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🇹🇭Thailand
🇧🇹BhutanTH-BT

Thailand to Bhutan visa requirements

Thailand ordinary passport holders need a visa in advance to visit Bhutan. Only Thai diplomatic and official passport holders get visa on arrival; ordinary passports must apply online for an e-visa before travel. A Thailand ordinary (tourist) passport holder cannot enter Bhutan visa-free or on arrival. Bhutan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that while Thai diplomatic and official passport holders receive visa on arrival, "nationals of Thailand carrying ordinary passports need to process Bhutanese visa in advance." The visa is obtained through Bhutan's online system (immi.gov.bt), either applied for directly by the traveler or by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator/hotel. Two charges apply: a one-time, non-refundable visa application fee of US$40 per person, and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per adult per night (children 6-12 pay 50%, under 6 are exempt). The current SDF rate runs from 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2027. From 1 January 2026, a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies to tourism services (hotels, guides, transport) but not to the SDF itself. Applications are reviewed within about five working days, and the visa is normally issued for the dates of the paid/confirmed itinerary. A passport valid at least six months beyond the intended departure, a passport photo, and valid travel insurance are required.
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
e-Visa (online, applied directly or via licensed tour operator)
Maximum stay
Issued for the duration of the confirmed itinerary (each night incurs SDF)
per entry
Entries
Single entry per approved itinerary
from issue date
Visa fee
US$40 visa fee (one-time) + US$100 SDF per adult per night
consular fee only
Processing time
Around 5 working days
standard track
Validity
Valid for the approved travel dates of the itinerary
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm you need an e-visa
Thai ordinary passport holders must obtain a Bhutan visa in advance; only diplomatic/official passports get visa on arrival.
· Ordinary passport· Apply before travel
/02
Prepare your documents
Get a passport valid at least 6 months beyond departure with 2 blank pages, a recent passport photo, and valid travel insurance covering the trip.
· 6 months validity· Travel insurance required
/03
Plan and book your itinerary
Decide your travel dates and arrange accommodation/tour. Many travelers use a licensed Bhutanese tour operator who can apply on their behalf.
· Confirm dates· Optional tour operator
/04
Apply online at immi.gov.bt
Complete the tourist visa/permit application on Bhutan's official immigration portal, uploading your passport copy, photo, and insurance.
· immi.gov.bt· Upload documents
/05
Pay the fees
Pay the one-time US$40 visa application fee plus the US$100 per-night Sustainable Development Fee for your stay.
· US$40 visa fee· US$100/night SDF
/06
Receive approval and travel
Applications are reviewed within about 5 working days. Carry your approved e-visa and supporting documents on arrival.
· ~5 working days· Carry e-visa copy
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
Thailand -> Bhutan · e-Visa (online, applied directly or via licensed tour operator)
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredThai ordinary passport valid 6+ months beyond departure
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredAt least 2 blank passport pages
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
RequiredValid travel insurance covering the stay
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed travel dates / itinerary
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredOnline visa application at immi.gov.bt
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredUS$40 visa application fee paid
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredSDF paid for each night of stay (US$100/adult/night)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredApproved e-visa printout/copy for entry
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedConfirmed hotel/accommodation booking
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
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 sourcesMinistry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Bhutan - Visa to enter BhutanDepartment of Immigration, Bhutan - e-Permit/e-Visa for touristsBhutan Department of Tourism - Visa
Application link included: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Bhutan - Visa to enter Bhutan
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Visa application feeUS$40One-time, non-refundable, per person
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)US$100 per adult per nightChildren 6-12 pay 50%; under 6 exempt. Rate valid 1 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2027
GST on tourism services5%From 1 Jan 2026 on hotels/guides/transport; does not apply to the SDF
Total estimateUS$140 (1-night stay: US$40 visa + US$100 SDF) — US$740+ (7-night stay: US$40 visa + US$700 SDF, plus 5% GST on services)incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Online e-visa (immi.gov.bt)
About 5 working days
Standard processing through Bhutan's official immigration portal; apply directly or via a licensed tour operator.
Via licensed Bhutanese tour operator
About 5 working days
Operator handles the application and payments on your behalf; convenient for package tours.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Ordinary passport excluded from visa on arrival
Only Thai diplomatic and official passport holders get visa on arrival; ordinary passports must apply in advance.
High
/02
Bhutan's regulated tourism policy
Bhutan ties entry to a paid itinerary and the Sustainable Development Fee, so an advance visa is mandatory for most foreign tourists.
High
/03
SDF and fees must be prepaid
The US$40 visa fee and US$100/night SDF are paid as part of the application, before approval.
High
/04
Document or insurance gaps
Missing travel insurance, insufficient passport validity, or unclear itinerary can delay or block approval.
Medium
/05
New 5% GST from 2026
Travelers may underestimate total cost as GST now adds to tourism services.
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
Thailand to Bhutan route verified
Verified against Bhutan MFA and Department of Immigration: Thai ordinary passport holders need an advance e-visa; SDF remains US$100/adult/night plus US$40 visa fee; 5% GST on tourism services effective 1 Jan 2026.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can Thai citizens get a visa on arrival in Bhutan?—
Only Thai diplomatic and official passport holders receive visa on arrival. Ordinary (tourist) passport holders must obtain a visa in advance through Bhutan's online system.
How much does it cost for a Thai tourist to visit Bhutan?+
How do I apply for a Bhutan visa from Thailand?+
How long does Bhutan visa processing take?+
Do I need travel insurance for Bhutan?+
What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Thailand passport

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