Updated 2 September 2026
Planning a meeting, incentive trip, conference or corporate event in Bhutan? Entry formalities are relatively straightforward, and MICE Bhutan can coordinate visa applications, permits and the required documentation for your delegates as part of the event planning process.
Visitors of most nationalities require a visa to enter Bhutan.
The visa should normally be approved before travelling to Bhutan. It can be applied for directly at https://visit.doi.gov.bt/ or processed through a certified Bhutanese tour operator or hotel.
Indian nationals do not require a visa. Instead, they require an Entry Permit.
Indian visitors can apply for their permit before travelling or obtain one upon arrival. For corporate groups, we recommend arranging permits in advance to help make arrival and immigration clearance smoother.
Indian nationals should travel with:
Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals require a visa, but are eligible to obtain their visa upon arrival in Bhutan.
For organised corporate and MICE groups, applying in advance is recommended to reduce waiting time upon arrival.
For most international delegates, the process is straightforward.
Your arrival date, departure date and passport information will be required for the application.
For delegates travelling as part of a MICE programme arranged by MICE Bhutan, we can coordinate the application process together with the event arrangements.
Delegates will generally need:
Passports should be valid for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
Additional information may be required for delegates applying under the MICE SDF waiver.
For delegates travelling as part of a programme organised by MICE Bhutan, our team will assist with the visa application process on your behalf.
Once the required passport details and supporting documents have been received, we will coordinate the application and guide you through any additional requirements.
The standard visa application fee is USD 40 per person and is non refundable.
The applicable Sustainable Development Fee is normally paid as part of the visa application process unless an approved exemption or waiver applies.
Visa applications can take up to five working days to process once the correct information and payment have been submitted.
For corporate groups, we recommend completing the process well ahead of travel to allow sufficient time for group coordination.
Bhutan levies a Sustainable Development Fee, commonly known as the SDF, on international visitors.
The standard rates are:
For Indian nationals:
The SDF contributes towards Bhutan's long term development, conservation, cultural preservation and infrastructure.
One of the advantages of organising a qualifying business event in Bhutan is the possibility of receiving an SDF waiver of up to five nights for eligible participants.
A qualifying event may include:
To qualify for the MICE SDF waiver:
The waiver can cover a maximum of five nights per participant, including travel days.
Only official event participants qualify. Spouses, children, friends and other accompanying guests who are not registered participants are generally not eligible for the waiver.
Leisure extensions beyond the approved MICE programme remain subject to the applicable SDF.
Once conditional approval has been received, organisers may be required to provide supporting information for each participant, including:
The event objectives and proposed itinerary must also be submitted as part of the application.
MICE Bhutan can coordinate this documentation with the organiser to make the process easier for large international groups.
Travel insurance is not currently mandatory for tourists visiting Bhutan, but it is strongly recommended.
For corporate events and group travel, comprehensive insurance covering medical emergencies, trip disruption, evacuation and planned activities is advisable.
Managing visa applications for 20, 50 or 100 international delegates can quickly become time consuming, particularly when participants are travelling on different passports and from multiple countries.
MICE Bhutan can coordinate the process alongside your event planning, including:
This gives your organising team one point of contact for both the event and the travel arrangements in Bhutan.
Planning a corporate event in Bhutan? Contact MICE Bhutan and our team can advise on visa requirements, SDF eligibility and the documentation required for your group.
