Bhutan visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans 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.
  • There is no Bhutanese embassy in South Africa.
  • 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.
  • This visa fee is  ordinarily $40 excluding any other charges.
  • Original certificate of immunization against yellow fever. 
  • The lowland areas are high risk malaria areas so South Africans are advised to get vaccinated.
  • Vaccinations against Hepatitis A & B are highly recommended .

Bhutan Visa for South Africans

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.

South Africans must apply for the visa through a tour operator.

Types of Bhutan Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 3 days 15 days
Business visa 3 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.
  • There is no Bhutanese embassy in South Africa.
  • 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.
  • This visa fee is  ordinarily $40 excluding any other charges.
  • Original certificate of immunization against yellow fever. 
  • The lowland areas are high risk malaria areas so South Africans are advised to get vaccinated.
  • Vaccinations against Hepatitis A & B are highly recommended .
Bhutan Tourist visa Bhutan Business visa

Bhutan Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Foreigners 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 with original 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.
  • If you are less than 18 years, you should have the original copy of your birth certificate.
  • Yellow fever vaccination is required.
  • You are prohibited from being employed or being enrolled into any of the institutions in the country.
  • The visa is valid for 15 days.

Bhutan Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The tourist visa is for foreigners visiting Bhutan with the intention of sightseeing, recreational and relaxation purposes.
  • If you want to visit friends and relatives, you can also do so with this 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 a valid means of identification 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 of 15 days.
  • Tourists are advised not to take pictures inside temples, monasteries & Dzong.
  • It's  also frowned upon to touch, purchase or export sacred artifacts & antiques in Bhutan.

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 South Africa

Location

Address

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to go to Bhutan?
The ideal time to visit Bhutan is from October to December. During this period, the air is clear and fresh with sunny skies.
Can we see snow in Bhutan?

Paro and Thimphu may experience a one-day snow in January or February.

Can you drink alcohol in Bhutan?
Yes, you can drink Alcohol in Bhutan. There is also no issue about drinking in public places.
Is travelling to Bhutan expensive?

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

Can I process my Bhutan Travel documents on my own?
No, you need to process your visa through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator online directly or a foreign travel agent.
To whom it may concern I am a South African hoping to walk the Snowman Trail in September. I need a visa for longer than 15 days. How do I go about obtaining this??