Nepal and Bhutan are the only neighbouring countries of India, where Indian citizens are not required a Visa / Passport. Indians need to carry few valid documents to enter in Bhutan. So lets see what are the necessary documents and formalities for Indian Citizens to enter in Bhutan.
After successfully completing a ride to Nepal few years back, I visited Bhutan on bike some time back. Before this ride, like you, I also had lots of questions regarding the entry procedure and other formalities. I called the Bhutanese embassy, but did not get any satisfactory answer. Instead Internet came to my rescue.
So, here I am writing what all I experienced and understood while getting the permission to enter Bhutan. (PLEASE EMAIL ME here, IF THERE IS ANY CORRECTION OR ADDITION NEEDED)
Phuentsholing - Gateway to Bhutan (By road)
This is the place from where you enter Bhutan by road. The last Indian town is Jaigaon (West Bengal) which actually borders Phuentsholing. A wall between these towns divides both the nations. Unlike other countries, Indians are allowed in Bhutan upto a certain distance without any permission. But for going beyond Phuentsholing, you need a permit.
As I entered the huge gate mentioning ‘Welcome to The Royal Kingdom of Bhutan’ I saw neat and clean roads, well managed traffic and vehicle parked in organised manner. I enquired one of the policemen for getting the permit and he pointed towards a building on my right. This was the ‘Revenue and Customs Checkpost’ from where I was supposed to get the entry permit. However, to get the permission for letting my bike in Bhutan, I had to go to another office. (read 'How to get a permit for your vehicle' ) I have posted some more information and relevant videos on touristhelpline.com
In front of the Customs office I could see lots of labourers from India waiting for their turn to get their ‘work permit’. Lots of Indians work in Bhutan. Their formalities were quite different from mine as I needed a ‘Tourist permit’. I went on the first floor and filled up the permit form.
Documents needed to get a permit
1. Identity and address proof
- Voter Identity card
- Government employee I card
- Driving liscense with photo
- Passport
3. Duly filled up application form
I submitted the application with desired documents. I was said to sit and wait for a while. After sometime they called me and shot a picture from their own digital camera. Within an hour of applying I got my permit.
Time - 6am to 10pm
'How to get a permit for your vehicle'
Other Important imformation
I submitted the application with desired documents. I was said to sit and wait for a while. After sometime they called me and shot a picture from their own digital camera. Within an hour of applying I got my permit.
Time - 6am to 10pm
'How to get a permit for your vehicle'
Other Important imformation
'My travelogue - in brief'
I have posted some more information and relevant videos on touristhelpline.com
I have posted some more information and relevant videos on touristhelpline.com
