Permit for foreign nationals

Bhutan protected areas — permit for foreign nationals

Permit for foreign nationals · Bhutan

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In short

For visitors: permit required.

Boundary area — 4,916 km²
Approximate boundary: a strip at the average distance
Checked against the act on 27 October 2026

Who may enter, and with what

Rules by group of people, as the source states them, with dates. We give no assessments of our own.

Foreign nationals — permit required. Foreign nationals need a permit to enter a protected area of Bhutan — a national park, wildlife sanctuary, nature reserve or biological corridor. The rules make no exception for driving through on a road; for tourists the permit is usually arranged by the tour operator.Issued by: Department of Forests and Park Services of Bhutan (DoFPS); on treks — through the tour operator · Fee: Permit issuance fee — Nu 10; entry to exclusive areas — service charge under Annexure X; wildlife watching and vehicle safari — Nu 100 per foreign visitor, elephant safari — 300 (Annexure X)Exceptions: The rules make no exception for driving through a protected area on a road.
Original wording
Any foreign national entering into the Protected Area shall obtain a permit
Apply · Forest and Nature Conservation Rules and Regulations 2023, Section 69 (FAOLEX) · as of 31 October 2023 · checked 27 October 2026

Legal basis

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Questions

Permits and restricted zones — FAQ

Do you need a permit: Bhutan protected areas — permit for foreign nationals?

For visitors: permit required. Foreign nationals need a permit to enter a protected area of Bhutan — a national park, wildlife sanctuary, nature reserve or biological corridor. The rules make no exception for driving through on a road; for tourists the permit is usually arranged by the tour operator.

Where do I get the permit?

Issued by: Department of Forests and Park Services of Bhutan (DoFPS); on treks — through the tour operator. The link to the official application page is in the rule above.

Will the planner see this zone on my route?

Yes: the zone has a boundary, and the trip plan will show a line if the route or an overnight stop falls inside.

Other zones: Bhutan

Bhutan beyond the border-town designated points — licensed guide required Bhutan restricted and prohibited areas (northern frontier — approved treks with army permit only)

Visas by passportWhere you can go without a visa, and for how long.AI plannerA day-by-day route, with permits and zones along the way.Zones mapZones and military areas on the world map.