BorderProofBorderProof
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur MissionFind A Visa Sign In
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur Mission
Sign InFind A Visa
BorderProof

Discover the world's visas in one place.

Platform

  • Browse Visas
  • Match Finder
  • Compare Options
  • Global Insights
  • Our Mission
  • Contact Us

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Not Legal Advice
© 2026 BorderProof™. All rights reserved. Images by Unsplash/Picsum.
Gratis Visa (Courtesy Visa)
VisasBhutanGratis Visa (Courtesy Visa)
BhutanBhutan•Asia
Open

Gratis Visa (Courtesy Visa)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

Determined by the specific purpose of the visit or the terms of the relevant MoU

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Fee-waived visa issued to foreign guests visiting under bilateral Memoranda of Understanding between Bhutan and partner countries or international organizations.

The Gratis Visa, often referred to as a Courtesy Visa, is a fee-waived entry authorization issued by the Kingdom of Bhutan to specific categories of foreign nationals. This visa is primarily reserved for individuals traveling on official business, such as holders of diplomatic, official, or United Nations passports. It is also extended to government delegations and individuals visiting under specific reciprocal agreements between Bhutan and other nations. By waiving the standard visa fees, the Bhutanese government facilitates diplomatic relations and international cooperation, ensuring that official guests can enter the country without financial barriers.

This visa is not intended for general tourists or private visitors; rather, it is strictly for those whose presence in Bhutan serves an official or state-sanctioned purpose. The application process typically involves coordination through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which verifies the status of the applicant and the nature of their visit. Whether an individual is part of a government delegation or an official guest of the state, the Gratis Visa ensures that their entry is processed efficiently and in accordance with Bhutan's diplomatic protocols. Applicants must provide valid documentation, including official identification and letters of invitation, to qualify for the fee exemption.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must hold a diplomatic, official, or UN passport.

Must be visiting Bhutan for official purposes or as a government guest.

Must be a citizen of a country with a reciprocal agreement for fee-waived visas.

Must have a recommendation or formal invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a relevant government agency.

Passport must have a minimum validity of six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.

Must submit a duly completed visa application form.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Duly completed visa application form.

Copy of valid diplomatic, official, or UN passport.

Formal invitation or nomination letter from the relevant government ministry or organization.

Note sheet or forwarding letter from the concerned ministry (if applicable).

Tentative travel itinerary.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Fee-waived for official guests.
  • Facilitated entry for government delegations.

Worth Knowing

  • Requires official recommendation or Note Verbale.
  • Not intended for general tourism or private employment.

Application Process

1

Obtain recommendation or Note Verbale from the relevant Ministry or organization.

2

Complete the visa application form.

3

Submit for verification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

4

Final processing by the Department of Immigration.

Ready to see if the Gratis Visa (Courtesy Visa) is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.

Start Visa Discovery