Bhutan travel guide
About Bhutan
Closed to the outside world until the seventies, Bhutan may have opened the door to tourism, but it remains something of an enigma to modern travellers.
Nestling high up in the Himalayas, Bhutan's mysterious reputation is thanks largely to the government, which requires all visitors to join pre-planned guided tours in a bid to limit the impact of tourism on the country's culture and environment.
On one level, this is restrictive; footloose, freewheeling, make-it-up-as-you-go trips are not an option here. The trade-off, however, is that these restrictions have preserved one of the most fascinating cultures on earth, in a pristine mountain environment that has changed little over the centuries.
To visit Bhutan every visitor, whether alone or in a group, must make all their travel arrangements through a Bhutanese tour operator, or associated organisation, and pay a fixed daily fee of US$200-250. However, before you baulk, this fee includes all meals, accommodation, transport and guides.
Having made this investment, travellers are then free to explore this mesmerising mountain kingdom, known to its people as Druk Yul, or "Land of the Thunder Dragon."
Some tour the ancient dzongs (fortress monasteries) in the valleys surrounding the capital, Thimphu. Others seek out snow leopards and yetis – known here as migyur – in remote national parks. Those with the stamina and budget take on the legendary Snowman Trek, a 24-day odyssey over high Himalayan passes.
Wherever they go, visitors will encounter exquisite scenery and the famously friendly Bhutanese people, who, though fascinated by foreigners, remain in touch with the value, and values, of their traditional way of life.
By subscribing to a "high value, low impact" brand of tourism, Bhutan has made concessions to the modern world, but on its own terms. And that seems to be working for this magical kingdom, which regularly polls as the happiest place in Asia.
Key facts
38,364 per sq km (14,812 sq miles).
784,103 (UN estimate 2016).
19.3 per sq km.
Thimphu.
Constitutional monarchy.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck since 2006.
Prime Minister Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay since 2024.
Travel Advice
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Bhutan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Bhutan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, see the Bhutan government’s visa entry page or contact the Bhutanese Embassy in Brussels.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Bhutan.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You must have a visa to enter and leave Bhutan.
Applying for a visa
You must apply for your visa in advance. The authorities will pre-approve the visa and issue it when you arrive in Bhutan.
You can arrange a visa through a Bhutanese tour operator, through a Bhutanese hotel or directly through the Department of Immigration’s website. You will need to pay a non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of 40 US dollars.
If you’re travelling for business or other non-tourism reasons, you must arrange your visa through your sponsoring organisation in Bhutan.
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
Make sure the border control officer stamps your visa in your passport.
Permits
You must have permits to travel to some states in Bhutan. Your tour guide will help to get these.
If you want to extend your stay in Bhutan, go to the Department of Immigration in Thimphu to make a request.
Entry and exit points
You can enter or exit Bhutan by air through the international airport in Paro, or by the land entry point in Phuentsholing.
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bhutan guide.
Sustainable development fee
All adult visitors must pay a daily sustainable development fee (SDF) of 100 US dollars per night. There is a lower daily charge for children. Read more information about the SDF.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Bhutan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
It is illegal to take antiques out of Bhutan. Customs officials may inspect items that appear to be antiques.
Taking tobacco into Bhutan
You can bring a small supply of tobacco for personal use. You will need to pay taxes and duties and be able to show proof of tax and duty payments if the authorities ask you to at any point during your visit.
Taking money into or out of Bhutan
You can take up to 30,000 Bhutan ngultrum into or out of Bhutan.
If you plan to take foreign currency worth 10,000 US dollars or more into or out of Bhutan, you must declare it and get clearance from the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan.
Indian rupees are widely accepted in Bhutan.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Bhutan
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Bhutan, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Crime
Crime levels are low across Bhutan, but you should take the same precautions as you would at home.
Keep a copy of your passport’s photo page and visa, and your flight ticket separate from the originals when travelling.
