Thimphu Entry Requirements

Children of all ages are welcome in Bhutan and must have their own passport. Children under 6 years are exempt from the Sustainable Development Fee but must still pay the visa fee ($40). Children aged 6-12 receive a 50% discount on SDF ($50 per night instead of $100). Children aged 13 and above pay full SDF. Families traveling together should ensure children's passports are valid for 6+ months. If a child is traveling with only one parent or with non-parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardians. While Bhutan is family-friendly, consider altitude, long drives on mountain roads, and the physical demands of sightseeing when planning your itinerary. Many tour operators offer family-specific itineraries. Infant formula, diapers, and basic supplies are available in Thimphu but bring specialty items.

Bringing pets to Bhutan is extremely complicated and generally not recommended for tourists on short visits. If you must bring a pet: (1) Obtain an import permit from the Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture, well in advance (several months). (2) Your pet must have a microchip and valid rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old but not expired). (3) Health certificate from a licensed veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel. (4) Rabies antibody titer test may be required. (5) Quarantine period may be imposed upon arrival. (6) Airlines flying to Paro have specific pet policies - check with Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines. (7) Hotels may not accept pets - confirm with your tour operator. Most tourists choose to leave pets at home or in professional care. Service animals may have different requirements - contact the Department of Immigration and your tour operator well in advance.

Tourist visas are typically issued for the duration of your pre-booked tour package. If you wish to extend your stay, your tour operator must apply for a visa extension on your behalf through the Department of Immigration. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities and require: (1) Valid reason for extension. (2) Payment of additional SDF ($100 per person per night) for the extended period. (3) Extension of tour services (guide, accommodation, transportation). (4) Application submitted before your current visa expires. Extensions are typically processed within 2-3 working days. Overstaying your visa without proper extension is a serious offense and can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans. Plan your itinerary carefully and build in buffer time if needed. For stays longer than 90 days, special permissions may be required. Long-term stays for work, study, or residence require different visa categories and must be arranged through appropriate channels (employer, educational institution, etc.) - these cannot be arranged through tourist visa extensions.

Business visitors require a different type of visa than tourists. Business visas are arranged by the Bhutanese company or organization you're visiting, not through tour operators. Requirements include: (1) Letter of invitation from a registered Bhutanese company or government department. (2) Purpose of visit must be clearly stated (meetings, conferences, consultations, etc.). (3) Business visa holders are not required to pay SDF. (4) Business visa holders may not require a guide for all activities but must have local sponsorship. (5) Application processed through Department of Immigration with supporting documents. Business travelers should still arrange accommodation and transportation, though they have more flexibility than tourists. Mixing business and tourism requires careful planning - consult with the Department of Immigration about requirements.

Bhutan offers spectacular trekking opportunities, but high-altitude treks require additional preparation and permits. All treks must be arranged through your licensed tour operator. Popular treks like the Snowman Trek, Druk Path Trek, and Jomolhari Trek require: (1) Trekking permits arranged by your tour operator. (2) Camping equipment and supplies (provided by operator). (3) Guide, cook, and support staff (mandatory). (4) Good physical fitness and acclimatization. (5) Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and helicopter rescue. (6) Medical clearance if you have pre-existing conditions. Some trekking areas require special permits beyond standard tourist visas. The SDF applies to all trekking days. Trekking season is best in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). Winter treks are possible but cold; monsoon season (June-August) is challenging. Ensure your tour operator is experienced with trekking logistics and safety protocols.

Journalists, documentary filmmakers, and media professionals require special media visas and permits. The process is more complex than tourist visas: (1) Apply through the Department of Information and Media, Ministry of Information and Communications. (2) Submit detailed proposal of your project, including purpose, locations, interview subjects, and intended publication/broadcast outlets. (3) Processing can take several weeks to months. (4) Media visa holders may be exempt from SDF but must pay other fees. (5) Government minder/liaison officer may be assigned to accompany you. (6) Filming permits required for specific locations, especially religious sites and government buildings. (7) All content may be subject to review before leaving Bhutan. (8) Commercial filming requires additional permits and fees. Casual tourist photography and social media posting are generally unrestricted, but if you're a professional journalist, declare this honestly. Attempting to enter on a tourist visa while conducting journalism is illegal and can result in deportation and equipment confiscation.