Do UK Citizens Need A Visa For Bhutan?

Keith

Keith Crockford

Do You Need A Visa For Bhutan From The UK?

So your heart’s in Bhutan, but first, getting there. Do you need a visa for Bhutan from the UK? On this page, you’ll find out. 

Stepping foot in Bhutan, or the Land of the Thunder Dragon as it’s often known (seriously, how cool is that?)… is like transiting into another world.

Another world marked by unspoilt natural beauty, spiritual tranquillity, and a rich tapestry of history and culture around every corner.

But travelling from the United Kingdom to this kingdom nestled in the Himalayas does require some preparation, particularly where visa requirements are concerned. So, do UK citizens need a visa to visit Bhutan? Let’s break it down for you.

Visa Required: A Mandatory Policy

The short answer to your question, “do you need a visa for Bhutan from the UK?” is…

…Yes.

All UK citizens planning to visit Bhutan for tourism have to obtain a visa before departure. Bhutan’s tourism regulation is unique, designed to protect its pristine environment and vibrant culture through a policy of ‘High Value, Low Impact Tourism’.

View on Tiger's nest monastery Bhutan

Bhutan’s Visa Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

As a UK citizen, applying for a Bhutanese visa is a pretty hassle-free process and requires just a few steps:

  • Choose a Licensed Bhutanese Tour Agency: All tourist visits to Bhutan must be booked through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or an international partner. Independent travel is not permitted in Bhutan, so it’s essential to hire a authorised tour operator for planning your journey.

(Hi, we can help you there! Click here to find out more about our Bhutanese adventure, and rest assured, we’re licensed to take you on your trip of a lifetime to Bhutan)

  • Plan Your Itinerary: Sketch out your itinerary with your tour operator. Remember, your entire stay, accommodations, meals, guide and internal transport costs are covered by the daily tariff you pay to the operator. 

If you’d like to find out more about the costs of visiting Bhutan and how we’ll handle everything for you, click here to read our handy Bhutan costs blog.

  • Provide Necessary Documents: After booking your trip, you need to provide a scanned copy of your passport to the tour operator. This will be used to submit your visa application online.

Bucketlister tip: Best to print off a couple of copies for YOU too, so you’ve got copies handy in Bhutan – just in case.

  • Wait for Visa Approval: The tour operator will handle the visa procedures with the Bhutanese immigration authorities. The approval process typically takes about 72 hours. We’ll let you know once it’s approved.

Like the sound of all this admin being done for you? You’ll love the itinerary even more! Click here to find out what you’ll be getting up to in Bhutan when you travel with The Bucket List Company.

  • Pay the Tour Cost: Once you’ve got your visa approval, you’ll need to pay the total tour cost to the Tourism Council of Bhutan’s bank account via wire transfer. Your visa won’t be issued until this payment has been received and processed. 

(Again, when you pay for your trip through The Bucket List Company, we’ll handle all the payments to Bhutan for you)

  • Visa Endorsement: Upon arrival in Bhutan, your visa will be stamped in your passport. You’ll also need to show a copy of your visa clearance letter, which the tour operator will provide you prior to arrival.
Performers dancers wearing masks in festival in Mongar Bhutan

Visa Fee: A One-Time Payment

The Bhutanese visa comes at a one-time cost of approximately £30 ($40), payable when you wire the payment for your trip to the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

If you’re travelling with The Bucket List Company, your visa cost will be included in the price of your trip and we’ll handle that payment for you.

Validity and flexible extensions

Your Bhutan visa will be valid for the entire duration of your stay as specified in your itinerary. Should you need or want to stay longer, an extension can be obtained in Thimphu for a cost of around £4.50. It’s just as simple as it sounds

Exceptions to the rule…

It’s important to note that there are exceptions to the visa rule. Visitors from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives can enter Bhutan without a visa, provided they have a valid passport with at least six months validity.

Don’t Forget Your Passport

Remember to keep your passport handy at all times during your trip and carry multiple copies of the visa clearance letter from your tour operator, and of your passport too. That letter is particularly important at the start of your adventure, as airlines simply won’t let you board without it.

So you need a visa for Bhutan from the UK. And, sure, there’s a bit of paperwork and planning that needs to be done. But if you want to plan and book your trip of a lifetime to Bhutan with as little stress and admin as possible, and if you want to have the most amazing adventure… Why not travel to Bhutan with The Bucket List Company? 

Unparalleled experiences steeped in nature, culture and spirituality; a likeminded group of adventure junkies; serene monasteries, formidable dzongs and colourful markets… And the inviting smiles of its people make every step of the journey more than deserving of a spot on your Bucket List. 

The manageable monthly payments don’t hurt either. Click here to find out more about our Bhutan itinerary, drop any questions in our direction and… Get excited. 

If you don’t book it now… Will you ever? 

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