The GSA
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Country guide

Bhutan

Visa

Visa required

Vaccinations

Conditional

Visa guide

Entry requirements

  • A digital copy of a valid passport
  • A recent digital passport photo
  • Arrival and departure dates
  • Valid travel insurance for the duration of your travel

You will be required to pay the SDF (Sustainable Development Fund) and Visa Fees when applying.

Additional information available: www.bhutan.travel/page/travel-requirements

Visa requirements

Visas are required by SA passport holders prior to arrival in Bhutan.

Visas can be applied for online. Alternatively, your tour operator or hotel may apply on your behalf.

To apply online, visit: visit.doi.gov.bt/

Visa processing time

5 working days

Visa cost

Visa: USD 40

As part of the visa application process, you will be required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$200 per day (per adult; concessionary rates apply for children). The SDF will be refunded by the Department of Immigration for any cancelled or shortened trips; any bank charges will be deducted from the total refunded. Requests for SDF refunds should be submitted online using the visa portal. The refund will be processed after visitors leave Bhutan.

Health / vaccinations

Compulsory: Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, Rabies

Malaria Risk

Public holidays

2026: Jan 2, 19, Feb 18-19, 21-23; Apr 26; May 2, 31; Jun 24; Jul 18; Sep 23; Oct 21; Nov 1, 11; Dec 17

Please check with relevant authorities for the latest updates before travel.

Last updated: 11 June 2026