japan -> Bhutan · e-Visa / e-Permit (apply online before travel)
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Bhutan
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredScan of passport bio-data page
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredRecent passport-size photograph
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredTravel insurance covering the full stay in Bhutan
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed accommodation and travel dates
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredUSD 40 visa application fee (non-refundable)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RequiredSustainable Development Fee at USD 100 per night, paid upfront
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredApproved e-visa/permit printout or digital copy for arrival
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedOnward/return flight booking (Paro is the only international airport)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedCredit card or means for secure online payment
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Official sourcesBhutan Department of Immigration - e-Permit/e-Visa for touristsBhutan Immigration Services Portal (official application)Bhutan Travel (official Department of Tourism) - Visa
Application link included: Bhutan Department of Immigration - e-Permit/e-Visa for tourists
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Visa application feeUSD 40One-time, non-refundable, per applicant
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)USD 100 per person per nightMandatory; concessionary rate in effect through 31 Aug 2027. Children 6-12 pay 50%, under 5 exempt
Total estimateUSD 140 (1 night) — USD 740 (7 nights)incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard online e-visa
~5 working days
Apply directly at immi.gov.bt; visa reviewed and emailed after fees are paid. Apply at least 1-2 weeks before travel.
Via licensed tour operator / hotel
~5 working days
A Bhutanese operator handles paperwork, payment, and communication with immigration on your behalf.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Japan is not on Bhutan's visa-exempt list
Only India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives enjoy visa-free entry; all other nationals, including Japanese citizens, require a visa.
High
/02
Mandatory Sustainable Development Fee
Bhutan's high-value, low-volume tourism policy requires every visitor to pay USD 100 per night in addition to the visa fee.
High
/03
Passport not valid for 6+ months
The passport must be valid at least six months beyond the intended departure date from Bhutan.
Medium
/04
Missing travel insurance
Valid travel insurance covering the stay is a required part of the application.
Medium
/05
Applying too late
Processing takes about five working days, so last-minute applications risk delays.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Japan to Bhutan route verified
Confirmed via Bhutan Department of Immigration (immi.gov.bt) and bhutan.travel that Japanese ordinary passport holders require an online e-visa/permit, with a USD 40 visa fee plus USD 100/night SDF (concessionary rate through 31 Aug 2027).
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can Japanese citizens get a visa on arrival in Bhutan?—
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for tourists. Japanese passport holders must apply online for the e-visa/permit and pay the fees before traveling.
How much does it really cost?+
Do I have to book a tour to visit Bhutan?+
How long can I stay?+
What passport validity do I need?+
Is the Sustainable Development Fee refundable?+
/11 — Passport tools

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