Immigration in Bhutan
Immigration in BhutanExcept Indians, Maldivians & Bangladeshis nationals, travellers from all other countries require visas for travelling to Bhutan, which can be processed and arranged through the local Bhutanese Destination Management Company, providing ground services. With the revamped tourism policy since 20th June 2023, travellers can also process and obtain a visa through the Department of Immigration, Royal Government of Bhutan portal by paying the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) & Visa fee online. The visa is issued in advance, and travellers need to carry a visa copy either in electronic or paper form and produce it at the immigration counter on arrival, while the actual visa is stamped in the passport at the immigration counter.
Customs
Visitors are required to complete a passenger declaration form for checking by concerned officers on arrival. The following articles are exempt from duty:
a) Personal effects and articles for day-to-day use by the visitor
b) 1 litre of alcohol (spirits or wine)
c) 200 cigarettes, on payment of import duty of 200%
d) Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use
e) Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use.
The articles mentioned under d) & e) must be declared on the declaration form. If any such items are disposed of in Bhutan by the sale of gifts, they are liable for customs duty. On departure, visitors are required to surrender their forms to the Customs authorities.
Import and Export of the following goods are strictly prohibited :
a) Arms, ammunition, and explosives
b) All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs
