Traveling to Bhutan from the United States requires a passport with at least 6 months’ validity and a valid Visa. There are no direct flights to Bhutan from the United States, so you will need to book a connecting flight through Bangkok, Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata.
Once in India or Thailand, it is possible to book a domestic flight with Druk Air that takes you to Paro International Airport in Bhutan. Alternatively, visitors can take a bus journey from India or Thailand, which takes around two days.
It is also necessary to obtain a special permit to enter Bhutan. This can be obtained through a tour operator or directly from the Tourism Council of Bhutan. The permit is generally free, but must be paid for by a travel agency if you book through one.
It is also necessary to have an approved travel itinerary in order to obtain a permit.
Once you have arrived in Bhutan, you will need to register with the Tourism Council of Bhutan, which requires the submission of your passport and permit. It is also important to note that United States citizens are exempt from visa fees for trips up to 15 days.
It is important to plan your trip in advance and familiarize yourself with the visa requirements and other regulations before traveling to Bhutan.
Table of Contents
Can Americans fly to Bhutan?
Yes, Americans can fly to Bhutan from some countries in Asia, South America, the Middle East, and Europe. Flights from the United States usually arrive in India or Thailand, from which travelers can connect to Bhutan via another flight or by land.
However, to visit Bhutan, all travelers must obtain visas prior to traveling, and U. S. citizens must apply for a visa through the Bhutanese government-approved tour operator. In addition, travelers must obtain a tourist permit once they enter Bhutan, and these permits are valid for tours of seven and fifteen days only.
Tourists must also book a tour in advance with a local company or guide.
How much does a Bhutan trip cost?
A Bhutan trip can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars, to a few thousand depending on the scope of the trip. If visiting just one or two cities, you can expect the total cost to stay on the lower end, while if exploring the country more thoroughly, it will likely be more expensive.
If interested in doing activities like trekking, an experienced guide and the necessary supplies can increase the cost substantially. Depending on season and availability, hotel, airfare, and transportation costs can also vary.
Generally, most travelers spend an average of $100-$200 per day to cover lodging, transportation and food. Additionally, Bhutan requires a visa fee of around $40 and has a daily fee of about $65 for tourists, so these should be factored into the total cost.
All in all, the cost of a Bhutan trip may vary from person to person, depending on their individual needs and itinerary.
How long can a US citizen stay in Bhutan?
The amount of time a US citizen can stay in Bhutan is dependent on the type of visa obtained. Generally, US citizens are eligible for tourist visas with a maximum duration of 90 days. If a US citizen wishes to stay longer, they can apply for visas that are valid for up to six months, including business, transit, employment, student, and long-term residency visas.
However, in order to receive any of these visas, a US citizen must present a valid reason for needing one and provide proof of adequate funds to cover their stay. Additionally, visa applicants must have a valid passport and confirmation of a confirmed return ticket to show they will be departing the country after their visa expires.
Can you travel to Bhutan right now?
Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic and the health and safety guidelines imposed by the Bhutanese government in order to prevent further spread of the virus, it is not currently possible to travel to Bhutan.
All flights to and from Bhutan have been suspended since March 2020, and the border crossing with India has been closed. The Bhutanese government has also put in place strict entry requirements for all travelers, including an online health declaration form and a 14-day quarantine.
These restrictions are currently in place to protect the people of Bhutan, as well as all potential visitors. As such, anyone wishing to visit Bhutan at this time is advised to monitor the situation closely, and wait for further updates from the government on when these restrictions might be lifted.
Why is Bhutan closed for tourists?
Bhutan is a sovereign state in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalayas and bordered by India and China. It is known for its stunning landscapes and unique culture, and is home to more than 700,000 people.
While it is a great destination for tourists, Bhutan has remained closed to tourists since March 2020 due to the global pandemic.
The Bhutanese government has taken a very conservative approach to public health, and the closure of its borders is part of the country’s strategy to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. Bhutan has one of the lowest rates of coronavirus infections, and the government has implemented a number of containment measures, including a nationwide lockdown, suspension of all international flights, and putting in place restrictions on tourists entering the country.
