Are you a passport holder from Bhutan, planning your next international journey? Navigating the complex world of travel requirements can be daunting, but knowing exactly what you need will make your travel experience smoother.
From understanding visa requirements to knowing the role of key institutions like the Royal Bhutanese Embassy, this guide will provide all the essential details you need for a hassle-free exit from Bhutan.
Table of Contents
Travel Requirements for Passport Holders from Bhutan – Map
Introduction to Travel Requirements
Traveling abroad as a Bhutanese passport holder involves complying with various exit travel requirements. These requirements vary depending on the purpose of your travel, whether it’s for tourism, business, or official duties.
Knowing these requirements is crucial as it ensures you have a smooth transition from Bhutan to your destination. Key institutions like the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in New Delhi and the Etho Metho VFS Center in Thimphu play a vital role in processing and guiding you through these requirements.
Understanding Visa Requirements
Visa requirements for Bhutanese passport holders vary significantly from one country to another. Some nations may offer visa-free entry, while others require a visa application process. Knowing the specific requirements of your destination country is essential. For example, many countries in Europe, including those in the Schengen Area, require Bhutanese citizens to apply for a visa and submit biometric information. Meanwhile, nearby countries like India might have different application processes or exemptions.
Role of the Royal Bhutanese Embassy, New Delhi
The Royal Bhutanese Embassy in New Delhi is a key resource for Bhutanese travelers. It processes visas for Bhutanese officials traveling abroad for official business and serves as a point of contact for citizens seeking information on visa requirements and procedures.
The embassy provides guidance on required documents, visa application forms, and other pertinent details. This makes it easier for travelers to understand and fulfill their travel requirements.
Travel Requirements for Passport Holders from Bhutan – Countries list
Afghanistan - visa required
Albania - eVisa
Algeria - visa required
Andorra - visa required
Angola - visa required
Antigua and Barbuda - eVisa
Argentina - visa required
Armenia - eVisa/120 days
Australia - eVisa
Austria - visa required
Azerbaijan - visa required
Bahamas - eVisa
Bahrain - eVisa
Bangladesh - visa-free/90 days
Barbados - visa-free/90 days
Belarus - visa required
Belgium - visa required
Belize - visa required
Benin - eVisa
Bolivia - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Bosnia and Herzegovina - visa required
Botswana - eVisa
Brazil - visa required
Brunei - visa required
Bulgaria - visa required
Burkina Faso - eVisa
Burundi - visa on arrival/30 days
Cambodia - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Cameroon - eVisa
Canada - visa required
Cape Verde - visa on arrival (EASE)
Central African Republic - visa required
Chad - visa required
Chile - visa required
China - visa required
Colombia - visa-free/90 days
Comoros - visa on arrival/45 days
Congo - visa required
Congo (Dem. Rep.) - eVisa/90 days
Costa Rica - visa required
Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) - pre-enrollment/90 days
Croatia - visa required
Cuba - tourist card/90 days
Cyprus - visa required
Czech Republic - visa required
Denmark - visa required
Djibouti - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Dominica - visa-free/21 days
Dominican Republic - visa required
Ecuador - visa-free/90 days
Egypt - visa on arrival/30 days
El Salvador - eVisa
Equatorial Guinea - eVisa
Eritrea - visa required
Estonia - visa required
Eswatini - visa required
Ethiopia - eVisa/90 days
Fiji - visa required
Finland - visa required
France - visa required
Gabon - eVisa/90 days
Gambia - visa-free/90 days
Georgia - eVisa
Germany - visa required
Ghana - visa required
Greece - visa required
Grenada - visa required
Guatemala - visa required
Guinea - eVisa/90 days
Guinea-Bissau - visa on arrival/90 days
Guyana - visa required
Haiti - visa-free/90 days
Honduras - visa required
Hong Kong - visa-free/14 days
Hungary - visa required
Iceland - visa required
India - visa-free
Indonesia - eVisa
Iran - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Iraq - eVisa
Ireland - visa required
Israel - visa required
Italy - visa required
Jamaica - visa required
Japan - visa required
Jordan - visa on arrival / eVisa
Kazakhstan - eVisa
Kenya - eTA/90 days
Kiribati - visa required
Kosovo - visa required
Kuwait - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Kyrgyzstan - eVisa
Laos - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Latvia - visa required
Lebanon - visa on arrival/30 days
Lesotho - eVisa/14 days
Liberia - visa required
Libya - eVisa
Liechtenstein - visa required
Lithuania - visa required
Luxembourg - visa required
Macao - visa on arrival/30 days
Madagascar - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Malawi - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Malaysia - visa required
