Bhutan is neither a cheap vacation spot nor a place to wonder about like a traveler. It just began to open up to outsiders in the 1970s, and even now, it limits tourists to protect its ecosystem and cultural legacy. Before obtaining a visa, travel must be planned via government-approved services and fully paid for.
The fact that there is not much to purchase is excellent news. Your visa pays for a guide and a customized schedule that includes lodging, food, transportation, and sightseeing; the remaining $65 is a government tax that supports public services like healthcare and education. Solo travelers would need to budget an extra $40 per day.
Why You Should Visit To Bhutan?
Traveling to Bhutan may be a unique experience. The people are kind and friendly, and there are many chances to take in breathtaking scenery and discover fascinating cultural landmarks.
In addition, several Buddhist temples throughout the nation are well worth visiting due to their magnificent designs and serene atmosphere. If you are planning a trip to Bhutan and especially in Paro then the first thing you can do is to find the best hotels in Paro for a comfortable staying.
The people of Bhutan are living proof of this lovely nation's reputation for prioritizing Gross National Happiness above GDP and production. When you visit Bhutan, there are a few things to remember.
To Enter Bhutan, You Must Have a Visa
Every other nationality needs a visa to enter Bhutan, except for Indians, Bangladeshis, and Maldivians. Residents of Bangladesh, the Maldives, and India may enter the country by air or land at the border with a passport that is currently valid for at least six months (residents of India may also use their Voters Identity Card).
Before visiting Bhutan, all other visitors must get a visa individually or via their tour operator. In addition to the $40 visa fee, each person must pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee. The fact that a tour guide and driver must always accompany you while visiting Bhutan may be different from what an adventurous and seasoned tourist wants to hear.
Thankfully, this does not include having a bus full of visitors follow a guide about all day. Most trips to Bhutan are for you and your other travelers with a personal guide. This may turn out to be a satisfying experience. Your guide may improve your Bhutan trip by showing you locations that the people adore.
A Daily Fee Of $200 Per Person Is Required
Before 2022, each person's daily visa fee was $250, which included your tour, lodging, meals, and transportation. A Sustainable Development cost (SDF) of $65 was deducted from the daily cost overall.
In a controversial move, Bhutan has now restructured the cost of its visas, eliminating the mandatory tours and the associated fees; however, the SDF has increased to $200 per person per day. On the bright side, you may travel on a budget or in luxury by selecting to stay 3 star hotels in Paro and interacting directly with service providers, giving you greater control over your trip experience and costs.
The Visa Application Process Is Generally Simple
A visa is required for travel to Bhutan, but getting one took a lot of work. Your tour operator will arrange this for you, so you do not need to do anything.
Send your passport data to your trip operator, and they will handle the rest. A few days before you depart, you will receive a visa confirmation; you must print it out and bring it with you. Upon arrival in Bhutan, this will be changed to a printed visa in your passport.
You Can Enter The Country By Air or Land
The most popular way to travel to Bhutan is by air, but be aware that the nation only has one international airport, which is situated in Paro, an hour's drive from Thimphu, the capital. It is possible to enter overland from India but not Tibet or China.
Once your flights have been confirmed, book your accommodations and, if you're using a guide, finalize any plans. Suppose you are traveling with a guide from start to finish. In that case, they can apply for your visa on your behalf and collect one payment that covers all expenses except airfare, such as lodging, meals, activities, and the daily sustainable development fee.
After submitting all necessary paperwork, you should receive your visa one week after applying. After verifying the accuracy of the data, print this document. It will be required upon passport control and when you check in for your flight to Bhutan.