The Bhutanese government also believes that the presence of foreign travelers could have a negative impact on its economy and culture. Since tourism is one of the most important sources of income for the country, the government has prioritized the health and safety of the population over that of tourism.
It has been said that tourism can expose countries to health risks, as seen in various countries around the world. With their borders closed, the Bhutanese have been able to keep their population safe and avoid the exponential spread of the virus.
At the same time, the Bhutanese government has also used its closure to protect its culture and natural heritage. For example, the government has implemented tight restrictions on the activities of travelers in protected areas and national parks, such as the extensive areas of forests and mountain ranges in Bhutan.
All in all, Bhutan is closed to tourists due to the global pandemic, the conservative approach taken by the Bhutanese government, and their desire to protect their population and their culture.
Is it cheap to visit Bhutan?
Generally speaking, it is not considered particularly cheap to visit Bhutan. The Bhutanese government allows only a select number of tour operators to visit, and most packages will cost a minimum of $200-300 USD per day per person.
This includes accommodation, meals and a local guide. The cost of obtained a visa is also $40 USD, as well as any additionally taxes or permits. Transportation costs also need to be considered to get to Bhutan, which can range in cost depending on where you are traveling from.
Visa and flight costs can add up, so it is important to factor these into the cost of your trip. For example, flights to Bhutan from Delhi or Kolkata can be upwards of $300 USD. However, there are various discounts available if visiting between April-September, winter discounts, and early booking discounts.
The costs do vary by tour operator and the type of activities, so it is best to research and compare them before booking a tour.
Is Bhutan tourist visa open?
Yes, the Bhutan tourist visa is open. All travelers wishing to visit Bhutan now need to obtain a visa for Bhutan prior to their arrival. This applies to both Indian and foreign tourists. Applications for the Bhutan visa can be made at either TCB (Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited) or RGoB (Royal Government of Bhutan).
The visa is valid for a period of six months.
Foreign visitors need to apply for the visa via their nearest Bhutanese embassy or diplomatic mission; Indian citizens may obtain their visas directly from Bhutanese immigration offices or the airports in India.
All visitors departing Bhutan must have a valid passport or identity card to enter the country.
To apply for a Bhutanese visa, you will need to submit a valid passport or a valid identity card. Other requirements include proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay in Bhutan, a copy of your itinerary, and a copy of your return ticket or confirmation of a flight ticket.
Once you submit the documents, you will be issued the visa within 15 days from the date of application.
For more information, please visit the official website of the Royal Government of Bhutan.
Is Bhutan Gate open now?
No, Bhutan Gate is not open now. The entrance to the city of Bhutan is currently closed. The Bhutanese government has taken measures to ensure the safety of its citizens by closing the gate due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The gate has been closed for months now, and it will remain closed until further notice. People who are trying to enter Bhutan must go through strict procedures and health test to gain permission to enter.
People in Bhutan must also adhere to the guidelines set by the government such as wearing masks in public, washing hands often, and observing social distancing.
Can foreigners enter Bhutan?
Yes, foreigners can enter Bhutan with a valid passport and visa. The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked nation located in the eastern Himalayas and is known as the “land of the thunder dragon”. Tourists who wish to visit Bhutan must make arrangements with a Bhutanese tour operator approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan, who will apply for the tourist visa from the Bhutan embassy in India, Bangladesh, or Nepal.
visas can also be obtained in Bangkok, Thailand. Tourists must typically travel by land or air through India or Nepal to Bhutan. If travelling by land, visitors must enter via Phuentsholing which is located at the India-Bhutan border.
For those travelling to Bhutan by air, the only international airport is in the capital of Thimphu. Any foreign national visiting Bhutan must have a visa and must show proof of onward arrangements either by air, land, or Bhutanese tour operator.
Visitors are expected to pay a fixed visa processing fee of US$40 and a daily fee throughout their stay according to their length of stay and the type of accommodation chosen.
How long is quarantine in Bhutan?
Quarantine in Bhutan is a 14-day mandatory period for travelers arriving from high-risk countries. The Bhutanese Health Ministry introduced a Stepwise Quarantine (SWQ) program which consists of three stages: a 7-day home quarantine period, a 7-day institutional quarantine period and finally the sixth day of the institutional quarantine period will be the day of the final ‘fit to fly’ health assessment.
