Bhutan visa requirements for Malaysians

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Malaysians visiting Bhutan

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

  • A Malaysian passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 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.
  • Passport-size photographs (35 mm x 45 mm) taken in white background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country, e.g. verification from applicant’s employer.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

Bhutan Visa for Malaysians

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 days 90 days
Business visa 3 days 90 days

General Requirements for Bhutan Visa

  • A Malaysian passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 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.
  • Passport-size photographs (35 mm x 45 mm) taken in white background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country, e.g. verification from applicant’s employer.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
Bhutan Tourist visa Bhutan Business visa

Bhutan Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Malaysians traveling to Bhutan for tourism purposes can apply for the Bhutan tourist visa through a licensed tour operator.
  • The Bhutan tourist visa is valid for 30 days or less, and it is not extendable.
  • However, If the traveler has to stay back for more than three days, then a letter addressed to Deputy Chief of Protocol must be written. The letter must mention genuine reasons for the extension.
  • Travelers cannot apply for a tourist visa personally. The application has to be done by an authorized travel agent in Bhutan on behalf of the traveler.
  • Travelers are advised to book a Bhutan tour package with a licensed tour operator.
  • Applicants who are traveling to Bhutan for visitation purposes are required to provide an invitation letter from a Bhutanese host.
  • Ensure that you have a passport with at least six months validity at the point of arrival in Bhutan.
  • Currency restriction for entry into and exit out of Bhutan is USD 10,000.
  • All visitors must obtain visa clearance from Thimphu before traveling to Bhutan.  Visa clearance takes at least 7 days to process and airplane tickets to Bhutan cannot be purchased without visa clearance.
  • At your point of entry into Bhutan, immigration authorities will stamp a visa into your passport upon payment of $40.
  • Visitors are charged a daily fee of $250 during the high season (March-May & September - November) and $200 for low season (June - August & December - February).
  • There is relatively little crime in Bhutan. However, precautions should be taken when visiting major towns and, in particular, when going out at night.
  • It is advised for visitors to carry cash or traveler's checks, although credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in Bhutan.
  • Indian rupees are usually accepted for purchases in Bhutan, however, most shopkeepers and businesses do not accept Indian rupees in denominations above 100. A limited number of ATMs are available in Bhutan’s main cities.
  • Upon entering Bhutan, all foreigners are issued 7 or 14 days "Entry Permit" by default, valid for Thimphu and Paro only. The rest of Bhutan is considered a restricted area, and foreigners need a "Restricted-Area Permit" to enter.
  • Foreigners wishing to visit Buddhist temples must obtain a "Temple Permit" from the Ministry of Culture.

Bhutan Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Bhutan business visa is available to Malaysians traveling to the country for business purposes.
  • A valid invitation from a genuine company located in Bhutan must be provided.
  • A certificate from your employer in Singapore stating/allowing your business travel is also required.
  • Bank statement from the last six months must be provided by the applicant.

  • Travelers are required to possess sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependents throughout the stay. Travelers are required to have at least 50USD per day to cover their daily finances.

  • Proof of incentive to return must be provided. Your birth certificate, driver's license or spouse's ID must be provided, this will prove that you will return after your stay.

  • Travelers must possess a clean criminal track record and be of good character. You may have to provide PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) as proof of this.

  • Travelers should at least meet the minimum health requirements required by the authorities.

Bhutan Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

40.00 (USD)

Business visa

40.00 (USD)

Bhutan Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Malaysia

Location

Address

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Bhutan currently does not maintain an embassy in Malaysia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many tourists are allowed in Bhutan yearly?

There is no limit on the number of tourists allowed to visit in a year.

How much do I need per day in Bhutan?

In high-season months (March, April, May, September, October, and November), the cost of visiting Bhutan is $250 US per person per day.

Is a guide compulsory in Bhutan?

Yes, you can only travel to Bhutan through a guided tour. 

Is Bhutan safe to visit?

Bhutan is a remarkably safe destination to visit.