Bhutan

The Land of Happiness
and Himalayas

Flag of Bhutan
Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Bhutan.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Bhutan.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from India, Maldives, and Bangladesh can enter Bhutan with a valid passport or, for Indians, a voter ID card, and stay for up to 14-30 days without a visa (requires a permit on arrival).
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from all other nations must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Bhutan, arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; a Bhutanese visa is still required.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) do not qualify for visa-free entry; a Bhutanese visa is required.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK do not qualify for visa-free entry; a Bhutanese visa is required.
  • ID Card Entry: Only Indian citizens can enter Bhutan using a valid voter ID card (in lieu of a passport) with an entry permit issued at the border.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for up to 30 days (tourist visa). Typically single-entry, arranged through a tour operator, with validity tied to the tour duration.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 30 days. Valid for up to one year, allowing application for a residence permit (e.g., for work or study, rare for tourists).

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Tourist visas are typically issued for the duration of your pre-arranged tour (usually 7-30 days). Extensions are possible but require approval.
  • Purpose of visit: All tourists (except Indians, Maldivians, and Bangladeshis) must book through a licensed tour operator and pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per day (as of 2025). Work or study requires specific visas.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions, as Bhutan may reintroduce measures like mandatory testing or quarantine.
Toll

Driving in Bhutan

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, Bhutan has no operational toll roads. Roads are generally state-maintained, and travel is free of tolls.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Not applicable; no toll roads exist. Road travel relies on fuel costs and vehicle maintenance.

Driving in Bhutan

  • Drive on the left side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 30 km/h
    • Rural roads: 50 km/h
    • Highways: 50-70 km/h (e.g., Thimphu-Paro Highway)
  • Road conditions vary; main highways like Thimphu to Paro are paved but narrow, while rural roads can be unpaved, winding, and prone to landslides during monsoon season (June-August).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license, especially for non-SAARC nationals. Indian nationals can use their domestic license.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Bhutan does not use a vignette system for road use; travel is free but requires careful planning due to terrain.
  • Road Safety: Driving is challenging due to mountainous terrain, sharp bends, and occasional livestock on roads. Night driving is strongly discouraged.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is unreliable in rural areas; cell service is spotty outside Thimphu and Paro. Keep an updated physical map as a backup.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies.

Useful Links

Bhutan Currency

The official currency of Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 BTN
  • Coins: 25, 50 chhertum; 1 BTN
  • Symbol: Nu. (often written as BTN)
  • Note: The Indian Rupee (INR) is also widely accepted in Bhutan at a 1:1 exchange rate.

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services are available at banks, Paro International Airport, and some hotels in Thimphu.
  • ATMs are available in urban areas like Thimphu and Paro for direct BTN withdrawals, but are scarce in rural regions.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially in rural areas and small establishments.
  • Credit/debit cards are accepted in cities, hotels, and larger shops in Thimphu and Paro, but rarely elsewhere.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues.
  • Carry some cash (BTN or INR) for small purchases and rural areas, as digital payments are not universal.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when using cards; the BTN is pegged to the INR.
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan website: https://www.rma.org.bt/
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Bhutan

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Bhutan, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences. Even small quantities can lead to criminal charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Alcohol is permitted but heavily regulated; public intoxication is frowned upon.
    • Smoking is banned nationwide (since 2010); tobacco sales are illegal, though personal use is tolerated if declared on arrival (with a tax).
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect Bhutanese Buddhist traditions; dress modestly, especially at religious sites (dzongs, monasteries). Remove hats and shoes when entering temples.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships were decriminalized in 2021, but social acceptance is limited. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention.
  • Photography: Restricted inside monasteries, dzongs, and near military sites. Always ask permission for portraits of locals, especially monks.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits (declare on arrival).
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes (must declare and pay a 200% import tax; smoking is banned in public).
  • Cash: Declare amounts over BTN 10,000 (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, and plastic bags (Bhutan has a strict plastic ban).
  • Counterfeit goods may face fines or confiscation.

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at Paro International Airport.

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Tourism Council of Bhutan or the Department of Tourism.

Beach Access

  • Not applicable; Bhutan is landlocked with no public beaches.

Key Resources

Bhutan Travel Safety

Bhutan is generally safe for travellers, with low crime rates and a reputation for hospitality. However, travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Bhutan.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is extremely rare, even in crowded areas like Thimphu’s markets. Violent crime against tourists is almost unheard of.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Bhutan is considered very safe, with locals often going out of their way to assist visitors. Solo female travelers should still avoid isolated areas at night.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving can be challenging due to narrow, winding mountain roads and unpredictable weather (e.g., fog, rain).
    • Avoid night driving in mountainous areas due to poor visibility and road hazards.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Tap water is not always safe; drink bottled or boiled water.
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travellers’ diarrhea; spicy Bhutanese cuisine (e.g., ema datshi) may upset sensitive stomachs.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for rural travel).
    • Yellow Fever: Required only if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Minimal risk in most areas; use insect repellent in lowland regions (e.g., near the Indian border) to guard against malaria.
  • Altitude Sickness: Risk exists in areas above 2,500 meters (e.g., Paro at 2,200m, Thimphu at 2,300m, or high passes like Chele La at 3,988m). Ascend gradually and stay hydrated.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Basic care is available at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu. Rural areas often lack advanced care.
  • Pharmacies: Available in cities like Thimphu and Paro; carry essential medications for remote areas.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, as advanced care may require transfer to India or Thailand.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
  • Ambulance: 112 | Fire: 110 | Police: 113.
  • Tourist Police (Thimphu): +975 2 323 111.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Rent a 4x4 for rural/mountainous areas (e.g., Haa Valley). Check insurance coverage for rentals; most tourists hire a driver with their tour package.
  • Hiking: Use local guides for treks (e.g., Druk Path Trek or Snowman Trek); high-altitude routes can be strenuous.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid pointing at sacred objects or people; always walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels.
  • Air Quality: Generally excellent due to minimal pollution; monitor via the World Air Quality Index if in Thimphu during winter (wood-burning stoves).

Key Links

Flying to Bhutan