Bhutan

Use Normal Level of Caution

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a remote country in the Himalayan Mountains between China and India. The population is about 734,000 people. In 1907 Bhutan became a unified kingdom with its first hereditary king and civil law based on Buddhist religious law. The government is a constitutional monarchy with the king as chief of state and a prime minister as head of state. Since the early 2000s, there has been a gradual transition from autocratic rule to a more modern democratic government that includes a constitution, parliament, and two-party system. The Bhutanese name for Bhutan, Druk Yul, means “Land of the Thunder Dragon.”

In its early history, Bhutan was influenced and guided by Britain, which was also responsible for defense and foreign relations. Bhutan was almost completely isolated for centuries. Since the 1970s, the country has opened up somewhat to the outside world, but it still values and goes to great lengths to protect its ancient culture and traditions. For example, there is a traditional national dress that is compulsory in the workplace and at official or religious functions. The national dress is a knee-length wrap-around “gho” for men and an ankle-length dress known as the “kira” for women.

Bhutan strictly controls tourism. Travellers must visit the country with a guided tour or pre-arranged travel package. It is well-known that the monarchy promotes the concept of “Gross National Happiness” (GNH), which is a philosophy that strives to achieve a balance between the spiritual and the material worlds.

Currency	BTN: Bhutanese ngultrum
Language	Dzongkha
Capital	Thimphu
Recent Alerts	None
Latest Alert	Not Available

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Bhutan. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Bhutan through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Bhutan.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Bhutan, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies Rabies occurs in Bhutan. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Yellow Fever There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if transiting through an airport in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Japanese encephalitis Japanese encephalitis occurs in this country. There is no data regarding affected areas, but southern border regions with India may be a risk. The transmission season is thought to be July to December. Short-term travellers and those who restrict their visits to urban areas are at very low risk. Those at higher risk are travellers who visit or work in rural agricultural areas, such as rice fields and marshland. Long-term travellers and expatriates are also at higher risk.
Cholera Cholera outbreaks can occur in Bhutan.
Dengue Fever Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in Bhutan. Travellers to Bhutan are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Malaria There is a risk of malaria in the southern districts of Chukha, Dagana, Permagatshel, Samdrup, Jonkhar, Samtse Sarpang, and Zhemgang. There is low to no risk in the rest of Bhutan.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Bhutan.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) and who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if transiting through an airport in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine Vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is recommended for long-term travellers and expatriates and for or travellers who visit or work in rural agricultural areas such as rice fields and marshland, especially during the transmission season from July to December. Short-term travellers and those who restrict their visits to urban areas are at very low risk.
Cholera Vaccine The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Bhutan.

Anti-malarial Drugs The recommended anti-malarial medication for the at-risk districts is atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Resistance to chloroquine occurs.

Safety and Security in Bhutan

Emergency Numbers

113

112

110

111 traffic police

Outside of towns and cities, emergency response may be very limited.

Personal Safety

There is very little crime in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft can occur in any crowded area or tourist destination. Always be alert to your personal safety and security. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night.

It is illegal to buy or sell tobacco products in this country. At the time of writing, a traveller importing tobacco products must pay a 200% tax. While in Bhutan, you must be able to show this customs receipt if asked by police. Smoking is forbidden inside public areas. There are also severe penalties for the possession, use, or sale of illegal drugs.

Road travel may be challenging, especially in the mountainous areas where roads are narrow and road conditions may be dangerous during the winter months and rainy season. Driving is on the left.

Monsoon season is between June and September. Flooding, landslides, major damage to infrastructure, and disruption to travel plans may result. Monitor local weather sources closely. Due to its location, Bhutan is also at risk for seismic activity.

It is strongly advised to travel to Bhutan as part of an organized tour group, especially if wanting to participate in mountain trekking. Ensure your travel and medical insurance covers these types of outdoor adventure activities.

Same-sex relations and behaviour are illegal in Bhutan. All travellers should avoid public displays of affection and are advised to dress conservatively in respect for the local customs.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid travel to the border with China due to territorial disputes.

Avoid travel to the border with India. Armed rebel groups are active in the southern border regions, and clashes could occur between Bhutanese and Indian security forces. Kidnapping is a risk.

Political Unrest

Sitata reminds travellers to minimize risk by avoiding large public gatherings and demonstrations due to unpredictability of these situations.

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Updated: December 15, 2020