Bhutan visa requirements for Kenyans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Kenyans visiting Bhutan

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Bhutanese Visa.

  • A Kenyan passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must contain 2 blank pages for visa stamp.

  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.

  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.

  • Three passport-size photographs (4.5 x 3.5 cm) taken in white background.

  • Travel documents must be complete.

  • Proof of financial capability.

  • Proof of accommodation or hotel reservations.

  • Copy of return flight ticket.

  • Documentation showing applicants' ties to home country.

  • A police report showing the traveler does not have a criminal record.

  • Medical insurance that covers the entire duration of stay.

  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.

  • Copy of travel itinerary.

Bhutan Visa for Kenyans

Facts about Bhutan

Bhutan is known for its monasteries, fortresses and dramatic landscapes. The country has mountains and peaks which are very good trekking destinations. The most popular trekking destination is Jomolhari. The Phobjikha is a prime destination for bird-watching in the country. Tourists can also enjoy the lavish, multi-day festival which features masked dances and music at the historic Punakha Dzong.
 
Bhutan recorded the highest number of tourist visits in present day last year. This was due to the special that the government made to Koreans. The tourism industry contributed about $80 million to the country’s GDP.
 
To visit some parts of the country, you need prior authorization. The possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs attract lengthy jail sentences and hefty fines. Homosexuality act could lead to a prison sentence.
 
Citizens of India, Bangladesh, and The Maldives can travel to Bhutan without a visa or a pre-arranged tour.

Kenyans must apply for the visa through a tour operator.

Types of Bhutan Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 3 working days 90 days
Business visa 3 working days 90 days
Transit visa 3 working days 24 hours

General Requirements for Bhutan Visa

  • A Kenyan passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must contain 2 blank pages for visa stamp.

  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.

  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.

  • Three passport-size photographs (4.5 x 3.5 cm) taken in white background.

  • Travel documents must be complete.

  • Proof of financial capability.

  • Proof of accommodation or hotel reservations.

  • Copy of return flight ticket.

  • Documentation showing applicants' ties to home country.

  • A police report showing the traveler does not have a criminal record.

  • Medical insurance that covers the entire duration of stay.

  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.

  • Copy of travel itinerary.

Bhutan Tourist visa Bhutan Business visa Bhutan Transit visa

Bhutan Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa type allows Kenyans to travel to Bhutan for sightseeing, recreation, and relaxation purposes.
  • Foreigners can visit their friends and relatives living in the country with this visa.
  • Kenyans in Bhutan can attend festivals and events in the country.
  • The Bhutanese tourist visa is a short-stay visa.
  • The Bhutanese tourist visa has a validity of 90 days.
  • The processing time for this visa is 3 days.
  • Applicants are not required to appear in person during visa application.
  •  Kenyans are issued a 7 or 14 days "Entry Permit"  valid for Thimphu and Paro only. You may need to pay $40 for this.
  • All travelers who require a multi re-entry visa (MRV) must present this visa-type upon arrival in Bermuda.
  • Applicants who wish to extend their stay beyond 3 days will write a letter to the dy. Chief of protocol stating their genuine reason for the extension.
  •  For stays longer than two weeks, applicants must present the results of an HIV/AIDS test completed within the six months prior to their visit. The test can also be administered by Bhutanese officials upon arrival.
  • Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory.
  • Kenyan applicants should apply through a licensed Bhutanese travel agency or one of their international partners.
  • A letter from the applicant’s host  stating the address, contact information and the relationship with the host should be provided.
  • A proof of employment from the applicants employer in Kenya stating the terms and length of employment should be submitted
  • This letter should also indicate the time-frame approved for the leave and the intended date of return to the company.
  • A copy of the applicant’s stay permit in Kenya is required.
  • Minors should present the original copy of their birth certificate, a notarized consent signed by both parents, and other documents  during visa application.
  • Proof of the incentive of returning to Kenya at the expiration of your visa is required.
  • Receipt of payment of paid visa application form.
  • You cannot take up paid or unpaid employment during your time in the country.
  • Do not overstay the duration of your visa, leave on or before the visa expires.

Bhutan Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Business Visa is for business travelers who want to meet up with their partners in Bhutan to improve and maintain their business relationship.
  • Bearers of this visa can negotiate and sign business contracts, attend conferences, trade fairs, and business summits. 
  • Applicants are not required to be present when applying for this visa.
  • All travelers who require a multi re-entry visa (MRV) must present this visa-type upon arrival in Bhutan.
  • Kenyans who have been granted this visa are to provide their visa clearance letter at the entry ports or risk entry denial.
  • The Bhutan business visa has a validity of 90 days.
  • The visa can either be issued on a single or multi-entry basis.
  • Applicants are to provide proof of travel insurance with an equivalent of 30,000 usd.
  • The Bhutan  business visa application for Kenyans are to be submitted on Mondays,  Wednesdays and Fridays. 
  • Holders of this visa are not allowed to stay beyond the visa duration.
  • A letter of invitation from the host company in Bhutan is required. The letter should state the address of the host company, the duration and purpose of the applicants
  • Letter from your employer written on the company’s letterhead stating your job position, duration of the business leave, and the reason you are visiting the country is necessary.
  • The letter must also indicate who will be financially responsible for the applicant and must provide detailed contact information in Bhutan.
  • Self-employed applicants should ensure they present a copy of their certificate of business registration and a copy of their income tax return.
  • Evidence of previous business transactions with the company must be provided.
  • Proof of payment of paid visa application fee should be presented.
  • A document which shows that you have the incentive of returning to your country after the duration of your visa.
  • Applicants should be vaccinated against yellow fever before traveling to the country.

Bhutan Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is meant for Kenyans who have the intention of making short stops in Bhutan.
  • Applicants for this visa can board a connecting flight from an airport in Bhutan to their destination country.
  • The visa and other entry permits of the destination country are required.
  • Kenyans should ensure they have a flight ticket to their destination country.
  • Traveling from Kenya to Bhutan and from Bhutan back to Kenya cannot be regarded as transit.
  • The Transit Visa cannot be extended.
  • The validity of the Bhutan transit visa is 24hrs.
  • Minors should ensure they have the original copy of their birth certificate and a letter of consent signed by both their parents.
  • Foreigners should possess a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever.
  • Proof of payment of visa application fee is required.

Bhutan Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

40.00 (USD)

Business visa

40.00 (USD)

Transit visa

40.00 (USD)

Bhutan Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Kenya

Location

Address

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Bhutan so expensive?

The government has placed a minimum fee of around $200 per day per person in low season and $250 per day per person during high season for visitors to Bhutan. This is to help protect Bhutan’s culture and environment.

Which is the best time to visit Bhutan?
October to December is the ideal time to visit Bhutan as the air is clear and fresh with sunny skies. January and February are colder, but from then until April, the climate remains dry and pleasant and in late spring the famous rhododendrons bloom spectacularly, flooding the valleys with color.
What is special about Bhutan?
Bhutan is the first country in the world with a constitutional obligation on its citizenry to protect its environment, its citizens are one of the happiest people in the world.
What are the best places to visit in Bhutan?
The best places to visit in Bhutan are Taktsang Palphug Monastery (Paro), Punakha Dzong (Punakha), Dochula Pass (Thimphu), Buddha Dordenma (Thimphu), and Igme Dorji National Park.
Can I drink alcohol in Bhutan?

 Alcohol is permitted  in Bhutan. There is no issue about drinking in public places, although cigarettes are banned.