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Official Visa
VisasBhutanOfficial Visa
BhutanBhutan•Asia
Open

Official Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

Tied to official visit

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

Visa for government officials, state representatives, and delegations traveling on official business, issued upon recommendation from a relevant government agency via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Official Visa is a specialized entry category reserved for government officials, state representatives, and members of official delegations traveling to Bhutan for authorized government business. This visa facilitates diplomatic and professional engagement between Bhutan and other nations or international organizations. As a mark of international courtesy and in alignment with diplomatic protocols, this visa is typically issued on a gratis basis to eligible individuals holding official, diplomatic, or UN passports, as well as those traveling under specific government-recommended delegations.

The issuance of an official visa is generally coordinated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, which verifies the purpose of the visit and provides the necessary recommendations to the Department of Immigration. Applicants must demonstrate their official status and the nature of their mission, often supported by a forwarding letter from their respective government department or organization. This visa category ensures that official visitors are processed efficiently, reflecting the importance of international cooperation and the formal diplomatic relationships maintained by the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Stay & Extensions

Status typeTied to program duration

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be a holder of an official passport or a government official on official assignment.

Recommendation/clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MoFAET) of Bhutan.

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

Duly completed visa application form.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Duly completed visa application form.

Copy of valid official passport (minimum 6 months validity).

Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MoFAET) of Bhutan.

Forwarding letter from the head of the department or relevant organization.

Detailed itinerary or program of the visit (if applicable).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Gratis visa (no visa fee).
  • Facilitates official government business and international cooperation.
  • Streamlined processing for government-sanctioned visits.

Worth Knowing

  • Not for ordinary passport holders, even if traveling for official purposes (unless specifically authorized).
  • Requires prior clearance from the Royal Government of Bhutan; cannot be obtained independently as a tourist.
  • Processing time is typically required; applications should be submitted well in advance.

Application Process

1

Prepare the required documents, including the official recommendation letter from the relevant Ministry or organization.

2

Submit the application and supporting documents to the Department of Immigration (DoI) or through the appropriate diplomatic channel.

3

Wait for the verification and recommendation process, which often involves the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

4

Receive the visa clearance letter electronically.

5

Present the visa clearance at the port of entry to have the visa stamped in the passport.

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