Bhutan Visa 2026: Guide for German, Austrian & Swiss Citizens

Since September 2022, Bhutan has had a modern online visa system that significantly simplifies entry for international travelers. As a citizen of Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, you can apply for your E-visa conveniently from home – the entire process is digital, costs 40 USD, and typically takes just 2 to 5 working days. Additionally, the Sustainable Development Fee applies, Bhutan's contribution to sustainable tourism.

Key Facts at a Glance

Apply for E-Visa Online

You apply for the E-visa exclusively through the official portal of the Department of Immigration at visit.doi.gov.bt. Since Bhutan has no embassy in Germany, the entire process is digital. Visa on Arrival is not available for regular tourists from DACH countries – plan accordingly for sufficient processing time.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create account: Register on visit.doi.gov.bt with your email address. You will receive a confirmation link to activate your account.
2. Start application: After logging in, select "Add Application" and create a new trip. The system will guide you through all required steps.
3. Enter personal data: Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport, your date of birth, passport number, travel dates, and your planned route through Bhutan.
4. Upload documents: Upload a digital copy of your passport, a current passport photo, and proof of your travel insurance. Accepted formats are PDF, JPG, and PNG.
5. Pay fees: Pay the visa fee (40 USD) and the SDF via online payment or bank transfer. Payment must be made before processing.
6. Receive confirmation: After successful review, you will receive the Visa Clearance Letter digitally by email. This entitles you to enter the country.

Required Documents

You upload all required documents directly in the application portal. Pay attention to good image quality and complete readability – accepted formats are PDF, JPG, and PNG.

Passport

• Validity of at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date
• Good condition without damage or illegible sections
• At least 2 blank pages for visa stamps
• Digital copy of the biographical data page as PDF, JPG, or PNG

Passport Photo Requirements

Additional Documents

• Travel insurance: Valid for your entire stay, mandatory for the application
• Travel itinerary: Arrival and departure dates and planned destinations
• When booking through a tour operator: Booking confirmation from the licensed operator

Costs and Fees

Two mandatory fees apply when entering Bhutan: the one-time visa fee and the daily Sustainable Development Fee. Both amounts become due during the online application and must be paid before approval. These fees are separate from your other travel costs such as accommodation, meals, and transport.

Visa Fee

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

The Sustainable Development Fee is Bhutan's central instrument for responsible tourism. The revenue goes toward preserving cultural traditions, environmental protection projects, and free healthcare and education for the Bhutanese population. The SDF is calculated per person per night and is part of the visa application.

What the SDF Does Not Cover

• Accommodation – must be booked and paid separately
• Meals – not included in the SDF
• Transport within Bhutan
• Guide services and entrance fees

Calculation Example: Total Mandatory Fee Costs

For a complete cost breakdown including flights, accommodation, and meals, find all details on our Bhutan travel costs page.

View detailed cost breakdown

Special Provisions for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

The visa procedure is basically identical for all three DACH countries. Since Bhutan has no diplomatic representatives in Germany or Austria, the application is conducted exclusively through the online portal.

Guide Requirement: What Applies in 2026?

Since September 2022, Bhutan has significantly relaxed the previous strict guide requirement. Within the Paro-Thimphu-Punakha corridor, you can move freely and independently – restaurants, markets, and general city exploration are possible without accompaniment. For visiting Dzongs (fortified monastery-fortresses), temples, and travel outside this core area, a licensed guide remains mandatory.

Detailed information about booking a guide and selecting a licensed tour operator can be found on our separate page.

Learn more about booking a guide

Entry at Paro Airport

Paro International Airport is Bhutan's only international airport and one of the world's most challenging landing sites – only a handful of pilots are certified for approaches between the mountain ridges. The entry process itself is straightforward and typically takes 15 to 45 minutes.

Arrival Process

1. Present Visa Clearance Letter: Present your Visa Clearance Letter at the Immigration counter – printed or digital on your smartphone.
2. Biometric data collection: Your fingerprints and a photograph are digitally recorded.
3. Receive visa stamp: Your actual visa stamp is placed in your passport.
4. Baggage claim and customs: Standard customs clearance without special formalities – then your Bhutan adventure begins.

Land Entry

In addition to Paro Airport, there are three land border crossings from India: Phuentsholing (West Bengal), Gelephu (Assam), and Samdrup Jongkhar (Assam). If you plan a land entry, you must specify the desired border crossing in your visa application. Land entry is particularly interesting for travelers who want to combine Bhutan with a trip to India.

Visa for Children and Families

Children also need their own visa with their own children's passport – an entry in the parents' passport is not sufficient. Good news for families: Bhutan offers attractive discounts for the SDF, making family trips considerably more affordable.

Required Documents for Children

• Own valid children's passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
• Current passport photo meeting the same requirements as for adults
• When traveling without both parents: Consent of the absent parent recommended
• For minors traveling alone: Birth certificate and notarized consent from both parents

Tips for family travel to Bhutan

Avoid Common Mistakes

With proper preparation, your visa application will go smoothly. You should definitely avoid these common mistakes:

Timeline Planning

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps for Your Bhutan Trip

With your visa secured, you've completed an important first step for your Bhutan trip. These topics will help you plan further:

Ready for Your Bhutan Trip?

We support you in planning and answer all your questions about visa and entry.

Request information Discover routes