All country guides
- Capital
- Thimphu (PBH)
- Dialing Code
- + 975
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT +6
- Language
- Dzongkha
- Best Time to Go
- March – May & September – November
- Currency
- Ngultrum (BTN)
Travel Tips
- USD widely accepted
- Credit cards have limited acceptability and ATM’s do not accept international cards
- Many local dialects are also spoken. English is the language of education and is widely spoken
- All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated, milk is unpasteurised
- As a predominately Buddhist country, dress should always be conservative when visiting religious sites (men should wear long pants, and women should keep their arms and legs covered, no hats / caps should be worn)
- Mountains are considered the abode of the gods and recreational activities on some of the peaks are therefore forbidden
- The sale of tobacco is prohibited in Bhutan and smoking is prohibited in public areas
Last updated 28 September 2026
Visa Guide
Public Holidays
2026
January: 2, 19
February: 18 - 19, 21 - 23
April: 26
May: 2, 31
June: 24
July: 18
September: 23
October: 21
November: 1, 11
December: 17
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders prior to arrival in Bhutan
- Visas can be applied for online. Alternatively, your tour operator or hotel may apply on your behalf
To apply online, visit: visit.doi.gov.bt/
Requirements
- A digital copy of a valid passport
- A recent digital passport photo
- Arrival and departure dates
- Valid travel insurance for the duration of your travel
- You will be required to pay the SDF (Sustainable Development Fund) and Visa Fees when applying
Additional information available: bhutan.travel/visa
Visa Processing Time
5 working days
Visa Cost
Visa: USD 40
As part of the visa application process, you will be required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$200 per day (per adult; concessionary rates apply for children)
Entry Requirements
- A digital copy of a valid passport
- A recent digital passport photo
- Arrival and departure dates
- Valid travel insurance for the duration of your travel
You will be required to pay the SDF (Sustainable Development Fund) and Visa Fees when applying
Additional information available: www.bhutan.travel/page/travel-requirements
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, Rabies