Maldives - visa on arrival/30 days
Mali - visa required
Malta - visa required
Marshall Islands - visa required
Mauritania - visa on arrival
Mauritius - visa on arrival/60 days
Mexico - visa required
Micronesia - visa-free/30 days
Moldova - eVisa
Monaco - visa required
Mongolia - eVisa
Montenegro - visa required
Morocco - visa required
Mozambique - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Myanmar - eVisa
Namibia - visa required
Nauru - visa required
Nepal - visa on arrival / eVisa/150 days
Netherlands - visa required
New Zealand - visa required
Nicaragua - visa on arrival/30 days
Niger - visa required
Nigeria - eVisa/90 days
North Korea - visa required
North Macedonia - visa required
Norway - visa required
Oman - eVisa
Pakistan - eVisa
Palau - visa on arrival/30 days
Palestinian Territories - visa-free
Panama - visa-free/90 days
Papua New Guinea - eVisa
Paraguay - visa required
Peru - visa required
Philippines - visa-free/30 days
Poland - visa required
Portugal - visa required
Qatar - eVisa
Romania - visa required
Russian Federation - visa required
Rwanda - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Saint Kitts and Nevis - eVisa
Saint Lucia - visa on arrival/42 days
Samoa - visa on arrival/90 days
San Marino - visa required
Sao Tome and Principe - eVisa
Saudi Arabia - visa required
Senegal - visa required
Serbia - visa required
Seychelles - tourist registration/90 days
Sierra Leone - eVisa
Singapore - visa-free/30 days
Slovakia - visa required
Slovenia - visa required
Solomon Islands - visa required
Somalia - visa required
South Africa - visa required
South Korea - eVisa
South Sudan - eVisa
Spain - visa required
Sri Lanka - eTA/30 days
St. Vincent and the Grenadines - visa-free/90 days
Sudan - visa required
Suriname - tourist card/90 days
Sweden - visa required
Switzerland - visa required
Syria - eVisa
Taiwan - visa required
Tajikistan - eVisa
Tanzania - visa on arrival / eVisa
Thailand - visa-free/60 days
Timor-Leste - visa on arrival/30 days
Togo - eVisa/15 days
Tonga - visa required
Trinidad and Tobago - visa required
Tunisia - visa required
Turkmenistan - visa required
Tuvalu - visa on arrival/30 days
Türkiye - visa required
Uganda - eVisa
Ukraine - visa required
United Arab Emirates - eVisa
United Kingdom - visa required
United States of America - visa required
Uruguay - visa required
Uzbekistan - visa required
Vanuatu - visa required
Vatican City - visa required
Venezuela - visa required
Viet Nam - eVisa/90 days
Yemen - visa required
Zambia - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Zimbabwe - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Visa Application Procedures
Navigating the visa application process can be straightforward if you follow the correct steps. Here are the general procedures:
Steps to Apply for a Visa
Firstly, identify the specific visa requirements for your destination. Then, gather all necessary documents, such as your passport, photographs, and application forms. Submit your application either online or at the appropriate visa center.
Submitting Biometric Information
Many countries, especially those in the Schengen Zone, require biometric data. This includes fingerprints and photographs. Ensure that you book an appointment to provide your biometric information at the designated center.
Filling Up Visa Application Forms
Accurately complete the visa application forms, ensuring all information is correct. Incorrect or incomplete forms can lead to delays or rejections. Double-check your details before submission.
Seeking Appointments for Visa Submission
In many cases, you will need to schedule an appointment to submit your visa application and biometric information. This can often be done online. Be sure to make your appointment well in advance of your planned travel date.
Required Documents for Visa Application
Different visas require different sets of documents. Here’s a basic guide:
General Documentation
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photographs
- Completed visa application form
- Proof of travel arrangements
- Proof of accommodation
Additional Documentation Based on Visa Type
For specific visa types, additional documents might be required. For instance, a student visa might require proof of enrollment at an educational institution, while a business visa may necessitate an invitation letter from a business partner.
Specific Country Requirements
Each country has its unique requirements, which can include financial statements, travel insurance, and prior approval from immigration authorities. It’s vital to consult the specific visa guidelines for your destination country well in advance.
Special Events and Notices
Keep an eye on special events and notices that might affect your travel plans.
Changes to Student Visa Route in the UK
Recently, the UK implemented changes to its student visa route. These changes may affect requirements and processing times for student visa applications.
Implementation of Visa Exemption Measures in Thailand
Thailand has introduced new visa exemption measures, allowing for easier travel for short stays. This can significantly impact travel plans for Bhutanese tourists.