Bhutanese Travelling Abroad

Bhutanese travellers may refer to the following links against each country for visa procedure and requirement of documents to process visa and kindly note the following:

Bhutanese travellers applying for Schengen visa would have to go in person to submit biometrics at the time of visa application with effect from November 2015. The Schengen visas for the countries such as Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, France, the Czech Republic, Iceland (only biometrics), Japan, UK, Australia (biometrics), Lebanon and Malta (only long term visas) are processed at VFS, Thimphu (Office#17176868). Applicants are also encouraged to visit this site which contains common information for Schengen visas https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/deu/common-information.

Transit visa requirements in Schengen States
Bhutanese transiting through airports in the Schengen Area do not require transit visas provided that they do not exit the international transit area of the airport. However, please bear in mind that if you need to exit the international transit area of the airport and pass through immigration check points before taking your connecting flight, you will have to apply for an Airport Transit Visa. Further, if you need to transit through more than one airport in the Schengen Area, you will need to apply for a regular Schengen Visa (Type C). You will also have to apply for a regular Schengen Visa (Type C) in case you need to leave the airport in order to take your flight in another airport within the same country. Detailed information can be found at https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/transit-schengen-visa/

Visa requirements in India

Citizens of Bhutan must be in possession of a valid Passport while entering/ exiting India from/ to a place other than their respective country.
They must be in possession of a passport and visa for India if he/she is entering India from China, Macau, Hong Kong and Pakistan.

Bhutanese travellers are encouraged to also refer to the information on the following link to travel to different countries https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/travel-documents-issued-third-countries-and-territorial-entities-part-i_en

The Royal Bhutanese Embassy in New Delhi only processes visas for Bhutanese Officials travelling abroad for official business.

The visa application and other required documents should be accompanied by a letter issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan, instructing RBE, New Delhi, to facilitate visa processing.
The visa application and other required documents must reach RBE, New Delhi, THREE WEEKS in advance before the travel date in order to obtain a visa on time.
RBE does not take responsibility if visas are not obtained on time due to non-timely submission or non-provision of required documents to process visas.
The passport and visa application documents have to be sent through the Diplomatic Bag of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and passports will be returned through the same channel after visas are obtained from concerned missions in New Delhi.
Kindly note that the visa application documents sent by hand or other courier services will not be accepted.
The following is the schedule of the Diplomatic Bag:

From MFA, Thimphu:

Tuesday –Diplomatic Bag arrives at RBE on Wednesday
Friday – Diplomatic Bag arrives at RBE on Saturday

From RBE, New Delhi:

Wednesday – Diplomatic Bag arrives in Thimphu on Friday
Saturday- Diplomatic Bag arrives in Thimphu on Tuesday

