Bhutan Visa Rejection for Indians: How to Avoid It

Bhutan’s monasteries, Himalayan peaks, and rich Buddhist culture make it a dream destination for many Indians. However, despite the special relationship between India and Bhutan, getting your entry permit can sometimes hit unexpected roadblocks.

Bhutan visa rejection for Indian travelers has become more common since the introduction of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) in 2022. In this article, we’ll examine the most common Bhutan visa rejection reasons, guide you through checking your application status, and explain your options if your entry permit is denied.

Major Reasons Behind Bhutan Visa Rejections

Since September 23, 2022, when Bhutan reopened its borders after the pandemic, the visa policies for Indians have undergone significant changes. Understanding these changes can help you avoid any kind of mishaps while you are planning to spend your vacation in this country.

1. Application Timings

Timing is crucial when applying for a Bhutan entry permit. The Department of Immigration processes applications for Indian nationals, with standard processing typically taking a few days to a week.

Permit Type	Processing Time
Online Entry Permit	A few days to a week

The application process involves:

1. Register on the Bhutan Immigration Services Portal and fill out the application form
2. Upload all required documents
3. Pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
4. Receive approval notification
5. Download your approved entry permit

To avoid rejection due to timing issues:

• Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned travel date
• Don’t book non-refundable flights or accommodations until your permit is approved
• Be aware of Bhutanese holidays when offices are closed

2. Incomplete Application Form

One of the most common reasons for Bhutan visa rejection for Indian applicants is submitting an incomplete entry permit application form. Every field must be filled out accurately.

Field	Details
Form Length	Moderate (multiple sections)
Form Name	Entry Permit Application for Indian Nationals
Application Mode	Online only through the Bhutan Immigration Services Portal
Language	English

Five common mistakes that lead to rejection:

1. Leaving mandatory fields blank
2. Providing inconsistent information that doesn’t match supporting documents
3. Mistakes in travel dates (confusing arrival and departure dates)
4. Incorrect personal information (name spellings that don’t match your passport)
5. Not uploading clear, properly sized documents and photographs

Suggested Read: No Bhutan Visa for Indians? Exploring the Entry Rules!

3. Insufficient Documentation

Just like any other country, proper documentation is important if you want to receive an entry permit for Bhutan. Missing or inadequate documents can lead to rejection of your entry permit to Bhutan.

Essential documents include:

1. Valid Passport or Voter ID Card
• Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay
• Clear scanned copy of the biographical page
2. Recent Passport-Size Photograph
• Taken within the last 6 months
• White background
• 35mm x 45mm size
• No glasses or headwear (except for religious reasons)
3. Travel Itinerary
• Detailed day-by-day plan
• Confirmed accommodation bookings
• Internal travel arrangements
4. Proof of SDF Payment
• Receipt of theSustainable Development Fee payment
• ₹1,200 per person per night (for Indian nationals)
5. Confirmed Return Travel
• Air tickets or land transport booking
• Must match the dates on your application

Vehicle Entry Requirements

If you’re planning to drive your Indian-registered vehicle into Bhutan, be aware of these requirements:

• Green Tax of Nu 4,500 per day applies if you are travelling beyond the Rinchending Check Post in Phuentsholing
• Required documentation includes:
• Emission certificate
• Roadworthiness proof
• Registration on Check Post Management System (CPMS)

Suggested Read: How to Check Bhutan Visa Status in India

4. Non-Payment or Incorrect Payment of SDF

The introduction of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for Indian visitors has become a major reason for entry permit rejections.

The current SDF for Indian nationals is:

• ₹1,200 per person per night
• Children under 5 are exempt

Common payment issues include:

• Incorrect amount calculation
• Failed transactions
• Payments not matching the exact duration of stay
• Using unauthorized payment channels

5. Insufficient Travel Plans

Bhutanese immigration officials may reject applications with vague or unrealistic travel plans. Your itinerary should be detailed and feasible. According to the Tourism Council of Bhutan, applications with incomplete travel plans have a higher rejection rate as officials need to ensure you have legitimate tourist intentions.

