There are only two Airlines in Bhutan: Drukair & Bhutan Airlines. The flights to Bhutan operate to and from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati. We also have domestic Air Service to Bumthang, Yonphula and Gelephu.
DrukAir, Royal Bhutan Airlines, is the national flag carrier of Bhutan. It has always played a vital role in connecting Bhutan to the world.
DrukAir operates its flights to the following destinations:
Bangkok, Thailand
Singapore
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kolkata, India
Bagdogra, India
Gaya, India
Guwahati, India
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Delhi, India
Bhutan Airlines is one of the two airlines operating in Bhutan, providing both international and domestic flights to ensure connectivity across the country and neighboring regions.
For travel requirements & Bhutan Ticketing, please contact our Ticketing Agent. We are the legal Ticketing Agents for both DrukAir & Bhutan Airlines. Please contact our ticketing specialist.
Advantages Of Booking Your Flights To Bhutan With Us:
We notify you when flight timing changes, which is not done by the airlines. Airlines ask you to check your booking 72 hours prior, which sometimes can be later than that. Booking with us is more secure you need not adhere to instant purchase. We can hold your air seats for some days or weeks depending on the demand for seats.
Information & Tips On Flights To Bhutan:
Paro Airport: Bhutan’s only international airport, surrounded by 18,000 feet high peaks. Only a handful of pilots are qualified to land here.
Bhutan Flights Timing: Flight schedules depend on weather and geographic conditions. Timings are subject to change. Check bookings 72 hours prior or rely on our updates.
Tickets Validity: Tickets issued against full fare are valid for one year, unless otherwise specified.
Check-In Formalities: Report 2 hours prior to departure (3 hours for Delhi). Itinerary receipt, travel documents, visas, and credit card (if used) must be presented at check-in.
Baggage: One hand baggage (max 5kg, dimensions ≤100cm). Checked baggage allowance: Business 30kg, Economy 20kg.
Visa Requirement:
Indian nationals need an e-permit, and Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals follow the same regional entry process, applied for through an authorized travel company in Bhutan.
Other nationals need valid visa clearance from Department of Immigration of Bhutan before boarding.
Travel Tips: Maintain minimum 24 hours connection time. Flexible tickets recommended. Transit passengers follow specific check-in procedures at Bangkok.
Customs: Personal import of tobacco products is allowed within specified limits; excess subject to 100% duty and tax.
Final Tip: Take left-hand side seats flying into Bhutan for Himalayas view; right-hand side flying out. Aircraft altitude: 26,000–39,000 ft. Views include Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Gauri Shankar.
Delayed Arrival: No refund for delays, missed flights, or airline changes due to weather, road blocks, or other uncontrollable factors.
It is mandatory for all tourists to obtain a Bhutan e-visa clearance before traveling to Bhutan. Indian tourists require e-permits as Bhutan visa to enter Bhutan, and Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals follow the same regional process. International tourists require e-visas. We apply for your e-Visa or e-permit on your behalf (both are issued by the Government of Bhutan). Learn all you need to know about Bhutan Visa.
Process for Visa Application:
To get your e-visa / e-permit approved for Bhutan, the only required document is a copy of your valid passport (validity should be for more than six months from the day you exit Bhutan). The Government SDF must also be paid.
SDF For Tourists:
Since September 1, 2023, the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for international visitors is USD 100 per adult per night, a 50% reduction from the standard USD 200. Children aged 6 to 11 pay USD 50 per night and children under 6 are exempt. This rate is valid until August 31, 2027. For Indian tourists, the SDF is Nu. 1,200 (or INR 1,200) per person per night; Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals pay the regional rate of USD 15 or Nu. 1,200 per person per night. Rates are set by the Department of Tourism and may change after the validity date.
We encourage you to explore our detailed blog posts for comprehensive information on SDF discounts, incentives, and calculation methods. Experience the warmth of Bhutan, the serenity of its landscapes, and the richness of its traditions with these SDF benefits.
Reasons To Increase SDF For Bhutan Visa:
Bhutan tourism follows the philosophy of ‘High Value, Low Volume’. Recently, tourist numbers increased, causing crowded monasteries, disruption of sacred sanctity, and more waste. Bhutan, with around half of its land protected as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biological corridors, had to adopt a cautious tourism policy to preserve its religious, cultural, and environmental heritage.
Process:
After receiving your SDF payment, it is transferred to the Government SDF account, and the online visa is applied for. Approval takes a maximum of five days. Your e-visa will be sent via email. Carry a printed copy for check-in at Paro International Airport. The Bhutan visa application fee is USD 40 per person (non-refundable), and a visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days from the date of entry.
1. All travellers except Indian nationals need a visa; Indian nationals need an e-permit.
2. Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals follow the same regional entry process as Indian nationals (apply online, through a licensed tour operator such as Ati Jong, or at the port of entry).
3. Swiss and Thai nationals with diplomatic or official passports are qualified for a visa upon arrival at the port of entry.
4. Bhutan requires an e-permit for visitors from India. Anyone with an Indian passport or voter ID card is subject to this. Passports or birth certificates are acceptable for Indian natives under 18. However, they must be accompanied by legal guardians.
