Bhutan Visa & Permit Guide for Indians: Step-by-Step Process

How Indian nationals can visit Bhutan — documents needed, Entry Permit at the border, route-specific permits, and tourist ID card process.

Do Indians Need a Visa for Bhutan?

No. Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Bhutan. However, Indian tourists must obtain an Entry Permit from Bhutan Immigration at the official land border crossing points or at Paro International Airport. This is a simple on-arrival process.

Valid Documents to Enter Bhutan

Indian Passport (valid minimum 6 months beyond travel date). OR Voter ID Card (Election Commission of India ID card). PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, and driving licenses are NOT valid for entry into Bhutan. Children below 18: birth certificate + parent's passport required.

Entry Points from India to Bhutan

Phuntsholing (West Bengal/Sikkim border): Most popular land crossing from Bagdogra/Siliguri. Gelephu (Assam border): From Guwahati or Bongaigaon. Samdrup Jongkhar (Assam border): From Guwahati (east). Phuentsholing: From Hasimara/Alipurduar (West Bengal). Paro Airport: International flights from Kolkata, Delhi, Bagdogra.

Entry Permit Process

At Phuntsholing border: Present valid Indian passport or Voter ID to Bhutan Immigration. Fill Entry Permit form. Wait ~30–60 minutes for processing (often same-day). Receive Bhutan Entry Permit stamp. At Paro Airport: Present passport at Immigration counter. Permit issued on arrival.

Protected Area Permits (PAP)

Indian nationals visiting Haa Valley, Wangdue Phodrang (excluding Punakha), Trongsa, Bumthang, Trashigang, and Lhuntse districts require a Protected Area Permit in addition to the standard entry permit. Glen View Travels arranges all PAPs in advance.

E-Permit System (2024)

Bhutan launched an E-Permit system for Indian nationals through the Bhutan Tourism's online portal. Indian tourists can now apply for Bhutan permits online 7 days in advance, pay the SDF digitally, and receive a digital permit to show at the border. Glen View Travels guides all clients through the e-permit process step by step.