Visa Information (Visa formalities)

Other than Indian nationals, all visitors to Bhutan require a visa. Thoesam Tours and Trekking will process and arrange for visa on your behalf.

All that we require is your Passport details such as :
- your name
- date/place of birth
- nationality
- occupation
- passport number
- place/date of issue and
- validity

once we have these details, we will fill out the visa application forms on your behalf. OR you can fill out the form yourself online or download a (pdf) and fax/email us the duly filled-in form, at least three weeks (peak season 6 weeks) prior to your date of arrival, so that we can process it with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thimphu, get their approval or clearance number and inform all overseas Druk Air Station (if flying by Druk Air) or inform the Visa Officer in Phuntsholing (if arriving by surface). Without visa clearence number, travelers will not be able to board Druk Air flight to Bhutan, or if by surface, you will not be able move beyond Phuntsholing. Visa approval is also required for issuing of Druk Air tickets. Original visa is stamped on arrival ports either at Paro if arriving by Druk Air or at Phuntsholing if arriving by surface through India on payment of US dollar 20 per person for a14 day visa and on submission of 3 passport sized photographs. The duration can be further extended paying additional fee of US$15. Visa fees have to been in US currency notes.

Customs/Baggage

All visitors are required to complete the customs form upon arrival at Paro or if by surface at Phuntsholing. The following articles are exempted from custom duty :

1. Personal effects of day to day use
2. 2 liters of alcohol.
3. Instruments, appliances or apparatus of professional uses.
4. Cameras, video-digital cameras.

Those articles described in section c) and d) must be declared in the custom form. If these items are disposed off in Bhutan by sale or gift they become liable for customs duty.

Strictly Prohibited items: Import and export of arms and ammunition, explosives, narcotic and drugs, and wildlife products and antiques are strictly prohibited.

Imports of plants, seed, soil etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival.

Note: Visitors are advised to be cautious when purchasing old/used items. Customs officials will not allow such items to be taken out of the country if they have not been certified as non- antique.