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Bhutan for Indian citizens: documents, entry permit and fee

Indian citizens do not need a visa for Bhutan, but they do need an entry permit and valid identity documents. By road the permit is issued at the immigration office in Phuentsholing, which is the usual gateway from Siliguri and Bagdogra.

Updated 31 October 2026

Phuentsholing on the India–Bhutan border
Phuentsholing on the India–Bhutan border. Photo: Christopher J. Fynn, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons

Documents

The Embassy of India in Thimphu says Indian nationals need either a passport valid for at least 6 months or an original Voter Identity Card issued by the Election Commission of India, along with recent passport-size photographs. Children under 18 without a passport need an original birth certificate. The embassy states that no visa is required to visit Bhutan.

Entry permit

  • By road: the permit is issued at a Regional Immigration Office at Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar or Samtse.
  • By air: the permit is issued at Paro International Airport.

Fee and money

The Embassy of India lists a Sustainable Development Fee of INR 1,200 per day for the length of stay in Bhutan. It also states that Indian citizens may carry Indian currency in notes up to Rs 500, with a total limit of Rs 25,000, and that amounts above Rs 25,000 must be in notes of Rs 100 or lower. Fees and rules change, so check the embassy page and the Bhutan immigration department before you travel.

Getting to the border

Phuentsholing is the border town opposite Jaigaon in West Bengal. Most travellers drive there from Siliguri, Bagdogra or NJP. We arrange the vehicle for the drive.

Sources

Road and permit rules change. We confirm the current position for your dates when you book.

Common questions

Do Indians need a visa for Bhutan?

No. The Embassy of India in Thimphu states that no visa is required, but Indian nationals do need an entry permit and valid identity documents.

Which documents do Indian citizens need for Bhutan?

A passport valid for at least 6 months, or an original Voter Identity Card, plus recent passport-size photographs. Children under 18 without a passport need an original birth certificate.

Where do I get the Bhutan entry permit by road?

At a Regional Immigration Office at Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar or Samtse. Phuentsholing is the usual gateway from Siliguri and Bagdogra.

What is the Sustainable Development Fee for Indians?

The Embassy of India lists INR 1,200 per day for the length of stay. Confirm the current amount before you travel.

How much Indian cash can I carry into Bhutan?

The embassy states notes up to Rs 500 and a total of Rs 25,000, with larger amounts needing notes of Rs 100 or lower.

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