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VISA Procedure

Except for visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all other visitors travelling to Bhutan need a visa.

Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a permit at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)).

All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior the travel to Bhutan.Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Yeesel Expedition is an authorized tour operator licensed under the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

Procedures for your Bhutan Visa:

1. You cannot apply for your own tourist visa personally. Application needs to be done by an authorized tour operator in Bhutan on your behalf.
2. Book a Bhutan travel package with your licensed tour operator in Bhutan.
3. Get detailed instruction on your payment for the travel package via email.
4. Confirm and purchase your tickets with either Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines.
5. Ensure that your passport has six months validity at the time of your entry.
6. Send the photo-page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa.
7. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account.
8. Once received, the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours.
9. Your visa will be an electronic document which your tour operator in Bhutan will send it to you.
10. Print your visa document and at your point of entry you will be required to show your visa document, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.

Daily Tariffs

Bhutan’ s tourism sector is highly regulated by the Tourism Council of Bhutan as the Tourism Policy of the Royal Government of Bhutan is based on a concept of “High Value & Low Impact”.Therefore Bhutan enjoys global reputation for authenticity, remoteness and a well - protected cultural heritage and natural environment.

Tourist tariff is set by Tourism Council of Bhutan, Royal Government of Bhutan and it is valid for all - inclusive packages.

MINIMUM DAILY PACKAGE

The minimum daily package for tourists travelling in a group of 3 persons or more is as follows:

• USD $200 per person per night for the months of January, February, June, July, August, and December.
• USD $250 per person per night for the months of March, April, May, September, October, and November.

Please Note: These rates are applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan.On the day of departure, the‘ local agents’ host obligation shall be limited to providing breakfast only and any extra requirements shall be payable on usage basis.The list of hotels and lodges approved to provide accommodations all listed on TCB website.If your accommodation is not listed on this website then it is not licensed cater for international tourists.The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices for packages to Bhutan.These must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival in Bhutan.

The minimum daily package covers the following services:

• A minimum of 3 - star accommodation(4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).
• All meals
• A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay
• All internal transport(excluding internal flights)
• Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
• All internal taxes and charges
• A sustainable tourism Royalty of $65.This Royalty goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.

CANCELLATIONS

Tour programs booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows:

(a) Within 30 days of the start of the tour program: Free

(b) Within 21 days: 10 % of the rate

(c) Within 14 days: 15 % of the rate

(d) Within 7 days: 30 % of the rate

(e) Less than 7 days or cancellation without notice: 50 % of the rate

(f) After arrival in Bhutan: 100 %

DELAYED ARRIVALS

• There is no charge for delays in arrival and departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or road blocks.The tourist must however bear the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other services required.
• It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance prior to travel.

SURCHARGES

Tourists travelling in a group of two(2) persons or less shall be subject to a surcharge, in addition to the minimum daily package rates.These are as follows:

• Single individual– US$ 40 per night
• Group of 2 persons only– US$ 30 per person per night

Please Note: The 10 % agency commission payable to agents abroad shall not be deductible from the surcharge.
The surcharge will not be applicable to representatives of foreign travel agents on business study or promotional visit duly approved and cleared by TCB.

Payment Process

All payments shall be made in US dollars via bank wire transfer to the Tourism Council of Bhutan’s bank account at the Bhutan National Bank, with your tour operator shown as the ultimate beneficiary of the funds. Please note that it is not possible to make the payment by credit card as the payment has to be routed through the government account in order for your visa to be authorized and is not paid directly to us.

Wire Transfer: In order to make your payment, please request your bank to remit money to the bank as follows via wire transfer only:

• Standard Chartered Bank Ltd, New York, USA
• Standard Chartered Bank Ltd.,
  One Madison Avenue, New York,
  NY 10010-3603
  SWIFT Code: SCBLUS33
  CHIPS ABA: 0256
  FED ABA: 026002561
• Beneficiary Bank Account : 358-202-171-9001 (USD A/C)
• Beneficiary Bank : Bhutan National Bank
• P.O Box 439, GPO Building, Chang Lam, Thimphu
• Bhutan SWIFT Code: BNBTBTBT
• Ultimate Beneficiary: Account No. 0100091410001 of Yeesel Expedition maintained with BNB, Thimphu Bhutan 010

It takes 3 – 7 working days to get your money in Bhutan.