Planning a Bhutan trip in 2026? As an Indian traveler, visiting Bhutan is comparatively easier than travelers from other countries. While Bhutan visa for Indians is not required, you do need a valid entry permit. To enter the country, one must carry a passport or a voter ID. Indian nationals can use either their valid Indian passport or an Indian Voter Identity Card.
In this blog, let’s find out the Bhutan entry requirements and which one among the passport or voter ID is preferred!
Is A Bhutan Visa For Indians Required?
The most common question many travelers planning to visit Bhutan might have is whether they require a visa or not.
The good news is that there is no Bhutan visa for Indians. Instead, Bhutan entry requirements specify an entry permit, which can be obtained online before traveling or at a port of entry.
Bhutan’s Department of Immigration confirms that Indians are eligible for an entry permit that they can apply before their trip or at their point of entry.
While it is recommended that you apply for the permit in advance, you can also obtain it on arrival after showing verified documents. However, applying a Bhutan permit for Indians beforehand is generally recommended as there can be long queues at busy border points.
Can you travel to Bhutan without a tour package? Get the full information in our blog!
Passport Or Voter ID: Which Documents Are Accepted?
As per the official website of Embassy of India, Thimphu, Indian travelers mainly have to submit any of the two important documents:
(a) Valid Indian Passport having validity of minimum 6 months; and/or (b) Original Voter Identity Card, issued by the Election Commission of India along with recent passport size photographs.
Bhutan does not accept other documents such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or driving license as official documents to enter the country.
Do you know that Bhutan celebrates a unique Phallus Festival? Read more about it on our website!
What About Children Traveling To Bhutan?
The website also mentions the document required for children traveling to Bhutan. The rules are slightly different for Indian children below 18 years of age.
According to Bhutan’s official tourism guidance, Indian nationals under 18 can use a passport or birth certificate (original) to enter Bhutan and must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
If you are travelling as a family, therefore, it is sensible to carry the child’s original birth certificate along with copies of the parents’ identity documents and relevant travel documents.
Also Read: These Are The Quietest Countries In The World, And Bhutan Tops It!
What Is The Sustainable Development Fee For Indians?
Bhutan issues a Sustainable Development Fee for all travelers. For Indian nationals, the fee is about INR 1,200 per person per night. Children aged between 6 and 12 get a 50% discount, having to pay INR 600 per person per night. Children till 5 years of age are exempt from any fee.
The SDF is separate from your entry permit and other travel expenses. It contributes towards Bhutan’s sustainable development and tourism infrastructure.
What Documents To Carry For Your Bhutan Trip?
These are the documents you must carry during your Bhutan trip:
For adults:
- Original Indian passport or original Voter ID
- Bhutan Entry Permit
- Passport-size photographs
- Details of your travel itinerary and accomodation
- Copies of important documents
For children under 18:
- Passport or birth certificate
- Bhutan Entry Permit
- Documents establishing the relationship with the accompanying guardian, where applicable
It is also a good idea to keep digital copies of your documents on your phone and email for added convenience.
Note: This information has been taken from verified sources and the official website of the Embassy of India, Thimphu. I’d recommend that you carry either of the two documents, or both, for added safety. Make sure to verify all the entry-related information on the official tourism portal of Bhutan before your trip.
Summing Up
Ultimately, what Indians need to enter Bhutan in 2026 is either a valid passport or a valid voter ID. Children require a valid passport or an original birth certificate for an entry permit. Bhutan visa for Indians is not required but Indians are still required to pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee. If you’re planning a Bhutan trip anytime soon, make sure you carry all the required documents with you, both as hard copies and digital copies.
