🇷🇺Russian Federation

🇧🇹BhutanRU-BT

Russian Federation to Bhutan visa requirements

Q: How much does it really cost to visit Bhutan?

Beyond the one-off USD 40 visa fee, the main cost is the Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per adult per night. For example, a 5-night trip costs USD 40 + USD 500 = USD 540 in government fees alone, before flights, hotels and tours.

Q: Do I need to book through a tour operator?

It is no longer mandatory since 2022 - independent travelers can apply directly on immi.gov.bt. However, many visitors still use a licensed Bhutanese operator for logistics, guides and to handle the application.

Q: How long can I stay in Bhutan on the eVisa?

The visa is granted for your booked travel dates, typically up to 90 days per entry, and can be extended within Bhutan at the immigration office in Thimphu (additional SDF applies for extra nights).

Q: How long does the eVisa take to be approved?

Applications are usually reviewed within about five working days. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before departure, as flights to Paro cannot be finalized until clearance is issued.

Q: Did the 2026 GST increase Bhutan's visa costs?

No. A 5% GST took effect on tourism services from 1 January 2026, but the USD 40 visa fee and the USD 100 SDF are explicitly excluded, so those government charges are unchanged.

Russian ordinary passport holders need a visa for Bhutan. They must apply online for an eVisa before travel (there is no visa-free or standard visa-on-arrival channel), pay a USD 40 visa fee plus the USD 100 per-night Sustainable Development Fee, and receive approval within about 5 working days. Bhutan is not visa-free for Russian citizens. Only nationals of India (permit), Bangladesh and the Maldives (visa on arrival) enjoy special arrangements; every other nationality, including Russia, must obtain a visa in advance. Since the 2022-2023 reform, all foreign tourists apply online through Bhutan's Department of Immigration portal (immi.gov.bt) or via a licensed Bhutanese tour operator/hotel, rather than through an embassy. The eVisa carries a one-off non-refundable visa application fee of USD 40 and requires payment of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per adult per night (USD 50 for children 6-12; under 6 free), which is locked in through 31 August 2027. From 1 January 2026 a 5% GST applies to tourism services, but the USD 40 visa fee and USD 100 SDF are explicitly excluded and unchanged. Applications are reviewed within about five working days; the visa is single-entry, valid for the booked travel dates, and typically grants a stay of up to 90 days that can be extended in Thimphu. Bhutan is not in the Schengen area, so the 90/180 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.

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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

eVisa (apply online before travel)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days per entry (matching booked dates; extendable in Thimphu)

per entry

Entries

Single entry

from issue date

Visa fee

USD 40 visa fee + USD 100/night SDF (per adult)

consular fee only

Processing time

About 5 working days

standard track

Validity

Issued for the approved travel dates; passport valid 6+ months from departure

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Book your trip and accommodation

Arrange your itinerary, hotels and any tour through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or directly. Confirmed travel dates and accommodation are needed because the SDF is charged per night of stay.

· Before applying· Tour operator optional but common

/02

Create an account on the immigration portal

Go to the official Department of Immigration e-visa system at immi.gov.bt, sign the Pledge of Friendship, and register an applicant account. Your tour operator or hotel can also submit on your behalf.

· immi.gov.bt· Official portal only

/03

Complete the application and upload documents

Enter personal and travel details and upload a passport bio-page scan, a recent passport-size photo, and proof of valid travel insurance covering the trip.

· Digital documents· English forms

/04

Pay the visa fee and SDF

Pay the non-refundable USD 40 visa application fee plus the Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per adult per night of your stay by card.

· USD 40 + USD 100/night· Card payment

/05

Wait for approval (about 5 working days)

Applications are reviewed within roughly five working days. Approval is required before you can finalize flights to Paro, as airlines check visa clearance.

· ~5 working days· Needed before flying

/06

Receive and present the eVisa

Download the visa clearance letter once approved, carry a printed or digital copy, and present it at Paro airport or the land border, where the visa is endorsed in your passport on arrival.

· Carry a copy· Endorsed on arrival

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items

Personalized checklist

Russian Federation -> Bhutan · eVisa (apply online before travel)

0 / 13 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredPassport valid at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Bhutan

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredDigital scan of the passport bio-data page

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredRecent passport-size colour photograph (digital)

Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route

required

RequiredValid travel insurance covering the full stay