Sl No.	Country	Website:	*Remarks and Note*
1	Afghanistan	http://newdelhi.mfa.af/
2	Argentina:	https://eindi.cancilleria.gob.ar/en/visas-7
3	Australia	https://india.embassy.gov.au/ndli/Visas_and_Migration.html	For Official and Diplomatic Passport holders traveling to Australia for official purposes, the application (online) must be accompanied by an official Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade. For system-related (technical) issues: Applicants are advised to raise a request themselves directly with the ImmiAccount Technical Support Team (ImmiAccount Technical Support Form). For client related issues: Applicants are advised to submit a request via the Australian Immigration Enquiry Form at Australian Immigration Enquiry Form* (homeaffairs.gov.au)*
4	Austria	http://www.bmeia.gv.at/botschaft/new-delhi/ratgeber/reisen-nach-oesterreich.html	*Note:* Visas are processed in Thimphu, Bhutan, through Etho Metho VFS. Applications shall be decided on within 15 Working Days from the date of receipt of the applications at the Embassy of Austria. This applies to all types of visas (including official/diplomatic visas). That period may be extended up to a maximum of 30 calendar days in individual cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed or in cases of representation where the authorities of the represented Member State are consulted. In case when additional documentation is needed in specific cases, the period may be extended up to a maximum of 60 calendar days.
5	Belgium	http://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/travel-to-belgium OR http://mfa.gov.kz/en/delhihttp://www.vfsglobal.com/belgium/india	Visas are processed in Thimphu, Bhutan, through Etho Metho VFS. Applications shall be decided on within 15 Working Days from the date of receipt of the applications at the Embassy of Belgium. This applies to all types of visas (including official/diplomatic visas). That period may be extended up to a maximum of 30 calendar days in individual cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed or in cases of representation where the authorities of the represented Member State are consulted. In case when additional documentation is needed in specific cases, the period may be extended up to a maximum of 60 calendar days.
6	Brazil	http://novadelhi.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/documents_list.xml#BUSINESS VISA	*Note: Visa Application Form has to be filled up online.*
7	Cambodia	http://www.sticholidays.com/sticholidays/packages/visa-info.php?pkgID=804
8	Canada	Canada visa application procedures for Bhutanese nationals	*Note:* Biometrics required for Bhutanese nationals
9	China	http://in.china-embassy.org/eng/lsfw/qz/
10	Czech	http://www.mzv.cz/newdelhi/en/ko/index.html	Note: Visa can be processed in Thimphu, Bhutan, through Etho Metho VFS.
11	Denmark	http://indien.um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/Information- for-Indians/short%20term	Visas are processed in Thimphu, Bhutan, through Etho Metho VFS. Applications shall be decided on within 15 Working Days from the date of receipt of the applications at the Embassy of Denmark. This applies to all types of visas (including official/diplomatic visas). That period may be extended up to a maximum of 30 calendar days in individual cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed or in cases of representation where the authorities of the represented Member State are consulted. In case when additional documentation is needed in specific cases, the period may be extended up to a maximum of 60 calendar days.
12	Egypt	http://www.mfa.gov.eg/english/ConsularServices/Pages/ ConsularServiceDetails.aspx?ID=Visa%20Application&CID=India
13	Estonia	http://www.newdelhi.vm.ee/consular_information
14	Fiji	http://fijihc-india.in/visa/
15	Finland	http://www.finland.org.in/public/default.aspx?nodeid=34946&contentlan=2&culture=en-US	*For Document* – http://www.vfsglobal.com/Finland/India/pdf/NDE-Business-Check-2016-010516.pdf
16	France	http://www.ambafrance-in.org	Visas are processed in Thimphu, Bhutan, through Etho Metho VFS. Applications shall be decided on within 15 Working Days from the date of receipt of the applications at the Embassy of Germany. This applies to all types of visas (including official/diplomatic visas). That period may be extended up to a maximum of 30 calendar days in individual cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed or in cases of representation where the authorities of the represented Member State are consulted. In case when additional documentation is needed in specific cases, the period may be extended up to a maximum of 60 calendar days.
17	Germany	http://www.india.diplo.de/Vertretung/indien/en/06_ _Consu__Visa/Consular__Visa__ new.html	Visas are processed in Thimphu, Bhutan, through Etho Metho VFS. Applications shall be decided on within 15 Working Days from the date of receipt of the applications at the Embassy of Germany. This applies to all types of visas (including official/diplomatic visas). That period may be extended up to a maximum of 30 calendar days in individual cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed or in cases of representation where the authorities of the represented Member State are consulted. In case when additional documentation is needed in specific cases, the period may be extended up to a maximum of 60 calendar days.
18	India	https://boi.gov.in/boi/public/landing	Note: Citizens of Bhutan must be in possession of a valid Passport while entering/ exiting India from/ to a place other than their respective country. They must be in possession of a passport and visa for India if he/she is entering India from China, Macau, Hong Kong and Pakistan.
19	Indonesia	https://www.kemlu.go.id/newdelhi/en/pages/paspor_dan_splp/111/about-service	For Bhutanese holding ordinary passports, please visit this site HERE
20	Iran	Newdelhi.mfa.ir OR http://iranianvisa.com/visareg.htm	*Note:* The Visa Application form should be typed.The applicant has to apply online at http://e_visa.mfa.ir/en/and submit the application form along with the visa application tracking code number sent to the email address that you have provided while applying online.
21	Israel	http://embassies.gov.il/delhi/ConsularServices/en-info/	*Note:* Visa Application Should be filled up online: http://www.israelvisa-india.com/visaformsdoc.aspxNote: Passport size photos has to be 2.5/2.5 inch with white background
