Visa
The Government of
Bhutan issues visas only upon arrival at Paro Airport or at
Phuentsholing if you enter by land. One must apply for a visa
through a tour operator and receive approval before travelling.
Visa applications must be initialized by a tour operator. The
Department of Tourism checks payment for the tour/trip and then
issues a letter of approval to the tour operator. The tour
operator then makes the final application to the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs which then sends the visa confirmation number to
the tour operator and Druk Air. The visa confirmation number is
required for issuing the Druk air ticket. A fee of $20 US must
be paid and one passport sized photo with your passport number
on the back is required. There is no application to be filled
out. Just send your passport information, permanent address, and
occupation to your tour operator in Bhutan. You will receive
your visa for the period of your visit/tour.
Money
The unit of currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is equal to one
Indian rupee. There are 100 chetrum in 1 Nu. There are Nu 1, 5,
10, 20, 50, and 100 Nu banknotes and Nu 1 coin. Indian rupees
are accepted in Bhutan. Travellers need exchange only small
amounts of money as all trips/tours are pre-paid. Departure tax
is Nu 300. Travellers Cheques can be cashed at banks, hotels,
and the currency exchange counter at the airport. Credit Cards
are not widely accepted and the verification office has short
hours. Unused Nu can be exchanged for US Dollars if you have
your exchange receipts.
Payment Procedures
The basic rate for three or more travellers is $200/day.
Two travellers pay $230/person/day and
single travellers pay $240/day. Large groups receive discounts.
Payment is made by wire to Bhutan National Bank through Citi
Bank of New York, or Standard Chartered Bank of London. Chagshe
Norbu Tours & Treks will provide full instructions for
transferring funds to pay for your trip to Bhutan.
