Travel advice for Bhutan

Normal precautions apply across Bhutan, but take sufficient care in southern Bhutan near the borders with northeastern Indian states. The security situation may deteriorate because of extremist activity on the Indian side, and kidnappings for ransom can occur. Keep up to date with the latest information and avoid drawing attention to yourself.

Australia advises normal precautions for Bhutan.

Travelling to Bhutan is considered safe under normal precautions. Be prepared for altitude sickness, rabies particularly in Thimphu, earthquakes, and the absence of reliable mountain rescue; mountain roads can have mudslides and rockfalls during snowmelt and the rainy season. Seek medical advice, carry suitable medication and travel insurance, and prepare for no public transport and left-hand traffic. Respect religious-site etiquette, including appropriate clothing, no temple photography, and smoking restrictions.

Exercise normal precautions when travelling to Bhutan. Travel can generally be undertaken safely as long as standard precautions are followed.

Exercise normal security precautions in Bhutan. Petty theft occurs especially in Thimphu, and high altitude trekking can cause fatal illness, so use an experienced guide, insure for helicopter rescue and medical evacuation, and plan carefully. Mountain roads are narrow and hazardous in winter and the rainy season, while the eastern Lateral Road may have closures. Use authorized packages, and beware of stray dogs because they can carry rabies.

Estonian citizens need a visa to travel to Bhutan and should confirm current entry conditions because rules may change without prompt notice. Estonia has no representation in Bhutan, and other EU member states also lack representations, so consular assistance for passport theft or loss, detention and other emergencies is extremely difficult. Travellers should therefore consult travel information issued by other countries.

Germany advises normal precautions for Bhutan.

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Bhutan.

Normal precautions apply, but travellers should check road conditions and allow for delays during Bhutan’s monsoon, when landslides and closures can affect mountainous areas and the main east west highway. Road accidents are common, and floods, mudslides, avalanches and earthquakes create further risks. Conflict related flight cancellations in the Middle East may complicate return travel, and consular help may take longer because there is no Hungarian embassy in Bhutan.

Take normal precautions when travelling to Bhutan, including obtaining advance visa approval and carrying full travel insurance. Crime and the threat of terrorism are low, but take sensible precautions against theft and exercise particular care when driving in the mountains, where roads may be dangerous. A guide is mandatory for journeys or treks beyond Thimphu and Paro, and for land border entrants travelling beyond border towns.

Take normal precautions in Bhutan; crime is low and no special risks apply. Using, possessing or selling drugs, including soft drugs, can carry severe penalties; buying or selling tobacco is prohibited. Prepare for earthquakes and June to October flooding, landslides and mudslides, and snow or avalanches in higher areas. Buy travel insurance for treatment and repatriation because care is limited; in emergencies, contact New Delhi's embassy or Thimphu's honorary consul.

Exercise necessary precautions and personal responsibility when travelling or living in Bhutan. Tourists must use a licensed local tour operator, whose package includes accommodation, meals, transport, cultural programmes, guides and porters. Although violent crime is uncommon, remain alert to theft and petty crime; plan trekking carefully, check the weather, and ensure insurance covers all activities and emergency evacuation.

Use usual precautions, as no security concerns warrant discouraging travel to Bhutan. Take care in larger cities, especially at night, because pickpocketing and other petty crime occur, while dengue, COVID-19 and tuberculosis occur occasionally. Strict drug penalties, poor mountain roads, rockfalls, landslides and weather disruption to flights at Paro require attention. Transit passengers leaving the airport or staying overnight in India need a transit or entry visa.

Take normal precautions when travelling to Bhutan. British citizens need a passport valid for at least six months after departure, a visa arranged in advance, and permits for some states. Declare restricted or taxable goods, observe currency limits, and do not take antiques out of Bhutan. Enter through Paro or Phuentsholing, and request stay extensions in Thimphu.

Exercise normal precautions when travelling to Bhutan. It is generally safe, but routine and emergency medical services are limited in rural areas, and the country regularly experiences flooding, landslides and wildfires and is vulnerable to earthquakes.