Bhutan is one of the few countries that Indian travellers can visit without a traditional visa -but that does not mean you can simply walk across the border. A valid Bhutan permit for Indians is absolutely mandatory. You need it before you can travel into the country’s interior.
Comprehending a process can make your journey worthwhile. The process of documentation is very important while travelling to Bhutan. With SCS Journeys, a reliable travel agency in Siliguri, your journey ought to be enjoyable and exciting.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Bhutan?.
No. Under the 1949 Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Friendship, Indian nationals do not need a tourist visa to visit Bhutan. You do still need a permit to enter Bhutan from India, though, which you need to enter the Kingdom and tour it.
The permit system ensures that the Kingdom of Bhutan is responsible for its tourism, yet it doesn’t affect Indian travellers in terms of cost, as Indian nationals do not have to pay for a permit.
You have to pay the Sustainable Development Fee(SDF) of ₹ 1200 per person per night. Children below 6 years are exempt from the fee.
Types of Permits for Indian Travellers
Indians may need up to three separate permits for their travel, depending on how deep into Bhutan you plan to go:
Entry Permit – This is the basic Indian Bhutan entry permit, available at official land border crossings. This permits you to enter Bhutan and to visit standard tourist sites such as Paro and Thimphu. The entry permit is valid for 7 days.
Route Permit (Internal Permit) – If you would like to visit beyond Thimpu and Paro, you require an internal route permit. The internal permit is required for visiting Punakha, Bumthang and Wangdue Phodrang. This is collected at the Department of Immigration office in Thimphu or Paro on the first day of your Bhutanese journey. The Indian registered vehicles that will pass beyond the Ringchending Check Post in Pheunstosholing will need to pay a Green Tax Nu 4500.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – If you intend to enter restricted border regions, such as the Haa Valley or the area of Lhuntse, this requires prior authorisation by the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and will be organised for you by a licensed Bhutanese tour company.
Required Documents for the Bhutan Permit
Getting your documents right is the most important step in the permit process. Here is what you need.
For Adults:
- An Indian passport, Voter Identity Card or a valid ID proof
- 4 passport-size views
- Completed permit application form (available at the immigration office or through your operator)
- Travel itinerary proof
Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and driving licences are not accepted as valid identity documents for entering Bhutan.
For Children:
- Children below 18 can travel on a birth certificate along with their parents’ valid documents
- If travelling with only one parent, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the other parent is required
While travelling with SCS Journeys, you need not worry about documents. We will verify your documents before departure and coordinate all permit paperwork. With our licensed Bhutanese partners, you are worry-free.
Step-by-Step Permit Process
Step 1: Choose Your Entry Point
Indians can enter Bhutan through three official land border crossings:
| Entry Point | Indian Side | Best For |
| Phuentsholing | Jaigaon, West Bengal | Western & Central Bhutan |
| Gelephu | Kokrajhar, Assam | Central Bhutan |
| Samdrup Jongkhar | Darranga, Assam | Eastern Bhutan |
Phuentsholing is one of the easily accessible towns and is well-connected. Travelling by road takes 4-5 hours from Siliguri. So it is regarded as the ideal point for travellers.
Step 2: Visit the Immigration Office
After you enter the land of the Thunder Dragon, you need to complete all the formalities. Tourists submit all the documents, and the verification process starts at the Bhutan Immigration Office. It is situated at the border crossover of India and Bhutan at Phuentsholing. The office timings are from 9. AM to 5 P.M., the lunch break is from 1 P.M. to -2. P.M.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Turn in your permit application form with your documents. If you are on tour with a tour operator, your tour representative will take up this on your behalf. The processing usually requires 30 minutes to 2 hours of processing – plan to arrive early morning specially during the peak season (March-May and September-November).
Step 4: Get your Route Permit in Thimphu
On entering Bhutan, obtain your internal route permit by visiting the Department of Immigration at Thimphu, should your trip include a visit to other districts other than the capital. It is a simple procedure and is normally done in less than an hour.
Important Rules of Entry
There are some of the entry regulations that one should be aware of when travelling to Bhutan. Once you are aware of the rules, your adventure will be thrilling and calming.
- Always have your permit with you. Between districts, there are police checkpoints at major highways. They will make you present your permit at all checkpoints.
- Only use legitimate checkpoints. It is unlawful to use unofficial or unmanned crossings of the border, and it may lead to detention and deportation.
- Do not overstay. In your permit, you are given the exact time of your visit. Overstaying would impose heavy fines and any subsequent entry permissions would be impacted.
- No business or employment. The Bhutan travel permit requirements for Indians strictly cover tourism only. Any commercial activity requires separate authorisation.
- Extend before expiry. Should you want to extend your stay longer, please apply to acquire an extension at the Department of Immigration in Thimphu or Paro before your current permit expires.
Why Should You Travel to Bhutan with SCS Journeys?
Headquartered in Siliguri, SCS Journeys is in the right place to cater to travellers headed to Bhutan via the Phuentsholing corridor. We offer:
- Full permit services: document inspection, permit and pass support at the border.
- Pick Up Facility: Pick up at Siliguri, NJP Railway Station & Bagdogra Airport.
- Value for Money Package: Budgeted tour packages to Bhutan for all budgets, Cultural tours, treks, festival tours, and luxury retreat packages.
- Local Experience: Local agents on the ground who will assist in the permit procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Indian citizens can travel to Bhutan without a passport. A valid Voter ID card is usually accepted for entry.
Yes, they can travel by showing a valid Aadhaar card. But Foreigners need a valid passport to enter Bhutan.
For Indians, you do not need to carry a passport. You need a valid Aadhaar or voter ID card to travel to Bhutan.
A child’s original and valid birth certificate is necessary to enter Bhutan.
No, they are not usually accepted at the Bhutan Border. You are required to carry a voter id, aadhar card along with you.
Final evaluation
Getting your Bhutan visa for Indians – or more accurately, your entry permit — right is the first step to a seamless journey. Let SCS Journeys handle the paperwork while you focus on the adventure.
Your Bhutan journey begins with SCS Journeys.
