This page is for Indian travellers driving their own car, or a rented one, into Bhutan, rather than crossing on foot through the Pedestrian Terminal. For SDF, guide rules and the general immigration process, see the Border & Permit Guide; this page covers what's specific to bringing a vehicle.
Where the free zone ends
Vehicles can travel within a designated free zone, up to the Rinchending Check Post, without any additional charge. This covers Phuentsholing town itself. Beyond Rinchending Check Post, two things apply before you can continue: a Green Tax, and registration on Bhutan's Check Post Management System.
Green Tax and CPMS registration
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Green Tax | Nu 4,500 per vehicle, per day, once you travel beyond Rinchending Check Post |
| CPMS registration | Required before crossing, via Bhutan's Check Post Management System |
Register the vehicle on CPMS at 1010.bt/epass/apply ahead of time rather than at the checkpost itself.
Documents you'll need
Alongside your own travel documents (original passport or original Voter ID), the vehicle needs its own paperwork:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Driving licence | Original, not a photocopy |
| Vehicle registration certificate (RC) | Original |
| Vehicle insurance | Valid for the travel dates |
| Emission / roadworthiness certificate | Original |
| Authorisation letter | Needed if the vehicle isn't registered in your name, or if someone other than the registered owner is driving |
Confirm the exact paperwork for a rented vehicle, or for a driver who isn't the registered owner, with the checkpost or CPMS directly before you travel. This is strictly enforced and worth double-checking in advance rather than at the gate.
SDF and the guide requirement still apply
Bringing your own vehicle doesn't change the rules that apply to you as a tourist: SDF and the guide requirement still apply exactly as described in the SDF section and the guide requirement section of the Border & Permit Guide.
Common mistakes when bringing a vehicle
- Assuming the free zone up to Rinchending covers travel anywhere in Bhutan.
- Arriving without CPMS registration already done.
- Carrying photocopies instead of original vehicle documents.
- Driving a rented vehicle, or someone else's vehicle, without the authorisation letter.
- Forgetting that SDF and the guide requirement apply regardless of whether you're driving or crossing on foot.
This page is a practical guide for Indian travellers driving into Bhutan at Jaigaon–Phuentsholing. Always check current official information before you travel.