22	Italy	http://www.vfs-italy.co.in/delhi/allaboutvisa.html	*Note:* Biometric and visa application for official passport holders are received only on Tuesday and Thursday morning by the Italian Embassy. A prior appointment has to be sought from the Embassy of Italy to submit the visa application.please note that Visa Application form has to be filled online at this website http://e-applicationvisa.esteri.it The print out of complete form along with the system generated barcode have to be submitted.
23	Japan	http://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/visa%20info.html	*Note:* Kindly note that documents has to be submitted without staple.
24	Kazakhstan	http://mfa.gov.kz/en/delhi
25	Kenya	www.evisa.go.ke	*Note:* Under Category 2, Bhutanese with ordinary passports, will be given a visa on application. Under Category 3, Bhutanese with Travel Documents, must apply for a referred/prior eVisa using the following link www.evisa.go.ke before their departure to Kenya. To apply for a eVisa, the applicant must follow: a) Click on Create an account b) Click on Evisa Application c) Fill the Application form d) Pay using Visa card, Mastercard and any other debit or credit cards e) Await approval then download and print the eVisa from your eVisa account and f) Present your printed eVisa to the immigration officer at the port of entry. Please kindly note that Visa application fee is not refundable and that incomplete applications shall be rejected. For more information, you may kindly contact the kenyan embassy at evisa@immigration.go.ke
26	Laos	http://indianembassylaos.org/eoi.php?id=Visa
27	Malaysia	https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/evisa/evisa.jsp	*Note:* Necessary documents and information need to be inserted as per the specifications on the line portal Once applied online, the applicant is required to regularly login and check at the online portal if additional documents are required to be uploaded Specific instructions will be provided anytime in 5 working days for additional documents or information required
28	Mexico	https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/india/ Application form should be duly filled online and signed after printing it. (Visa Form should be one page printed in double side).	*Note:* Ordinary passport holder needs to visit the Mexican Embassy for an interview. The applicant has to seek an appointment to attend the interview.
29	Mongolia	http://www.delhi.mfa.gov.mn/
30	Myanmar	http://myanmedelhi.com/visa/	*Note:* Public Health Requirements for Travelers Entering Myanmar Through International Airports, Seaports (1-9-2023) and Through Cross Border POEs (1-9-2023) issued by the Ministry of Health of the Union of Myanmar. Read more
31	Nepal	https://in.nepalembassy.gov.np/	*Note:* For Bhutanese holding Ordinary Passports, Visa is issued on arrival. Bhutanese entering Nepal may also avail a prior-approved visa at the time of their entry. The visa (given as a stamp on the individual’s passport) can be processed through the Embassy of Nepal in India.
32	Netherlands	https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/
33	New Zealand	https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/south-asia/india/new-zealand-high-commission/visas/	*Note:* The visa form is not accepted if there are any mistakes or scribbles on it. The visa fees of INR 9900(Nine thousand Nine Hundred) is levied including visa center charges. Diplomatic and Official passports are exempted from paying visa fees only if the invitation is from the New Zealand Government.
34	Norway	http://www.norwayemb.org.in/	*Note* Visas are processed in Thimphu, Bhutan, through Etho Metho VFS. Applications shall be decided on within 15 Working Days from the date of receipt of the applications at the Embassy of Norway. This applies to all types of visas (including official/diplomatic visas). That period may be extended up to a maximum of 30 calendar days in individual cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed or in cases of representation where the authorities of the represented Member State are consulted. In case when additional documentation is needed in specific cases, the period may be extended up to a maximum of 60 calendar days.
35	Poland	http://newdelhi.mfa.gov.pl/en/consular_information/visa_information/	*Note:* Visa Form has to be filled up online and a prior appointment has to be sought to submit the application. Insurance is a mandatory requirement.
36	Portugal	http://www.portugal-india.com/en/content/visa-information	*Note:* Form has to be filled up online. Insurance is a mandatory requirement.
37	Republic of Korea	https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/bd-en/brd/m_23302/view.do?seq=1&page=1 and https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/bd-en/brd/m_23302/list.do	*Note:* Bhutanese applying for a Korean Visa to kindly submit the visa documents to the Ministry (official purpose) and RBE/Dhaka (other than official purpose) three weeks prior to the proposed travel date. The visa application and other required documents to be sent to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dhaka should be accompanied by a letter issued by the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Dhaka, to facilitate visa processing. Bhutanese travellers must submit an application to the Consular Affairs Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan, for assistance in facilitating visa processing. The Division will accordingly inform the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Dhaka.
38	Russia	http://rusembindia.com/visas-consular-services-en/visa-information	*Note:* Form has to be filled up online : https://visa.kdmid.ru/PetitionChoice.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
39	Qatar	Requirement: 1. Duly filled up visa application Form(Form attached) 2. Invitation letter mentioning purpose of visit, date and length of visit. 3. Accommodation Proof 4. Address and phone number of host in Qatar 5. Passport and two gray background Passport Size Photos	Visa Form
