Entering Bhutan: entry requirements and more

The Kingdom of Bhutan, hidden in the heart of the Himalayan Mountains, is known as one of the most beautiful and unique countries in Asia. With its rich Buddhist culture, magnificent landscapes and remarkable traditional architecture, Bhutan is a true gem that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The country's economy is mainly based on agriculture, forestry and the sale of hydropower to neighboring India. In recent years, however, tourism has also gained in importance as a source of income. Bhutan has adopted a sustainable approach to tourism by pursuing a “high value, low impact” policy. This means that the number of tourists is limited in order to preserve the country's beautiful environment and authentic culture.

The capital of Bhutan is Thimphu, which is said to be the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. Thimphu offers a charming mix of modern life and ancient tradition with sights such as the Tashichho Dzong, the Motithang Takin Preserve and the Buddha Dordenma, a giant Buddha statue overlooking the valley.

Planning is essential for a trip to Bhutan, as the country should only be visited during certain months of the year. Due to its high altitude, Bhutan is often very cold in winter and the monsoon rains must be taken into account in summer. The best times to visit are therefore spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the landscape is particularly beautiful.

When planning a trip to Bhutan, travelers should be aware of the entry requirements. The country requires that all visitors apply for a visa in advance and book their trip through a licensed Bhutanese travel agency. This ensures that the trip meets the country's standards and helps to promote sustainable tourism.

To make your travel planning easier, we have compiled the most important aspects and show you which documents you need and how you can apply for them. We will help you make your trip to Bhutan smooth and memorable.

Visiting Bhutan with children can be an extraordinary adventure, offering both exciting experiences and educational opportunities. The Himalayan kingdom has a variety of attractions that will fascinate both children and adults, from magnificent monasteries and temples to breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.

However, traveling to Bhutan with children requires careful planning and preparation. Children traveling alone or with only one parent should carry a notarized travel permit in English signed by both parents. This document confirms that the children have permission to travel and may be required upon entry into Bhutan.

Parents should also note that a valid visa is also required for children. While a normal or temporary passport is accepted for visa application, children can also enter Bhutan with a child passport.

When preparing your trip to Bhutan, you should therefore allow sufficient time for the visa application and the procurement of all necessary documents to ensure a smooth process.

Bhutan, a breathtaking country in the Himalayas, is only accessible by a limited number of flight connections. According to the information available, only two airlines, the state-owned Druk Air and the private Bhutan Airlines, fly directly to Bhutan.

Unfortunately, direct flights from the European Union to Bhutan are not available. Travelers from the EU must therefore accept one or more stopovers. The most common stopovers on flights to Bhutan are in Nepal (Kathmandu), India (Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Bodhgaya, Bagdogra, Guwahati), Thailand (Bangkok), Bangladesh (Dhaka) and Singapore.

To fly to Bhutan, travelers from the EU can book flights to these stopovers. For example, there are many direct flights from various EU airports to Delhi or Bangkok, and from there passengers can then take a connecting flight to Bhutan.

The flight time varies depending on the point of departure and the number of stopovers. Flights from the EU to Bhutan usually take between 12 and 20 hours, including stopovers. It is important to note that the flight time also depends on the length of stay at the stopovers.

As there are no direct flights, it is a good idea to plan a combination trip with one of the stopover countries. In this way, travelers can make the most of their stay and experience two countries in one trip.

Flight availability and prices can vary greatly, so it is recommended to book flights in advance and compare different airlines. Some airlines also offer flexible change conditions, which can be an important factor in these times of uncertainty.

Bhutan has only one international airport - Paro International Airport. While in transit in Bhutan, it is important to know that it is necessary for many nationalities to apply for a transit visa, regardless of the length of stay. This visa is usually valid for 7 days and is used to legalize transit through the country.

However, there are some exceptions: Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals do not require a visa to enter or transit through Bhutan. However, visas are required for travelers from other countries, including the EU.

The transit area at Paro Airport is rather small, but still offers basic facilities such as waiting areas and restrooms. Please note that entry requirements may change at any time, so it is always advisable to obtain the latest information from the relevant authorities before planning your trip.

Germany has no official diplomatic representation such as an embassy or consulate in Bhutan. However, there is a German Honorary Consul for the Kingdom of Bhutan, Dr. Wolfgang Pfeiffer. His office is based in Germany and not in Bhutan. His contact details might be useful for travelers who need assistance before their trip to Bhutan:

- Postal address: Bahnhofsplatz 4, 74321 Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany
- Telephone: +48 172 88 20 608
- Opening hours: Monday through Friday from 08:00 to 12:00 and Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 14:00 to 18:00

Its consular district includes the federal states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.

For assistance during your stay in Bhutan, especially in matters normally handled by an embassy or consulate, you can contact the Bhutanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The address is:

- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gyalyong Tshogkhang, Thimphu, Bhutan
- Telephone numbers: +975-2-322459, +975-2-323297 or +975-2-322278

If you need emergency assistance, for example in the event of a natural disaster, you can contact the Bhutan Ministry of Home Affairs and Disaster Management:

- Phone/Fax: +975-2-325035

As EU citizens, Germans have the right to seek consular protection from the embassy of another EU country if there is no German embassy in the country visited. However, this information is subject to change and it is always advisable to check the latest contact details and procedures before traveling.