Bhutan Travel Safety
Travel Safety in Bhutan
General travel safety in Bhutan on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Country
Bhutan
Updates
Updated: 24 Sep 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024
Status
LEVEL 1 - Exercise normal safety precautions
Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour. Monitor the media and other sources for changes to local travelling conditions, safety and security concerns. Laws and social customs could differ significantly. You could face terrorist attacks, civil unrest, violent crime, or unique health threats - but overall, the risks are not great.
Safety and Security Tips
Road safety
Tourists must travel in groups with experienced drivers, as there are no railroads and few roads. In the mountains, sharp curves, limited visibility and narrow roads create dangerous road conditions, particularly in the winter and during the rainy season. There are two ways to enter Bhutan. 1) By road through Phuentsholing, on the southwest border with West Bengal, India, and Samdrup Jongkhar on Bhutan's southeast border with Assam, India. 2) By air on Drukair, Bhutan's national airline. The border with China is closed.
Trekking and climbing
If you intend on trekking please never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuationensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity ensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazardinform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp. Know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out and please do not venture off marked trails or slopes.
Women's safety
Bhutan is generally safe, however women should exercise normal precautions during travel.
Crime
Assaults and rapes are increasing in frequency. Be careful when out at night. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs on occasion. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
Update 1 November 2020Emergency Calls
- Police113
- Fire110
- Ambulance112
Local Law and Culture
Dress and behaviour
To avoid offending local sensitivities dress conservatively, behave discreetly, respect religious and social traditions.
LGBT
Homosexual acts are illegal in Bhutan. Although prosecutions are very rare, conviction for a homosexual act could lead to a prison sentence.
Illegal or restricted activities
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Buying or selling tobacco in Bhutan is illegal. Smoking is prohibited in public places. You must register personal computers, cellular telephones, cameras and any other electronic device with Bhutan's Department of Revenue and Customs upon arrival. Authorities will also check the items when you leave Bhutan. Authorities closely monitor the export of all antiques, as it is strictly prohibited. Photography and filming are not permitted in some areas. Ask your guide before taking pictures or filming inside dzongs, temples, monasteries and other religious institutions. The export of all antiques is strictly prohibited and monitored. You must be able to produce your customs receipt if asked by the police or you will be charged with smuggling and could face a prison sentence of up to 3 years.
Driving
An International Driving Permit is required. Traffic drives on the left.
Update 1 November 2020Vaccinations and Medications
A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Bhutan.
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.
It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.
The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Japanese encephalitis is an infectious disease caused by arboviruses from the same family of microbes (Flaviviridae) that cause yellow fever or tick-borne encephalitis.
The vector of infection is mosquitoes of the genus Culex and Aedes.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Prevent bug bites
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Bhutan
Bardzo niskie
Areas with malaria
Rare cases in rural areas <1700 m (5577 ft) in districts along the southern border shared with India. Rare seasonal cases May– September in Ha, Lhuentse, Monggar, Punakha, Trashigang, Trongsa, Tsirang, Yangtse, and Wangdue. None in districts of Bumthang, Gaza, Paro, and Thimphu
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.
The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
Yellow fever is an acute viral disease which is transmitted by virus-infected mosquitoes.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Prevent bug bites
Vaccination requirements
Required if traveling from a country with risk of YFV transmission, including transit in an airport located in a country with risk of YFV transmission.
We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
India
