Traveling to Bhutan? Please read requirements as shown below.
Author: Yvonne M. Wilbraham
Date: December 29, 2017
ROAD CONDITIONS
General road conditions outside urban areas are poor, and emergency services generally are not available. Because of the mountainous terrain, roads tend to have steep drop-offs and blind curves. During heavy rains there is a risk of falling rocks and landslides which can block roads. Because Bhutan requires tourists to arrange their trips through registered tour operators and travel in groups with experienced drivers, most U.S. tourists will not drive themselves. Please refer to our Road Safety page, Tourism Council for Bhutan, and Bhutan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs for more information.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Bhutan, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Bhutan’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
Flights into and out of Paro Airport are restricted to daylight hours and are dependent on weather conditions. Flights can be delayed or canceled due to weather conditions, particularly during the monsoon season between May and September. Passengers are advised to allow at least 24 hours' transit time for connecting flights to and from Paro Airport and to travel on non-restricted air tickets so that they can be rebooked on the first available air carrier if a connecting flight is missed.Passengers transiting through India will need a transit visa if they intend to leave the airport or spend a night in India.
CRIME:
There is relatively little crime in Bhutan. Reasonable precautions should be taken when visiting major towns and, in particular, when going out at night. Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and purse snatching is occasionally reported though crime is uncommon. Burglaries, theft, robbery, stolen vehicles, and assault related to skin color, ethnic origin, and religion have increased in recent years. Police report an increase in the number of drug/alcohol abuse and marijuana-related arrests. Police report an increase in the number of reported rape cases. Tobacco sale is unlawful. Foreigners caught selling tobacco products to Bhutanese nationals can be charged with smuggling and the tobacco seized treated as contraband.
CURRENCY ISSUES:
Visitors are advised to carry cash or traveler's checks, though credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in Bhutan. Indian rupees are usually accepted for purchases in Bhutan, although most shopkeepers and businesses do not accept Indian rupees in denominations above 100. A limited number of ATMs are available in Bhutan’s main cities.
MEDICAL CARE:
Medical facilities in the populated areas in Bhutan such as Thimphu and Paro are available but may be limited or unavailable in rural areas. U.S. citizens in need of urgent medical care should try to get to the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in the capital city, Thimphu. For emergency services in Thimphu, dial 113 for police or 112 for an ambulance. Medical services may not meet Western standards, and some medicines are in short supply. Certain emergency medical services are provided free of charge to all tourists.
TREKKING IN BHUTAN:
We strongly urge you to ensure that your medical insurance covers evacuations, which can be extremely expensive. Visitors planning to trek in Bhutan should pay special attention to the risk of altitude illness. Altitude sickness is a risk above 8,000 feet and travelers to that altitude should consult an appropriate health care provider 4 to 6 weeks before their trip. Treks in Bhutan can take visitors days or weeks away from the nearest medical facility. Limited helicopter evacuation from remote areas in Bhutan is available at the U.S. citizen’s expense. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi can also help arrange evacuations through private companies at the U.S. citizen’s expense.
VACCINATIONS:
Be up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations, per CDC’s (Center for Disease Control) information. The Government of Bhutan recommends that visitors obtain tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A inoculations before traveling to Bhutan. Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, and rabies vaccines are recommended for prolonged stays for people at risk. The influenza vaccine is also recommended.
DESTINATION DESCRIPTION:
The United States does not have diplomatic relations with Bhutan and there is no U.S. diplomatic presence there. Consular issues relating to Bhutan, including assistance to U.S. citizens, are handled by the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi
ENTRY, EXIT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS:
The Tourism Council of Bhutan sets a non-negotiable minimum daily tariff for all visitors to Bhutan. The rate includes all accommodations, all meals, transportation, services of licensed guides and porters, and cultural programs where and when available. The rate is the same for both cultural tours and treks. Travelers should contact the Tourism Council for the latest daily tariff. Your passport must be valid for at least six months following the date of your arrival to Bhutan. You need a Bhutanese visa to enter and exit Bhutan.
All visas are approved in the capital, Thimphu, and are only issued to tourists who have booked travel with a local licensed tour operator, either directly or through a foreign travel agent. Applications for tourist visas are submitted by the local tour operator. See the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators website for further information. All visitors, including those on official U.S. government business, must obtain visa clearance from Thimphu before traveling to Bhutan. Visa clearance takes at least 7 days to process and airplane tickets to Bhutan cannot be purchased without visa clearance.
At your point of entry into Bhutan, immigration authorities will stamp a visa into your passport upon payment of $40 U.S. or Nu.2500. You will also need to provide two passport photos. Tourist visas are usually granted for the scheduled travel period. More information, including a list of authorized tour operators in Bhutan, may be obtained from the Tourism Council of Bhutan, PO Box 126, Thimphu, Bhutan, telephone 00975-2-323251, 2-323252, 2-337098, fax 975-2-323695, email: info@tourism.gov.bt.
Reference and credit: Information obtained from the U.S. Department of State website. For more information please visit their website https://www.state.gov. Laws, rules and regulations can change, and do. It is highly recommended to obtain up-to-date information prior to your departure to Bhutan. The information provided above is current as of December of 2017.