Due to the current Covid-19 situation, Bhutan has implemented strict travel restrictions. All travelers are required to go through the 14-day quarantine period regardless of the number of days they intend to stay in the country.
They must stay in quarantine for the first 7 days in their designated quarantine facility and must stay in their assigned isolation room. After 7 days, travelers are allowed to move to their accommodations but must still proceed with the health assessment which will be conducted at the end of the 14-day quarantine period.
Health authorities in Bhutan usually require international travelers to carry out the entire 14-day quarantine period in a designated quarantine facility, though in some cases exceptions can be made.
New arrivals must also be able to show proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken within 3 days of their departure from their country of origin. After going through the full quarantine period and upon the successful completion of the final health assessment, travelers in Bhutan are required to register with the Ministry of Health in order to obtain a health clearance certificate.
This certificate is required in order to be able to travel freely and all travelers departing the country must produce their health clearance certificate.
Are there direct flights to Bhutan?
Yes, there are a number of direct flights to Bhutan from various cities around the world. In Southeast Asia, there are direct flights to Bhutan from Bangkok, Singapore, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi.
In China, direct flights to Bhutan are available from Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. In South Asia, direct flights to Bhutan are available from Dhaka, Kathmandu and Islamabad. In the Middle East, direct flights to Bhutan are available from Muscat.
Additionally, there are direct flights to Bhutan from Yangon and Bangkok. Some cities in India also offer direct flights to Bhutan, including Guwahati, Jaipur and Lucknow. For travelers in the United States, there are direct flights to Bhutan from New York City and Newark.
How to get to Bhutan by air?
Getting to Bhutan by air is quite easy. The main international airport in Bhutan is Paro International Airport. It is located in an isolated valley, 6 km away from Paro town. Most international flights to Bhutan come from India, Bangkok, Singapore, and Kathmandu.
There are direct connections between these cities and Paro, and there are also connecting flights operated by DrukAir.
At the time of writing, DrukAir is the only airline operator in Bhutan, and it operates flights from a variety of South Asian and East Asian countries. In India, flights to Bhutan are available from Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, and Gaya.
In Thailand, flights are available from Bangkok and Chiang Mai. In Singapore, flights are available from Singapore Changi Airport.
Once you reach Paro International Airport, you will be able to take a taxi or arrange for a private transfer depending on your budget and preferences. The ride to the city center usually takes about 30 minutes.
All international flights arrive in the late afternoon or evening, so if you’re looking for a scenic view of the Himalayas, you may want to plan your flight accordingly.
Which airlines are operating in Bhutan?
The national airline of Bhutan is Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines, which operates out of Paro International Airport. It connects Bhutan with flights to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong, as well as domestic routes.
Additionally, Bhutan Airlines and budget airlines like Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Sita Air operate in and out of Bhutan. Other international airlines, including Air India and Qatar Airways, offer connecting flight services to/from Bhutan.
Furthermore, as Bhutan has an open-skies policy, a number of foreign airlines have been granted rights to operate charter and cargo flights to/from Bhutan.
Why do planes not fly over Tibet?
The primary reason has to do with the Indian government’s airspace policy. India has a complete monopoly over the airspace within Tibet, as it views Tibet as a part of its national territory. This means that all aircrafts must gain permission from India before they can enter its airspace, including any portion of Tibet.
This policy is in place to ensure the safety and security of both Indian airspace and Tibet.
In addition, the terrain and weather conditions in Tibet are also often hazardous for flights. Tibet sits on the Tibetan plateau, which is one of the highest, most remote and least hospitable places on Earth.
Its elevation, static atmospheric conditions and frequent snowstorms all pose great risks to the safe operation of aircrafts.
Finally, the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), which includes most of the area that is within the present-day boundaries of Tibet, is subject to strict rules and regulations regarding foreigners, and these rules and regulations also apply to air travel.
For example, in order to fly over the TAR, all aircrafts must possess a special permit issued by the TAR government, which may be difficult to obtain.
For these reasons, planes do not usually fly over Tibet.
