Entry Routes and Border Crossings with Experience Bhutan Travel

Bhutan has a limited number of entry points, carefully regulated to preserve its culture, environment, and national security. Whether you arrive by land from India or by air, understanding Bhutan’s entry routes and border procedures will help ensure a smooth start to your journey. Experience Bhutan Travel assists travelers with all necessary permits and logistics for hassle-free entry.

Primary Land Entry: Phuentsholing Border

Phuentsholing, located on the southern border with India, is Bhutan’s most commonly used land entry point. Travelers cross through Jaigaon, West Bengal, making it a convenient gateway for those arriving overland from India.

Why Enter via Phuentsholing

  • Immigration services available throughout the day

  • Excellent road connectivity from major Indian cities

  • Wide range of hotels, restaurants, and exchange facilities nearby

  • Easy onward travel to Thimphu, Paro, and western Bhutan

  • Permit offices and travel support services located close to the border

Border Procedures at Phuentsholing

  • Document verification: Passport or voter ID (for Indian nationals); visa clearance letter for others

  • Entry permit issuance: Processed at the immigration office

  • Travel permits: Additional permits arranged for travel beyond western Bhutan

Experience Bhutan Travel coordinates all permit arrangements in advance whenever possible to minimize waiting time.

Alternative Land Entry Points

While Phuentsholing is the most popular entry route, Bhutan also has a few secondary land borders.

Other Land Borders

  • Gelephu (South-Central Bhutan): Quieter entry point with access to central Bhutan

  • Samdrup Jongkhar (Eastern Bhutan): Ideal for travelers exploring eastern regions

Important Notes

  • These crossings may have limited facilities

  • Special permits are required and must be arranged in advance

  • Travel routes from these borders are longer and more remote

Experience Bhutan Travel recommends these entry points only for travelers with specific itineraries in central or eastern Bhutan.

Air Entry: Paro International Airport

Paro International Airport is Bhutan’s only international airport and the most convenient entry point for most international travelers.

Benefits of Flying into Paro

  • Direct international flights from cities such as Delhi, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Singapore, and Dhaka

  • Stunning Himalayan flight experience

  • Faster entry procedures compared to land borders

  • Immediate access to Paro, Thimphu, and western Bhutan attractions

Entry Procedures at Paro Airport

  • Passport and visa clearance letter verification

  • Entry stamp issued upon arrival

  • Travel permits processed if required

Entry Requirements and Documentation

For Indian Nationals

  • Valid passport or voter ID card (Aadhaar not accepted)

  • Entry permit issued at border or airport

  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) payment as applicable

For International Travelers

  • Visa clearance letter approved prior to arrival

  • Passport with at least 6 months validity

  • Confirmed travel itinerary through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator

  • Proof of Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) payment

Travel Permits Inside Bhutan

  • Entry permits typically allow travel to Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha

  • Additional permits are required for eastern and southern Bhutan

  • Permit processing times may vary depending on season and location

Experience Bhutan Travel manages all internal travel permits, ensuring smooth movement across regions.

Frequently asked questions

There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.

Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied. In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer. In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes. Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work. From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language). Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.

Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan. Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.

No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth. The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.

The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF. The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.