Bhutan

Översikt

Security threats to foreign travellers are minimal in the Kingdom of Bhutan. The low threat level relates to the country’s relative isolation, both politically and culturally, in the region. There are strict controls on the influx of foreigners and external influences are largely viewed by the ruling authorities as a detrimental influence on the social fabric of the country. This is also largely attributed to strong and strict cultural norms that somewhat mitigate security risks.

There is a low risk of crime for tourists, though there is gang crime and violence in urban areas. The rugged mountain terrain provides risks to driving, with muddy roads in summer and snow-covered passes in winter. Bhutan prioritises low-volume, high-value tourism with its notorious charge for foreign visitors of USD 200 per day. 

Bhutan became a two-party democracy in 2008 though threat of political violence remains low. Its economy is one of the smallest in the world by GDP ranking.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Bhutan. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Dengue is endemic in Bhutan, with peak transmission during the rainy season from July to December.

Malaria risk is present year round in the following southern districts: Chukha, Dagana, Pemagatshel, Samdrup Jongkhar, Samtse, Sarpang, Tsirang, Zhemgang. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended for all areas of Bhutan. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

Bhutan has risk of ongoing Chikungunya transmission. Insect protection measures are essential.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Japanese Encephalitis is possibly endemic in non-mountainous regions.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Bhutan.

Medical facilities are available in populated areas in Bhutan such as Thimphu and Paro, but are limited or even non-existent in some remote rural areas there. These facilities do not have high technology and lack sufficient skilled health care personnel. Ambulance service is also unavailable in some remote areas in this country. Travellers are advised to subscribe to a full travel health insurance before departure.

Certain emergency medical services are provided free of charge to all tourists. Health care providers in Bhutan may otherwise prefer cash payment.

Air evacuation will be required in case of emergency. Helicopter evacuation from remote areas is available in Bhutan through the registered tour operators, or by contacting your nearest embassy in New Delhi.

Pass

Passports are required for entry into and exit from Bhutan. Travellers must also be able to provide proof of onward/return tickets and travel arrangements for the next destination.

Visum

Visas are required by all foreign travellers except for citizens of Bangladesh, India, Maldives and Thailand. All visitors from other countries are required to present a valid passport when they travel to Bhutan and they must apply for a visa at least 30 days in advance of their proposed date of entry.

Other options for visiting the country are to receive an invitation by 'a reputable citizen’ or a volunteer organisation. Once the tour or invitation has received government approval, visas will be issued either by immigration services at Paro airport or in border town Phuentsholing. Visa applications are available from selected travel agencies. All the work for a visa application is completed within Bhutan and travel agencies will usually arrange for a traveller’s entry visa and clearance.

Travellers on a normal tourist visa that have paid the “fixed daily tariff” as set by the Bhutanese government are entitled to the following services without any additional charges: meals, transport, entrance fees to museums, monuments and cultural sites, guide and transport. The fee set is typically set to around USD 250 per person per day. 

Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Bhutan

UK

There is no British representation in Bhutan.

The nearest consular office is the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) at:

British Deputy High Commission
1, Ho Chi MinhSarani, Kolkata 700 071
Phone: +91-33-22885172-76
Fax: +91-33-22885177
Email: bdhccalc@giascl01.vsnl.net.in
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 0900-1200 and 1400-1600

US

The US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassy in New Delhi (India):

US Embassy
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110021
India
Phone: +91-11-2419-8000
Fax: +91-11-2419-0017
Email: ndcentral@state.gov