Tourism Council of Bhutan(TCB)
VISITING BHUTAN INFORMATION FROM TOURISM COUNCIL OF BHUTAN:
All visitors to Bhutan are required to book through a registered tour operator in Bhutan. This can be done directly or through a travel agent abroad. The tour operator in Bhutan handles visa applications, tour programme and all other ground arrangements for the visitor.
VISA FORMALITIES:
Other than Indian nationals, all visitors to Bhutan require a visa; all visas are issued from Thimphu; visas are only issued to tourists booked with a local licensed tour operator. The tour operator submits applications for tourist visas. Visa clearance from Thimphu must be obtained before coming to Bhutan. Visa clearance takes at least 7 working days to process. Air tickets to Bhutan cannot be purchased without visa clearance. At your point of entry the visa will be stamped in your passport.
Passport details required to process visa:
1. Name as it appears in passport & Gender
2. Permanent Address
3. Occupation/Profession
4. Nationality
5. Passport Number
6. Date of Issue & Expiration of passport
7. Date & place of birth
DAILY TARIFF:
The minimum tariff for tourist visiting in a group of 3 persons or more are as follows:
Government Tariff - US$ 260 per person per night halt in the Kingdom
THE MINIMUM DAILY PACKAGE RATES SHALL BE INCLUSIVE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Accommodation on twin sharing basis
2. All meals as per itinerary
3. Transportation within Bhutan in Private Coaches as per itinerary
4. The services of knowledgeable English speaking guide certified by Department of Tourism
5. Entrance Fees and Permits
6. 35 % Royalty taxes (Development Taxes) to the Government
THE MINIMUM DAILY PACKAGE RATE SHALL NOT INCLUDE:
1. Tourism Development Fund (US$ 10 per visit)
2. Visa Fee (US$ 20)
3. Bhutan Bank Fees (US$ 10)
4. Airfare in and out of the country depending on sectors you choose
5. Alcoholic and bottled beverages
6. Personal expenses (phone calls & laundry etc.)
7. Surcharge of Luxury hotels like Amankora, Uma Paro, Zhiwaling Hotel & Taj Tashi
8. Any other special arrangements not included in the tariffThe rates given above are applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan. On the day of departure, the ‘local agents’ host obligation shall be limited to breakfast only and any extra requirements shall be payable on actual basis. The rates shall apply uniformly irrespective of locations and the type of accommodation provided/asked for.
SURCHARGES:
Individual tourists and smaller groups of less than four persons shall be subject to surcharge, over and above the minimum daily rates applicable, as follows:
Single individual US$ 40 per night per person
Group of 2 persons US$ 30 per person per night per person
CANCELLATIONS:
Cancellation must be notified in writing, you can either email us or fax us your cancellation notice. Tour Programs booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows:
1. Within 30 days: Free
2. Within 21 days: 15% of the cost
3. Within 14 days: 30% of the cost
4. Within 7 days: 50% of the cost
5. Less than 7 days or cancellation without notice: 75% of the cost
6. After arrival in Bhutan: 100% of the cost
DELAYED ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES:
There is no charge for delays in arrival and departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or roadblocks. The tourist must however bear the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other services required.