Travelling to Bhutan
A mindful way to travel
Bhutan welcomes visitors through a "High Value, Low Volume" tourism policy. Every journey is designed to protect the kingdom's pristine environment and living culture, so a little planning before you arrive goes a long way.
As a guest of Risum Resort in the Haa Valley, you will travel with a licensed tour operator and a registered guide who take care of your visa, transport and itinerary. This page is a friendly summary of the main requirements. For the complete, official and most up-to-date rules, please refer to Bhutan's national tourism website.
Visit the Official Bhutan Travel Site
Official source: bhutan.travel/visit
Bhutan travel essentials
A quick overview of what every international traveller should know before visiting the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Your Risum Resort host is always happy to help you prepare.
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Book through a licensed operator
Tourists must arrange their trip through a Bhutanese licensed tour operator, who processes the visa and confirms your stay before you travel.
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Travel with a registered guide
A registered guide and a vehicle with driver accompany your journey. Self-drive vehicles are not available in Bhutan.
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Respect nature & culture
The Sustainable Development Fee you pay helps keep Bhutan carbon-negative and funds free healthcare and education for its people.
Almost all international visitors (except citizens of India, and subject to current rules, the Maldives and Bangladesh) require a visa. The visa is applied for online at the Department of Immigration portal, usually by your tour operator once your trip is confirmed.
- One-time visa application fee of USD 40 per person.
- Apply online at immi.gov.bt.
- Your visa clearance is issued once the Sustainable Development Fee has been paid.
- Indian nationals travel with a valid passport or Voter ID card and obtain an entry permit.
The SDF is a nightly levy that funds Bhutan's free healthcare, education and its carbon-negative environmental commitments.
- International visitors: USD 100 per person, per night (current rate, held until 31 August 2027).
- Children: under 5 years are exempt; ages 6–12 pay 50% (USD 50 per night).
- Indian nationals: INR 1,200 per adult, per night; INR 600 for ages 6–12; under 6 exempt.
- The SDF is paid through your licensed tour operator and cannot be paid independently.
Fees are set by the Government of Bhutan and may change. Please confirm the current amount on the official site before booking.
By air: Fly into Paro International Airport with the national carriers Drukair or Bhutan Airlines. From Paro, the Haa Valley and Risum Resort are a scenic drive over the Chele La pass.
By road: Bhutan can be entered by land from India at Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar and Samtse.
All in-country travel is by hired vehicle with a driver arranged through your operator; self-drive hire is not permitted.
- Dress modestly at dzongs, temples and monasteries — cover your arms and legs, and remove hats and shoes where asked.
- Maintain silence and calm at sacred and religious sites.
- Always ask before photographing people or the interiors of temples.
- Do not venture into the wilderness or on treks without an accredited guide.
- Smoking is restricted and the sale of tobacco is limited — please check the rules with your guide.
Read Bhutan's official travel policy
Visa rules, the Sustainable Development Fee and entry requirements are set by the Government of Bhutan. For the definitive, current details, visit the national tourism website.
Booking & cancellation
Reservations can be made directly with us or through your tour operator. Please review our booking, payment and cancellation terms before you confirm your stay at Risum Resort.