FAQs


1. How many categories of passports are there?

1. How many categories of passports are there?

a. Diplomatic.
b. Official.
c. Ordinary.
d. Emergency.

2. What is the validity of a passport?

2. What is the validity of a passport?

a. Diplomatic and official Passports 5 Years
b. Ordinary passport (Adult) 10 Years
c. Ordinary passport (Minor under 18 years) 5 Years
d. Emergency passport 1 month

3. How can I apply for a passport?

3. How can I apply for a passport?

Application for passport can be submitted both in-person at the Passport Division and online through www.citizenservices.gov.bt.

4. How much do I pay for different categories of passports?

4. How much do I pay for different categories of passports?

There is no fee for diplomatic and official passports. But, for an ordinary passport, one has to pay Nu 1000 and Nu. 800 for adults and minors under 18 respectively.

5. How long does it take to issue a passport?

5. How long does it take to issue a passport?

All passports are issued within 6 working days(offline Application) after the submission of all required documents and payment of applicable fee, however for online application the passport issuance is facilitated within 1 to 2 days. In case of emergency, passports are issued on the same day.

6. Is it mandatory to provide all the details in the application form when applying for a passport and is the personal information protected?

6. Is it mandatory to provide all the details in the application form when applying for a passport and is the personal information protected?

The requirement is minimal and it is mandatory to provide all information in the application form. The information received will be treated as confidential and cannot be accessed by unauthorized personnel.

7. What should I do if there is an error with my personal details on the Passport?

7. What should I do if there is an error with my personal details on the Passport?

At the time of issuance of the new passport, the applicant should ensure that all the information on the passport is correct. If there is any mistake, this should be immediately brought to the attention of the Passport Division. The Passport Division will cross check this against the information provided on the application form by the applicant and make necessary changes. If the error has been made by the Passport Division, a new Passport Document shall be issued without any additional cost. However, if the error is made by the applicant, he/she shall be subject to penalty of Nu. 5,000 and fee of Nu. 1000 for the new issuance.

8. Can I hold two passports at a time?

8. Can I hold two passports at a time?

A person cannot hold two valid passports at a time except when authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Traveling with two valid passports will invite the scrutiny of border control authorities abroad as it is against international regulation.

9. If I am not residing in Bhutan, can I apply for a new passport at the nearest Royal Bhutanese Embassy/Mission/General Consulate?

9. If I am not residing in Bhutan, can I apply for a new passport at the nearest Royal Bhutanese Embassy/Mission/General Consulate?

The issuance of passports is centralized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thimphu. However, the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Canberra issues passports to the Bhutanese living in Australia and New Zealand. Bhutanese living in countries other than Australia and New Zealand, may authorize a family member or friend to apply on your behalf at the Passport Division, Thimphu.

10. Do countries insist on a minimum validity period on a passport?

10. Do countries insist on a minimum validity period on a passport?

Yes, almost all the countries insist on a minimum validity period of 6 months. Your passport should have a minimum validity period of six months at the time of travel. The Passport Division issues a new passport if the validity is six months and less.

11. If I have a valid visa(s) on my old passport and I am required to make a new passport – what do we do?

11. If I have a valid visa(s) on my old passport and I am required to make a new passport – what do we do?

If there are valid visas, then the old passport will be stamped “CANCELED WITHOUT PREJUDICE” on the pages where entries have been made keeping the valid visa intact and returned to the applicant. Most countries do accept the validity of the visa when both the old and new passports are carried together.

12. How do I replace my lost/damaged passport?

12. How do I replace my lost/damaged passport?

Application for a new passport must be submitted to the Passport Division along with a police report and damaged passport for loss and damaged cases respectively. Applicants will be subject to a fine of Nu. 5,000/- in addition to the fee for new passport.

13. What if my passport is lost/stolen/damaged while abroad?

13. What if my passport is lost/stolen/damaged while abroad?

In the event that a passport is lost or stolen while abroad, you must immediately report to the police in that country and contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or nearest Royal Bhutanese Embassy/Mission/Consulate General. Your passport will be cancelled and at the same time notify the INTERPOL. A copy of the Police report must accompany the application form for a replacement passport.
Application for replacement can either be made at the Passport Division (through an authorized representative) or through Royal Bhutanese Embassy/Mission/Consulate General abroad. The Royal Bhutanese Embassy/Mission/Consulate General abroad may issue an emergency passport which shall only be valid for one month and used to facilitate travel back to Bhutan. The emergency passport must be surrendered to the Passport Division upon reaching Bhutan.

14. How can a person with special needs apply for a passport?

14. How can a person with special needs apply for a passport?

Any official in the Passport Division can be contacted directly who will then assist the person with the required formalities and any queries that he/she may have.

15. What are the requirements when applying for a passport for children?

15. What are the requirements when applying for a passport for children?

The following criteria shall apply for children (below 18 years) applying for a passport:
a. Duly-filled in passport Application Form;
b. A copy of parents’ or legal guardian’s citizenship identity card or identity documents;
c. Children of age ten (10) and above may sign or write their name on their own on the Passport form. For children below ten (10) years, one of the parents/legal guardians may sign on behalf of the child or write the name of the child as registered in the census record; and
d. Where only one parent has the sole custody rights, the parent with the custodial rights shall apply for the passport. However, the parent must produce legal documents to prove such sole custodial rights.

16. How can I apply for the passport of my child who has been born abroad and if both parents are abroad?

16. How can I apply for the passport of my child who has been born abroad and if both parents are abroad?

In this case, you may authorize a friend/relative to apply on your behalf. Duly filled in Application Form with signature of both parents and most recent passport size photo of child must be submitted along with a fee of Nu. 800/-.

17. My online application has been rejected. Can I apply online again with corrected document(s)?

17. My online application has been rejected. Can I apply online again with corrected document(s)?

Applications once rejected online cannot be corrected online. If the application has been initially rejected online, you can reapply online or in-person.

18. Can my passport be renewed? What is the procedure and fees?

18. Can my passport be renewed? What is the procedure and fees?

No, you cannot renew your passport and will have to apply for a new passport, provided that the remaining validity of passport is less than six months. In case, your passport has a validity for more than six months and you wish to obtain a new passport, a fine of Nu. 5,000, in addition to the fee of Nu. 1,000 for new issuance shall apply. The old passport shall be submitted for cancellation prior to new issuance.