Entry procedures and visa rules

Tourist visa: Passports and visas are required by all the tourists visiting Bhutan. US$ 20 should be paid to get visa.

The visas are granted generally for the stay up to 15 days. You can apply for an extension of tourist visas at The Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited (BTCL) on an additional fee.

Visa clearance takes at least 10 days to process and should be applied for at least 60 days prior to arrival in Bhutan.

Foreign Currency and credit cards

Leading foreign currencies are accepted but traveller's cheques are preferred and receive a better exchange rate. Major hotels in Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing will also exchange foreign currency. ATMs only accept Bhutanese Bank Cards.

You are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Communication Facilities

Telephone: The country code for Bhutan is 975. The telephone service is reasonable however getting a line can be slow at a time.

Internet: The internet service is growing and you can get the service from Internet cafes in large towns and from major hotels across the country.

Media: Kuensel is the autonomous weekly paper in Bhutan. The Bhutan Times and Bhutan Observer are private ones. Bhutan broadcasting service is the state-owned media.