40	Singapore	Kindly update: https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/esvclandingpage/save	Note: All travellers are requested to kindly fill and submit the SG Arrival Card (SGAC – an important requirement for Immigration Clearance) prior to your travel to Singapore. Please refer to SG Arrival Card e-Service for more information. All travellers are to be notified that Long-Term Visit Pass, Student’s Pass and Dependant’s Pass (collectively known as “Long-Term Passes”) issued by the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will only be issued in digital format with effect from 27 February 2023. ICA will concurrently cease the issuance of physical Long-Term Pass cards. Physical Long-Term Pass cards that were issued before 27 February 2023 will continue to remain valid until they expire or are cancelled. The Ministry informs citizens that authenticity of the digital Long-Term Passes can be verified by visiting www.file.gov.sg/verify and by using the ‘Scan QR code’ function on the website against the QR code embedded in the digital Long-Term Pass. In the case of individuals who received a digital Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) from 27 November 2022 till 27 February 2023, your LTVP can be accessed through the Singpass mobile app and need not be verified as it is retrieved on-the-spot as you log in to the mobile app.
41	Slovakia	http://www.mzv.sk/web/dilli/formulare (Visa Application Form Should be filled up online)	*Note:* The applicant needs to seek an appointment for submitting Visa application and Biometric: https://ezov.mzv.sk. Insurance is a mandatory requirement.
42	South Africa	https://southafricainindia.wordpress.com/visas/	*Note:* Confirmed Air tickets for all sectors is a mandatory requirement.
43	Spain	http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/NUEVADELHI/en/ InformacionParaExtranjeros/Pages/inicio.aspx OR http://www.vfsglobal.com/spain/india/	*Note:* Three sets of Visa applications should be submitted.
44	Sri Lanka	https://www.immigration.gov.lk/	*Note:* 1. Official : ETA Diplomatic and Official Form 2. Entry Visa Form- B for Long- term visa along with the prior approval from Immigration Authority in Sri Lanka. 3. Tourist visa: http://www.srilankaevisa.lk
45	Switzerland	https://www.eda.admin.ch/newdelhi	*Note:* 1. Diplomatic and Official Passport holders are issued visa on arrival (officials have to process Schengen visa from the respective Schengen countries if the first entrance is from other Schengen state members). For details please visit: https://www.mfa.gov.bt/?p=3295 2. For ordinary passport holders, visa is processed by VFS in Bhutan(Austrian Desk). Applications shall be decided on within 15 Working Days from the date of receipt of the applications at the Embassy of Austria. That period may be extended up to a maximum of 30 calendar days in individual cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed or in cases of representation where the authorities of the represented Member State are consulted. In case when additional documentation is needed in specific cases, the period may be extended up to a maximum of 60 calendar days.
46	Sweden	http://www.swedenabroad.com/en-GB/Embassies/New-Delhi/Visit -Sweden/Visa-for-visiting-Sweden1/	Visas are processed in Thimphu, Bhutan, through Etho Metho VFS. Applications shall be decided on within 15 Working Days from the date of receipt of the applications at the Embassy of Sweden. This applies to all types of visas (including official/diplomatic visas). That period may be extended up to a maximum of 30 calendar days in individual cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed or in cases of representation where the authorities of the represented Member State are consulted. In case when additional documentation is needed in specific cases, the period may be extended up to a maximum of 60 calendar days.
47	Thailand	https://dhaka.thaiembassy.org/en/page/59898-visa-information?menu=5d83296215e39c2540006a10	Thailand has implemented visa exemption measures for 93 countries and territories since 15 July 2024. Under the visa exemption measure, Thailand has increased the number of countries and territories eligible for visa exemption from 57 and 93, allowing visitors to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days for tourism purposes and short-term business engagements. Additionally, the list of countries and territories eligible for visas on arrival has also been increased from 19 to 31. With the visa exemption measures that came into effect on 15 July 2024, Bhutanese citizens holding ordinary passports can now stay in Thailand for tourism purposes and short-term business engagements for up to 60 days, with the option to extend their stay for another 30 days at the Thai Immigration Office.
48	Turkey	Visa application form has to be filled up electronically: http://www.visa.gov.tr/
49	Vietnam	http://www.mofa.gov.vn/vnemb.india/nr070521170031/nr070521170456/ OR http://vietnameseembassy.org/india+newdelhi.html	*Note:* Prior Approval from the Immigration Authority in Vietnam is required when submitting visa application.
50	Venezuela:	http://embaveneindia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62&Itemid=74&lang=en#7
51	Uganda	http://newdelhi.mofa.go.ug/data/smenu/16/Visa-Information.html	*Note: Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required.*
52	Ukraine	www.visa.mfa.gov.ua OR www.india.mfa.gov.ua
53	United Arab Emirates	http://uaeembassy-newdelhi.com/
54	United Kingdom	*Website:* https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/home/welcome Required Documents: http://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/India/document_checklist.html Procedure: http://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/India/how_to_apply.html Photos: https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports	*Note:* Visa for UK can be processed through Etho Metho VFS center in Thimphu.Information on visa decision waiting times https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-decision-waiting-times-applications-outside-the-uk#faster Both official and private Bhutanese applicants are advised to apply well ahead of the decision waiting times as there are no expedited services.New Announcement on dependents accompanying international students to UKThe official announcement from the Home Office of UK can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/changes-to-student-visa-route-will-reduce-net-migration
55	United States of America	www.ustraveldocs.com	*Visa Category:* – Official visa – A2 – Transit – C3 – Business/Tourism –B1, B2 – International organization – G2 – Student – F1
56	Zambia	http://www.zambiahighcomdelhi.org/hczambia.php?id=Visa&q=2	*Required Documents:* 1. Three Original Visa Application 2. Invitation 3. 4 Passport size Photograph