Bhutan•AsiaPersonal Guest Visa
At a Glance
1 week
Not confirmed
Varies
1 month
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Visa for individuals invited by a Bhutanese citizen, foreign professional with a work permit, or diplomat, limited to 30 days and a maximum of two guests per host per year.
The Personal Guest Visa is a specific entry authorization issued to individuals invited by a Bhutanese citizen, a foreign professional holding a valid work permit, or a diplomat residing in the Kingdom. This visa category is designed to facilitate short-term visits for personal reasons, such as family reunions or social engagements, and is subject to stringent oversight to ensure compliance with national immigration rules. A personal guest is permitted to stay in Bhutan for the actual duration of their visit, up to a maximum of thirty days, whichever is shorter. The program is limited to a maximum of two guests per host within a calendar year.
To apply, the host must meet specific criteria, including being at least eighteen years of age and physically present in Bhutan during the guest's visit. The application process requires the submission of a duly completed personal guest application form, signed by the host, alongside the guest's visa application. Required documentation includes a copy of the host's citizenship identity card or work permit, the guest's valid passport, and evidence of the acquaintance between the host and the guest. This visa ensures that personal visits are conducted in a regulated manner that respects the country's social and security standards.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 1 month |
Annual Cap & Quota
2 guests per host per year
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be invited by a Bhutanese citizen, a foreign professional holding a valid Work Permit, or a Diplomat residing in Bhutan.
The Bhutanese host must be at least 18 years old and present in the country during the visit.
Limited to a maximum of two guests per year per host.
The guest must not have been invited as a personal guest in the last three years.
Maximum stay duration is the actual duration of the visit or 30 days, whichever is less.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Duly completed Personal Guest Application form (signed by the host).
Duly completed visa application form (signed by the guest).
Covering letter from the host explaining the relationship/acquaintance.
Copy of the host's Citizenship Identity Card (if Bhutanese) or Work Permit (if expatriate).
Copy of the guest's valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
Detailed travel itinerary for the guest.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Provides a formal pathway for visiting friends or family residing in Bhutan.
- Allows for a personalized visit outside of standard tourist channels.
Worth Knowing
- Strict limits on the number of guests (max 2 per year) and frequency (once every 3 years).
- The host must be physically present in Bhutan during the guest's stay.
- Requires proof of acquaintance; the Department of Immigration may reject applications if the relationship is not sufficiently established.
- The visa is subject to the approval of the Department of Immigration.
Application Process
The host prepares a covering letter detailing the acquaintance with the guest.
The guest completes the visa application form.
The host completes the Personal Guest Application form.
Submit all documents to the Department of Immigration for processing.
Upon approval, the visa is issued as an e-Visa Clearance to be presented at the port of entry.
Related visas
More visas in Bhutan
- Tourist e-Visa
Tourist
- Religious Visa (Non-Tourist)
Tourist
- Entry Permit (Regional Tourism)
Business
Tourist visas in other countries
- Border Region Tourist Visa (K3)
Mongolia
- Tourist Visa
Maldives
- Single Entry Visa (Visa Masuk Sekali)
Malaysia
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