BHUTAN INNOVATION FORUM

The Bhutan Innovation Forum, a groundbreaking event, will unite globally renowned thought leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, philosophers, scientists, philanthropists, and investors to advance His Majesty’s vision of establishing the world’s first Mindfulness City in Bhutan. Centered on mindfulness, innovation, and sustainability, the Forum will act as a catalyst for innovations across digital technology, ecology, education, health, urban planning, economic transformation, and aesthetic appreciation. Over three days, participants will explore the vital role of mindfulness in fostering innovation, the ways innovation can drive entrepreneurship, and how entrepreneurship can promote sustainability. This gathering aims to chart a new developmental pathway for Bhutan and the world, prioritizing equity, well-being, and happiness. Additionally, the Forum will offer a platform for investors, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads to discover tech startups and business opportunities within Bhutan’s green ecosystem, aligning with its dedication to economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

To book with Bhutan Airlines and receive a special fare, please click the link below, complete the form, and submit it.

TO BOOK BHUTAN AIRLINES FLIGHTS - CLICK HERE

Getting the Bhutanese Visa

Most foreign nationals visiting Bhutan require an entry visa. You can apply for a visa be used through the visa application portal: click here.

You would need to create an application account at: click here to submit your visa application online.

The Royal Government of Bhutan will waive the Visa Fee and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for all international participants of the Bhutan Innovation Forum for a maximum of 10 (10) nights of stay in Bhutan, including 4 (four) nights to attend the Forum on October 1-3, 2024.

You will need to submit the following documents with your visa application:

• Copy of applicant passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan
• Duly completed visa application form. click here
• Recent passport photo
• Visa fee and SDF Waiver Approval (which will be provided by the government shortly)

For any questions regarding your visa application, you may write to the Forum Focal Points at the Department of Immigration, the Royal Government of Bhutan

• Tshering Wangmo, Director, twangmo@moha.gov.bt
• Leki Tshering, Immigration Officer, ltshering@moha.gov.bt

Immigration Guidelines:

Please visit this link for more information on the immigration guidelines. Link

Documents required include:

• Copy of applicant passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan
• Duly completed visa application form. Link
• Recent passport photo
• SDF Waiver Approval (which will be provided by the government shortly)

Focal officers from the Department of Immigration

• Tshering Wangmo, Director, 17342527, twangmo@moha.gov.bt
• Leki Tshering, Immigration Officer, 17958360, ltshering@moha.gov.bt

Important Note:

• Nationals of India will be eligible to get an Entry Permit at the port of entry. They must produce either a passport/Voter card;
• The Nationals of Bangladesh and Maldives will get visas on arrival. They must produce a national passport valid which is for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan;
• Nationals of Thailand and Switzerland holding Diplomatic/Official passports are eligible for a visa on arrival; They must produce a national passport that is valid for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan;
• Nationals of SAARC countries issued with a valid SAARC Visa Exemption Sticker on their national passport do not require prior visa/entry permit clearance;
• Visa fee of Nu. 5000/- per person is applicable for participants holding ordinary passports.
• Route Permit must be processed for movement outside of Thimphu and Paro. The following is the route permit form that has to be filled out and applied for at the immigration office once the guests get here: click here.

BAGGAGE INFORMATION - Click Here