A strong itinerary includes:

• Specific destinations within Bhutan
• Realistic travel times between locations
• Confirmed accommodation bookings for each night
• Contact information for hotels or tour operators
• Activities planned for each day

Must Read: Is Bhutan Safe to Visit? Travel and Safety Guide

6. Lack of Accommodation Confirmations

Bhutan requires visitors to have confirmed accommodation for the entire duration of their stay. Failure to provide this information often results in permit rejection.

Your accommodation proof should include:

• Booking confirmation from licensed hotels or homestays
• Full duration of your stay
• Names of all travelers in your group
• Confirmation number and contact details

If you’re staying with friends or relatives, you’ll need to provide:

• Their full address in Bhutan
• Their contact information
• A letter of invitation from them
• Their citizenship ID (for Bhutanese hosts)

7. Previous Immigration Violations

Any history of immigration violations in Bhutan or overstaying previous entry permits can lead to automatic rejection of new applications.

Common violations include:

• Overstaying the permitted duration
• Working on a tourist permit
• Visiting restricted areas without proper authorization
• Providing false information on previous applications

The penalties for such violations can be severe, including:

• For overstaying as a tourist, Sustainable Development Fee + Nu. 215 per day
• Results in entry bans: 3 months (for less than 2 months overstay), 6 months (for 2-3 months overstay), or 1 year (for over 3 months overstay)
• The fine for using fake documents is Nu. 25,800
• The fine for bypassing immigration checkpoints is Nu. 2,150

Also Read:Best Time to Visit Bhutan for Indian Tourists

8. Restricted Areas or Activities

Bhutan has certain regions that require special permits beyond the standard entry permit. Applying to visit these areas without the proper additional permits can result in rejection. Certain activities like research, filming, or religious pilgrimages may require special permissions from relevant Bhutanese authorities.

Restricted areas include:

• Some parts of Eastern Bhutan
• Certain religious sites and monasteries
• Border regions
• Military areas

If you plan to visit these regions, you must:

• Specifically mention them in your application
• Apply for additional permits through your tour operator
• Provide justification for your visit
• Allow extra processing time

9. Incomplete or Inconsistent Financial Documentation

While there’s no specific minimum bank balance requirement for Indian nationals visiting Bhutan, immigration officials may reject applications if they doubt your financial capacity for the trip.

Factors that may raise concerns:

• Trip duration appears beyond your financial means
• Luxury accommodations that don’t match your financial profile
• Unclear source of funding for your trip

To avoid rejection, consider including:

• Recent bank statements (optional but helpful)
• Credit card statements or proof of traveler’s checks
• Sponsorship letter if someone else is funding your trip

10. Health and Medical Concerns

Bhutan may reject entry permit applications due to health-related concerns, especially in light of post-pandemic precautions.

Potential health-related rejection reasons include:

• Recent travel to areas with disease outbreaks
• Declared medical conditions that might require unavailable specialized care in Bhutan

11. Suspicious Travel History

Your previous travel patterns may influence visa decisions. Applications may face higher scrutiny if:

• You have multiple rejected visa applications for other countries
• You’ve been deported from any country
• Your travel history shows frequent long stays in foreign countries
• You have unexplained gaps in your passport stamps

12. Technical Issues During Application

Technical problems during the online application process can result in incomplete submissions and subsequent rejections.

Common technical issues include:

• Website timeouts during form submission
• Payment gateway failures
• Document upload errors
• System crashes that result in incomplete applications

If you encounter technical difficulties:

• Take screenshots of error messages
• Contact thenearest embassy or consulate to address this issue
• Don’t create multiple applications to solve the problem
• Use a stable internet connection and updated browser

How to Check Your Bhutan Visa Application Status?

