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Bhutan Visa for United States Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

US citizens need an online visa approval for Bhutan plus the Sustainable Development Fee — apply via the Department of Immigration's online portal; visa fee USD 40 plus SDF of USD 100 per night, approval usually within a few days.

Guide last updated October 1, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
  • Completed online visa application (via a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or the Department of Immigration's online system)
  • Digital passport photo
  • Full itinerary including confirmed flights and accommodation (Bhutan requires pre-planned travel)
  • Proof of payment for the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
  • Travel insurance is recommended
  • No in-person biometrics required before arrival; biometric data is captured on arrival at Paro Airport or land border

Visa types

  • Tourist e-visa, typically single entry, valid for the dates of your approved itinerary — standard visa fee USD 40
  • Business and other purpose visas follow a similar online pre-approval process but require sponsor documentation from a Bhutanese entity

How to apply online

  • Book your trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or travel agent, or apply directly via the Department of Immigration's online visa portal
  • Submit passport details, photo, and travel itinerary online
  • Pay the USD 40 visa fee plus the Sustainable Development Fee (USD 100 per person per night for most nationalities, including US citizens)
  • Visa approval letter is typically issued within a few business days by email
  • Present the printed approval letter, passport, and SDF payment receipt on arrival for visa stamping

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: USD 40 (one-time)
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): USD 100 per person, per night
  • Processing time: generally 3-5 business days once full itinerary and payment are submitted
  • No same-day or on-arrival visa option — approval must be secured before departure
  • Total cost example for a 5-night trip: USD 40 visa + USD 500 SDF = USD 540 before accommodation, guide, and transport costs

Tips for United States travelers

  • Apply at least 2-3 weeks ahead, especially during peak season (March-May, September-November), to secure guides and flights
  • Bhutan requires most foreign tourists to pre-book their trip — you generally cannot show up and apply on arrival
  • Budget for the SDF as a per-night cost separate from your hotel and tour package price
  • Keep your approval letter, passport, and SDF receipt together for airport check-in with Drukair/Bhutan Airlines (the only carriers serving Paro)
  • There is no US Embassy in Bhutan; the US Embassy in New Delhi, India handles consular matters for Bhutan

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.