Bhutan visa requirements for Laotians

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Laotians visiting Bhutan

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

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months on the day of travel and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Recently taken identical passport photographs.
  • You must obtain a visa clearance prior to visiting Bhutan through an online licensed Bhutanese tour operator or foreign travel agent.
  • Visas are given at point of entry on provision of your visa clearance.
  • You're required to send the photo page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for the visa on your behalf.
  • Original certificate of immunization against yellow fever.
  • The lowland areas are high-risk malaria areas so Laotians are advised to get vaccinated.
  • Vaccinations against Hepatitis A & B are highly recommended .
  • Proof of accommodation in Bhutan.
  • Recent bank statements not more than three months to show proof of sufficient funds in Bhutan. 

Bhutan Visa for Laotians

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.

Types of Bhutan Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 3- 10 Days 7-14 days
Business visa 3-10 Days 15 Days

General Requirements for Bhutan Visa

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months on the day of travel and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Recently taken identical passport photographs.
  • You must obtain a visa clearance prior to visiting Bhutan through an online licensed Bhutanese tour operator or foreign travel agent.
  • Visas are given at point of entry on provision of your visa clearance.
  • You're required to send the photo page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for the visa on your behalf.
  • Original certificate of immunization against yellow fever.
  • The lowland areas are high-risk malaria areas so Laotians are advised to get vaccinated.
  • Vaccinations against Hepatitis A & B are highly recommended .
  • Proof of accommodation in Bhutan.
  • Recent bank statements not more than three months to show proof of sufficient funds in Bhutan. 
Bhutan Tourist visa Bhutan Business visa

Bhutan Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • A tourist visa is for foreigners visiting Bhutan with the intention of sightseeing, recreational and relaxation purposes.
  • Laotians who intend to visit friends and relatives in Bhutan can apply for the Bhutanese tourist visa
  • Letter of invitation from your host should be provided if the purpose of visiting the country is to meet up with friends or relatives. The letter should include the home address and contact details of the host.
  • Children under the age of 18 years should provide the original copy of their birth certificate. If minors are not traveling with their parents, a letter of consent which is signed by both parents should be provided.
  • Receipt of paid visa application fee is required.
  • You are required to obey all the rules of your visa.
  • Tourists should be able to afford $200 per day for the duration of stay.
  • You are required to have a certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination.
  • Travelers are advised to be vaccinated against Tetanus, Malaria, Typhoid and Polio.
  • The visa has a validity period of 15 days.
  • Tourists are advised not to take pictures inside temples, monasteries & Dzong.
  • Applicant are required to show a recent bank statement to show proof of financial status.
  • Proof of accommodation in Bhutan.
  • Travel itinerary.
  • Copy of the applicant's return/onward ticket is required. 

Bhutan Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Bhutanese business visa is a visa issued to foreigners who intend to travel to Bhutan for business purposes.
  • Laotians applying for this visa must be those who intend to carry out business activities during their time in Bhutan.
  • With the business visa, you can negotiate and sign contracts in the country.
  • Holders of this visa are free to attend conferences, business summits and trade fairs while in the country.
  • An invitation letter from the company you are visiting in Bhutan is required.
  • The letter should state the address of the company you are visiting, duration and purpose of your visit in the country.
  • If the company you are meeting is responsible for handling your expenses in the country, it should be clearly stated in the letter.
  • Letter from your current employer written on the company letterhead stating that he is aware of your business leave, position held in the company and the exact dates of leave granted is also required.
  • A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required.
  • You are prohibited from being employed or being enrolled in any of the institutions in the country.
  • A document stating the sponsor of the trip is required.
  • The visa is valid for 15 days.

Bhutan Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

250.00 (USD)

Business visa

250.00 (USD)

Bhutan Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Laos

Location

Address

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There is currently no embassy or consulate of Bhutan in Laos. Citizens of Laos who intend to travel to Bhutan are advised to visit the consulate or embassy of Bhutan in a neighnoring country for their visa application.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the currency used in Bhutan?

The official currency of Bhutan is the ngultrum (Nu.). It is usually only needed for personal expenses and buying small souvenir items while US dollars is widely accepted.

When is the best time of the year to visit Bhutan?

The ideal time to visit Bhutan is from October to December. During this period, the air is clear and fresh with sunny skies.

Is traveling to Bhutan expenses?

The government placed a minimum fee of $200 per person daily for visitors to Bhutan, making it one of the most expensive place to visit in the world. 

Is it safe to drink tap water in Bhutan?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Bhutan. Foreigners are advised to fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water.