Bhutan: do South Africans need a visa?

South Africans need to apply online for an e-visa before travel to Bhutan.

Up to 90 days on the e-visa. The visa is issued for the dates you have paid the Sustainable Development Fee for.

Visa required, applied for online before travel. Bhutan's official tourism site sends visitors to the Department of Immigration portal immi.gov.bt. You can apply yourself, or through a Bhutanese tour operator or hotel. South Africans are not among the nationalities exempt from a visa.1 2 3

Before you travel

Length of stay

Up to 90 days on the e-visa. The visa is issued for the dates you have paid the Sustainable Development Fee for.5

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Purpose of visit

Tourism. Other purposes need different permits.5

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Passport validity

At least 6 months beyond your travel dates (UK FCDO says beyond departure; US State Dept says beyond arrival). Allow 6 months beyond departure. One blank page per stamp.3 4

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

How to apply

Apply online through the Department of Immigration (immi.gov.bt), or let a Bhutanese tour operator or hotel apply. Visa fee USD 40, non-refundable. Processing up to 5 working days. You also pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) up front for every night: USD 100 per adult per night, USD 50 for children aged 6 to 12, children under 6 free. The USD 100 rate is reported to run until 31 August 2027, after which the earlier USD 200 rate could return. You cannot buy a Drukair or Bhutan Airlines ticket without visa clearance.1 3 4 5

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Where South Africans apply

Online. Bhutan has no embassy in South Africa, and no embassy visit is needed.1 3 4

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Travel insurance

Not confirmed as mandatory in the sources checked. US State Dept strongly recommends cover that includes medical evacuation.4

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Return or onward ticket

Not published by official sources

Proof of funds

Not published by official sources

Accommodation or invitation

No invitation needed. SDF must be paid for every night. Route permits for areas beyond Thimphu and Paro are arranged with your guide.3 4

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa

Bhutan publishes no yellow fever rule for South Africans in the sources checked. Bhutan is not a yellow fever risk country, so no certificate is needed to return to South Africa from Bhutan, unless you transited a risk country.

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Arrival forms

Not published by official sources

Extending your stay and overstaying

Not published by official sources

Transit

Not published by official sources

Travelling with children

Children aged 6 to 12 pay half SDF (USD 50); under 6 free.4

Not yet confirmed by an official source

What changed

1 September 2023SDF cut from USD 200 to USD 100 per adult per night. Reported to apply until 31 August 2027.

Sources

Official

The destination's own government

1Department of Tourism, Royal Government of Bhutan bhutan.travel
2Department of Immigration, Royal Government of Bhutan immi.gov.bt

Other government

Official advice from other governments

3UK FCDO gov.uk
4US Department of State travel.state.gov

Reference

Used to find official sources, never the final word

5Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org

Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book.