Bhutanese visas and entry permits are only issued by the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs in Bhutan once a duly filled visa application form is submitted to the Department for verification and issuance of visa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall verify and recommend visa application for only members of the international organizations, government delegations and foreign donors (Visa clearance for foreign donors may also be processed by the Ministry of Finance.).
Verification and recommendation of visas for other foreigners shall be carried out by other relevant agencies.
Only individuals holding diplomatic passports may apply for a diplomatic visa while visiting Bhutan for official purposes and postings/assignments.
Individuals coming to Bhutan for official purposes may apply for an official visa.
For other tourist visitors, excluding nationals of India, Bangladesh and Maldives, visas are processed through an online system by licensed Bhutanese tour operator. You can find the list of tour operators at the website of the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB): https://www.tourism.gov.bt/tour-operators
It may be issued to holders of diplomatic passports, official passport, UN passport, government delegations as recommended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and those covered by the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Royal Government of Bhutan.
Nationals of Bangladesh and Maldives do not require visa in order to enter Bhutan and can get Visa on Arrival stamped on their passports upon arrival.
Nationals of Thailand and Switzerland holding Official and Diplomatic passports shall be issued Visa on Arrival at the point of entry by immigration authorities. However, nationals of Thailand and Swiss carrying ordinary passports need to process Bhutanese visa in advance
An employment visa allows a foreign national to work in Bhutan.
Individuals with an employment visa shall be allowed to stay and work in the Kingdom for a maximum period of one year.
Individuals coming to study in Bhutan may apply for a student visa.
A person seeking permission to enter the Kingdom as a student shall be admitted for an approved period depending on the length of his course of study.
A business visa will enable one to do business in Bhutan and may be issued with documentary evidences of having received approval from the government for establishment of business within the kingdom.
A dependent visa may be issued to the dependents of a individual coming to Bhutan while holding a work permit.
Personal guest visa may be issued to individuals coming to Bhutan on the invitation of a Bhutanese citizen and foreign professional (holding Work Permit) or Diplomat residing in the country.
A personal guest shall be permitted to stay in the Kingdom for actual duration of stay or thirty days whichever is less.
Personal guest visa shall be limited to a maximum of two guests in a year.
Only individuals holding diplomatic passports may apply for a diplomatic visa while visiting Bhutan for official purposes and postings/assignments.
Individuals coming to Bhutan for official purposes may apply for an official visa.