Indian tourists visiting Bhutan must carry either a valid Indian passport with a minimum validity of six months or a valid Voter Identity card issued by the Election Commission of India. Indian tourists do not require a tourist visa to visit Bhutan. How and however permits must be processed to enter the country. The entry permits can be processed on arrival or in advance by a local travel agent in Bhutan.
Processing entry permits for Indian tourists visiting Bhutan
Indian tourists must process an entry permit on arrival either at the airport or the Department of Immigration Office at the point of entry if traveling by road. With the entry permits, Indian tourists can stay up to 15 days in Bhutan with the possibility of extension subject to approval by Immigration.
Documents required for processing entry permits for Indian tourists:
- Valid Indian passport with a minimum validity of 6 months or valid Voter Identity Card
- Duly filled entry permit application form
- Two standard size passport photographs
- Hotel booking voucher (hotel bookings in Bhutan must be confirmed before applying for the permit)
- Tour Guide details (Indian tourists must avail of the service of a certified local tour guide)
- Processing the entry permit can take up to a few hours, and Indian tourists traveling to Bhutan by road should note that the Department of Immigration offices are closed during the weekends and therefore must plan their trip accordingly to avoid unnecessary delays.
Indian tourists must note that the entry permit allows them to enter Bhutan and visit Paro, Thimphu, and Phuntsholing districts. Indian tourists wishing to visit other places not included in the list must apply for a Route permit on arrival in Thimphu at the Immigration office.
Documents required for processing route permit for Indian tourists:
- Valid Indian passport with a minimum validity of 6 months or valid Voter Identity Card
- Duly filled route permit application form
- Copy of the Entry Permit
- These must be processed and should not be ignored. The immigration check post en route to most places will check for this permit, and Indian tourists failing to apply for it will not be allowed to continue their journey.
Procedures for Indian tourists wishing to drive private Indian cars to Bhutan
Indian tourists wishing to drive a private Indian car to Bhutan must apply and avail authorization letter from the Royal Safety and Transport Authority of Bhutan (RSTA) on arrival at the border town before proceeding to other places in Bhutan.
Documents required for processing the authorized letter from RSTA Bhutan:
- Vehicle insurance
- Vehicle fitness certificate
- Valid driver’s license copy
- Entry Permit Copy
- Copy of Passport/Valid Voter ID Card
- Duly filled approved letter application form
- Certified letter from the owner of the car
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