Laws and cultural differences
Bhutanese people take their customs and traditions very seriously. Respect them at all times to avoid giving offence. Particularly avoid criticising HM The King of Bhutan. If in doubt, ask your tour guide.
Dress code
Dress respectfully when visiting temples and Dzongs (fortified buildings, like castles), so that you do not cause offence. Your tour guide will be able to advise.
Alcohol laws
Alcohol is legal in Bhutan, but there are restrictions on how much alcohol tourists can buy at one time. Check with the vendor what the limit is.
Smoking and e-cigarette bans
It was illegal to sell or buy tobacco products in Bhutan until 2020. It is currently legal, but smoking is still frowned on. Be mindful of where you smoke – for example smoking near religious locations may cause offence.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
There are strict penalties for possession, use and trafficking of illegal drugs. If convicted, you could get a prison sentence and heavy fine. Sentences range from a minimum of 3 years to a life sentence depending upon the type and quantity of drugs.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in Bhutan in 2020, and there are no censorship laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBT+ topics. Same-sex marriages are not recognised. There is no legal recognition of transgender individuals.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs
Environmental conservation is critically important to Bhutan. You could be imprisoned for harming protected species. It is illegal to litter anywhere in Bhutan.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
You need to use tour guides when visiting places of interest. Otherwise, you may be refused entry.
Mountaineering and hiking
Mountaineering is banned in Bhutan, but there are trekking options across the country at a wide range of altitudes. Take advice from your tour guide.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Bhutan, see information on driving abroad.
Car rentals come with a driver. If you want to drive your own vehicle, you must hire a guide to travel with you.
Any car you bring into Bhutan must meet the requirements of the Bhutan Road Safety and Transport Authority. You must have a driving licence, insurance documents, pollution control documents and an entry permit. You will need to pay a daily charge of 4,500 ngultrum. The same fees and rules apply for motorbikes.
For a stay of more than 90 days, apply for a Bhutanese driving licence from the Bhutan Road Safety and Transport Authority. You must show your UK driving licence.
Driving conditions
Car and motorbike accidents are one of the biggest causes of injury and death in Bhutan. If possible, avoid travelling at night. Always travel in a well-maintained vehicle with seatbelts.
Road conditions can be dangerous, particularly in monsoon season. There are no traffic lights in Bhutan.
Air travel
Weather conditions regularly affect domestic and international flights.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Monsoon
Monsoon rains can cause landslides that cut off some roads for days. Always check your route before setting off and take extra care during the monsoon season.
Earthquakes
Several parts of Bhutan lie on active fault zones. Limited emergency vehicles, equipment and medical facilities are likely to increase the impact of an earthquake. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Wildfires
There is high risk of wildfires, particularly in central and southern areas of the country. You will be fined if you cause a wildfire, even if it is accidental. The level of the fine increases if the wildfire is caused intentionally.
Flooding
Flooding, including flash flooding, can be caused by many natural events such as monsoon rains and earthquakes. Both rural and urban areas are vulnerable.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Bhutan
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Bhutan.
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Bhutan. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
If you’re carrying a large amount of medicine or medicine that’s not for your personal use, check with the Bhutanese Embassy in Brussels.
Healthcare in Bhutan
Healthcare facilities vary in quality across Bhutan. One hospital (Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital) in Thimphu can provide surgery and emergency treatment. Outside of Thimphu, hospitals generally provide only basic healthcare. Treatment for more complex issues is not available in Bhutan and you would need evacuation to India or Thailand for treatment.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance that covers the cost of medical treatment abroad, emergency helicopter evacuation and repatriation.
English is widely spoken in Bhutan and doctors are likely to speak some English.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Bhutan
Ambulance: 112
Fire: 110
Police: 113
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
- dealing with a death abroad
- being arrested or imprisoned
- getting help if you’re a victim of crime
- what to do if you’re in hospital
- if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack
Contacting FCDO
Help abroad
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
Help in the UK
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
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