Q851. Bhutan Visa not free for UK citizens & OCI holders. Free only if holding Indian passport

Question: Dear Sir/Madam, I have British Passport with OCI card, wanted to tour Bhutan but tour operator says that I have to pay more than an Indian national, is he right ? Please give some Guidance in this regard Thank you. Yours sincerely, Joe Pal

Answer: The only price difference that I am aware of is that while Indian nationals, Bangladeshi nationals & those from the Maldives get their visas for Bhutan free of cost, citizens holding passports of other countries are required to pay a visa fee which is currently set at US$40/-. Since this visa fee is included in the visitor package requirement to visit Bhutan, your price may be slightly higher than an Indian national due to the added visa fee. Although you have Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status, you are still holding a UK passport and will travel to Bhutan on the basis of your UK passport. OCI benefits apply in India, not in Bhutan.