1. A copy of your passport is needed. Before the scheduled departure date from the Kingdom, the passport must be valid for at least six months. For Indian National both passport & Voter Card work.
2. Valid travel insurance for the entire duration of the trip.
3. An updated passport-size picture.
The following are the additional information required to initiate the visa:
1. City of residency
2. Country of residence
3. Nationality at birth
The non-refundable visa application fee is USD 40 per person. Applications are reviewed within five working days. Please note we can only apply for your visa after receiving payment for the Government SDF and the visa fee.
Indian citizens can travel using their passports or voter ID cards. Children under 18 can travel using a birth certificate or passport, but they must have a legal guardian. A photo of the size of a passport is also necessary. It is necessary to have travel insurance, which must be valid for the whole journey.
Your insurance provider is where you can get travel insurance. Additionally, you may purchase from Bhutanese insurance companies at the port of entry upon arrival. At every port of entry, there are also tourism information officials who may help visitors. Click here to get details on the insurance from Bhutan Insurance Limited.
1. International visitors pay an SDF of USD 100 per adult per night. This rate is valid until August 31, 2027.
2. Children aged 6 to 11 pay 50% (USD 50 per night); children under 6 are exempt.
3. Indian nationals pay Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent in INR) per person per night, with children aged 6 to 11 paying half. Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals pay USD 15 or Nu. 1,200 per person per night.
4. The SDF monies go to the national exchequer. They are distributed to different initiatives that improve the infrastructure, services, and amenities for citizens of Bhutan and foreign visitors and provide free healthcare and education.
1. The SDF must be paid through a wire transfer or credit card when applying for a visa or e permit.
2. Indians can pay with INR, but the Other National have to pay their SDF in USD.
Visitors visiting the Indian bordering Bhutanese towns will not be required to pay the SDF until they reach the first authorised location determined by the government. Visitors staying the night in border towns will be charged the SDF.
The Department of Immigration refunds the SDF for any cancelled or cut-short trip, and any bank charges are deducted from the amount refunded. The refund request is made online through the immigration system and is processed after guests have left the Kingdom. If you have booked the tour with us, we will do the needful.
1. From Bangladesh (Dhaka), India (Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra), Nepal (Kathmandu), Singapore (Changi), and Thailand, travellers can fly to Bhutan (Bangkok).
2. Drukair and Bhutan Airlines are the only two airlines offering flights to Bhutan.
3. After receiving the necessary licences from the appropriate authorities, private aircraft can fly into Bhutan.
4. Additionally, all guests may arrive on foot from Phuentsholing. Other land entry locations allow Indian visitors to access Bhutan (Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Samtse).
A visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days from the date of entry. Extensions can be requested before it expires.
Before the expiration of the visa or permission, as appropriate, the Department of Immigration can process the extension. The Department of Immigration must be paid the necessary SDF and any costs associated with extending a visa or authorization.
The procedure often goes quite quickly for visa or permission extensions, although it may take up to five business days.
Trekking excursions requiring overnight stays must be scheduled through a local travel operator. You will get all the logistical support from us for your hiking or trekking excursion.
Yes. All visitors to Bhutan travel with a licensed Bhutanese guide, and independent travel is not available. Your Ati Jong guide accompanies you on your journey, helps ensure your safety, handles local arrangements, and shares Bhutan’s culture and history with you. Guides are especially important on treks and when travelling beyond Thimphu and Paro, where altitude, terrain and wildlife can present challenges.
Every guide on your trip is a licensed Bhutanese guide assigned by Ati Jong. Tell us about your interests and preferred language and we will match you with the right guide.
Bhutan provides various lodging options, from opulent 5-star hotels to comfortable homestays in old-world villages.
Please see our Choose Your Stay page for hotel options, or contact Ati Jong and we will arrange accommodation to suit your style and budget.
Visitors must lodge in a Department of Tourism-approved establishment or, if hiking, camp only at the approved locations.
You can pay by credit card through the Bhutan Payment Gateway (we create an invoice link for you; the bank charges about 4.75% for card payments) or by international wire transfer. Contact Ati Jong for an invoice and our bank details.
Yes, there are visitor information centers at the arrival area just before immigration check at the airport and in all entry points.
So for your Bhutan Visa you can Contact Us.
Your Government SDF and visa fee are not kept by us. We transfer them to the Government of Bhutan through the Department of Immigration visa system to process your visa, and the SDF is refunded by the Department of Immigration if your trip is cancelled or cut short (bank charges are deducted).
E-Permit Process:
In order to get an e-permit, the regional guest has to contact Ati Jong. However, the regional guests can recommend their own choice of preferred hotel or transportation or book on their own.
Documents Required to Process E-Permit:
Details of the confirmed tour itinerary
Details of the confirmed accommodation
Details of the confirmed ground transport
Details of Licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide
Pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Photo page of the Passport Copy
Passport Copy (Validity at least 6 months from date of departure from Bhutan)
Benefits of Paying SDF for Regional Guests:
Receive your permit in advance
Safe and secure personal attention during the stay in Bhutan
Preferential exemption from entry fees for state-owned tourist attraction sites
Guaranteed quality services
Contribute to overall sustainable management of tourism in Bhutan
For further information on Bhutan Visa, you can contact us.