After submitting your entry permit application, monitoring its status is straightforward:

1. Go to the Bhutan Immigration Services Portal
2. Click on the “Track Application” option
3. Submit your DOB, passport or voter number and application number and then click on search

For assistance with your application status, you can contact:

• Department of Immigration helpdesk: +975-02-323127/334798
• Email: [email protected] (for India, Bangladesh and Maldives) / [email protected]

Bhutan Visa Rejection Refund

If your Bhutan entry permit application is rejected, refund policies depend on the specific component:

• Application Processing Fee: Non-refundable regardless of the application outcome
• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): Refunds are only applicable for 24-hour border town stays
• Hotel Deposits: Refund policies vary by hotel; always check cancellation terms
• Tour Package Payments: Partial refunds may apply depending on your tour operator’s terms

To claim your SDF refund:

• Submit hotel stay proof and a signed refund form to immigration officials at exit points

What Should You Do After Bhutan Visa Rejection?

If your entry permit application for Bhutan is rejected, don’t lose hope. You have several options:

1. Understand the Reason: Carefully read the rejection notification to understand exactly why your application was denied.
2. Decide Your Next Steps:
• For Online Entry Permit: You can either file a reconsideration request or submit a new application
• For Special Permits: Work with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator to appeal or reapply
3. Consider Timing: If your travel dates are approaching, you may need to reschedule your trip to allow sufficient time for the new application process.

Also Read:How to Book Bhutan Visa Appointment: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Appeal Your Bhutan Visa Rejection?

While Bhutan doesn’t have a formal appeal process like some other countries, you can request reconsideration of your rejected application. This is how you can make an appeal:

• Send a polite reconsideration request to the Department of Immigration
• Clearly address each reason for rejection with additional documentation or clarification
• Include your original application reference number
• Attach any new or updated documents that strengthen your application

For best results:

• Be respectful and professional in your communication
• Focus on addressing the specific reasons for rejection
• Provide concrete evidence to support your case
• Consider having a licensed Bhutanese tour operator assist with your request

How to File a New Application After Bhutan Visa Rejection?

Many travelers find that submitting a fresh application is more efficient than requesting reconsideration. Follow these steps for a successful reapplication:

1. You can reapply immediately after resolving the issues that led to rejection
2. Create a new application 
3. Address all reasons mentioned in your rejection notice
4. Include stronger documentation and clearer information
5. Double-check all details before submission
6. Pay the required fees again

Tips to improve your chances on reapplication:

• Provide more detailed travel plans
• Include letters of invitation or support if applicable
• Ensure all documents are clear and properly formatted
• Consider using a licensed Bhutanese tour operator to assist with your application
• If possible, extend your planned stay dates to allow for processing time

Must Read:Bhutan Visa Extension for Indians: Process & Requirements

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FAQs

What are common reasons for Bhutan visa rejection for Indian citizens?

The most common reasons include incomplete application forms, missing documentation, non-payment of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), inadequate travel plans, and previous immigration violations.

Does a previous Bhutan visa rejection affect future applications for Indians?

Yes, previous rejections can impact future applications, but addressing the specific reasons for rejection significantly improves your chances. The Department of Immigration considers each application independently, focusing on whether previous issues have been resolved.

Can I reapply after a Bhutan visa rejection?

Absolutely! You can reapply after a Bhutan entry permit rejection with no mandatory waiting period. However, it’s important to address all the issues mentioned in your rejection notice before submitting a new application.

How long should I wait to reapply after my Bhutan visa rejection?

There is no mandatory waiting period. You can reapply immediately after addressing the issues that led to rejection.

Is there a Bhutan visa appeal process?

Bhutan doesn’t have a formal appeal process, but you can request reconsideration by contacting the Department of Immigration, addressing each reason for rejection with additional documentation or clarification.

How much bank balance is required for a Bhutan visa?

There is no specific minimum bank balance requirement for Indian nationals visiting Bhutan. However, you should have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay, including the Sustainable Development Fee of ₹1,200 per person per night.

What is the Bhutan tourist visa rejection rate for Indians?

There are no official statistics available regarding Bhutan visa rejections for Indians. For the best chance of approval, ensure your application is complete and accurate, and follow all current guidelines from the Department of Immigration.