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🇧🇹BhutanMY-BT

Malaysia to Bhutan visa requirements

Malaysian passport holders need an e-visa to visit Bhutan, applied for online before travel, plus a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per night. Malaysia is not on Bhutan's short list of permit-only neighbours (India, Bangladesh, Maldives), so Malaysian ordinary passport holders must obtain a Bhutan tourist e-visa before arrival. The visa is applied for online via the official Bhutan Immigration Services Portal (immi.gov.bt) — either directly by the traveller or through a licensed tour operator or hotel. The application requires a passport valid at least six months beyond the intended departure date, a passport photo, and confirmed travel insurance. Two charges apply: a one-off, non-refundable visa fee of US$40 per person, and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per person per night (the rate fixed from 1 September 2023 through 31 August 2027). Children aged 6-11 pay a 50% SDF discount and those aged 5 and under are exempt. Both fees are paid online as part of the application. Processing takes up to five working days, and the e-visa permits a stay of up to 90 days. From 1 January 2026, a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies to tourism services (but not to the SDF itself). Bhutan is not in the Schengen area, so Schengen/ETIAS rules 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.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Tourist e-visa (applied online before travel)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days
per entry
Entries
Single entry
from issue date
Visa fee
US$40 visa fee + US$100/night SDF
consular fee only
Processing time
Up to 5 working days
standard track
Validity
Issued for the dates of your paid itinerary; stay up to 90 days
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm passport and documents
Ensure your Malaysian passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Bhutan, and prepare a recent passport-size photo and the passport bio-data page.
· 6-month validity· Passport photo
/02
Arrange travel insurance
Obtain valid travel insurance covering the full duration of your stay in Bhutan, as proof is required for the visa application.
· Mandatory· Full trip coverage
/03
Create an account on the immigration portal
Go to the official Bhutan Immigration Services Portal (immi.gov.bt), sign the visitor pledge, and create an account. You may apply yourself or have a licensed tour operator or hotel apply on your behalf.
· immi.gov.bt· Direct or via operator
/04
Complete the application and add travel details
Fill in the online form with your personal details, travel dates, and accommodation, then upload your passport copy, photo, and insurance.
· Online form· Upload documents
/05
Pay the visa fee and SDF
Pay the US$40 visa fee plus the Sustainable Development Fee of US$100 per person per night, by credit card or secure wire transfer.
· US$40 visa· US$100/night SDF
/06
Receive e-visa and travel
After review (up to 5 working days), you receive a visa clearance / e-visa to present at the port of entry, where the visa is stamped in your passport.
· 5 working days· Present on arrival
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
Malaysia -> Bhutan · Tourist e-visa (applied online before travel)
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredMalaysian passport valid 6+ months beyond departure from Bhutan
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
RequiredClear scan/copy of passport bio-data page
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredValid travel insurance covering the whole stay
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed accommodation / itinerary details
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredApproved online visa application (immi.gov.bt)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredVisa fee US$40 paid (non-refundable)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RequiredSustainable Development Fee US$100/night paid in advance
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedOnward/return flight booking
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedPrinted e-visa / visa clearance letter for port of entry
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.
Application link included: Bhutan Travel (Official Tourism Board) - Visa
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Visa application feeUS$40Per person, one-off, non-refundable
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)US$100 per nightPer person, per night; rate fixed Sep 2023 - Aug 2027
SDF child discount (ages 6-11)US$50 per night50% discount; children 5 and under exempt
GST on tourism services5%From 1 Jan 2026, applies to tourism services (not to SDF)
Total estimateUS$140 (1 night: US$40 visa + US$100 SDF)US$540 (5 nights: US$40 visa + US$500 SDF)incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Via licensed tour operator / hotel
Up to 5 working days
Operator submits the application and handles SDF and visa payment on your behalf.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Malaysia is not a permit-exempt nationality
Only India, Bangladesh, and Maldives nationals use a permit system; all other visitors, including Malaysians, require a visa.
High
/02
Visa must be obtained before travel
Bhutan does not offer visa-on-arrival for Malaysian tourists; the e-visa must be approved in advance.
High
/03
Sustainable Development Fee applies
Every night of stay carries a US$100 per-person SDF that must be paid with the application.
High
/04
Mandatory supporting documents
Travel insurance and a 6-month-valid passport are required for approval.
Medium
/05
New 5% GST from 2026
Tourism services (excluding SDF) now carry a 5% GST, slightly raising total trip cost.
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
Malaysia to Bhutan route verified
Confirmed via official Bhutan tourism board and Department of Immigration that Malaysian ordinary passport holders need an online e-visa (US$40) plus US$100/night SDF; stay up to 90 days, processing up to 5 working days. Noted 5% GST on tourism services from 1 Jan 2026.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can Malaysians get a visa on arrival in Bhutan?
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Malaysian tourists. You must apply for and receive an e-visa online before you travel; the visa is then stamped in your passport at the port of entry.
How much does it cost a Malaysian to visit Bhutan?+
Do I have to book through a tour operator?+
How long can I stay in Bhutan on the e-visa?+
How long does the visa take to process?+
Are there discounts on the SDF for children?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Malaysia passport

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