PassportSouth Africa

Trip checklist: Bhutan

For South African passport holders. Last checked 5 October 2026.

Visa requirement

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

Permitted stay

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

Before you go

  • Purpose of visit

    Tourism. Other purposes need different permits.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Where South Africans apply

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

  • Travel insurance

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Travelling with children

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

  • Confirm with the embassy

    Rules change. Check the official source before you book.

Where to apply

Research sources

  1. 1. Department of Tourism, Royal Government of Bhutan (Official, bhutan.travel) https://www.bhutan.travel/
  2. 2. Department of Immigration, Royal Government of Bhutan (Official, immi.gov.bt) https://immi.gov.bt/home/
  3. 3. UK FCDO (Other government, gov.uk) https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bhutan/entry-requirements
  4. 4. US Department of State (Other government, travel.state.gov) https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Bhutan.html
  5. 5. Wikipedia (Reference, en.wikipedia.org) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Bhutan

From doineedavisa.co.za/bhutan. Always confirm with the embassy before you travel.