23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 110.
Call 112.
Call 111.
For emergencies, call 113.
Do not travel to Bhutan.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Bhutan's crime rate is low.
Violent crime is not common.
Incidents of petty crime include:
Arrests related to drug and alcohol abuse have increased in recent years.
The Tourism Council of Bhutan warns against travellers booking through unregistered tour operators. The council advises that it's not responsible for any complaints about tours booked through unregistered operators.
Only use licensed tour operators.
More information:
Rebels have been active in southern border regions.
Armed groups in the area bordering India carry out politically motivated violence. This happens in Assam and other north-eastern Indian states.
Armed groups could clash with Bhutanese or Indian security forces at any time.
Kidnappings from border communities are reported. Foreigners could be targeted.
Several remote areas of territory are disputed between Bhutan and China. They're not usually included in organised tours.
Armed groups have staged three small improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in Bhutan since 2011. Further attacks are possible.
To protect yourself from violence:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
Avoid demonstrations.
More information:
Trekking can be dangerous. You're not allowed to trek alone.
Plan carefully and use reputable trekking companies with professional guides.
Check your travel insurance covers:
Before you leave, ask your trekking company about:
Let family and friends know where you will be trekking.
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities, such as:
If you plan to do an adventure activity:
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
More information:
Bhutan experiences natural disasters and severe weather.
Flooding and landslides can occur with little warning. They are more common during the monsoon season from June to September.
If you travel during monsoon season, ask your tour operator if services at your destination have been affected.
Bhutan experiences earthquakes. Seismic activity can occur at any time.
If a natural disaster happens, there are likely to be severe disruptions to transport and damage to essential infrastructure.
Avoid unnecessary travel to affected regions.
To stay safe during a natural disaster or severe weather:
More information:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in Bhutan. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
You may need to get medical documents authenticated by DFAT before you leave.
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Bhutan.
To curb the spread of COVID-19 Bhutan has introduced a range of mitigation measures. Inbound international travel remains prohibited. If you're in Bhutan, avoid crowded public spaces (including malls and markets) and mass gatherings.
Wear a face mask and maintain 1.5 metres distance from others while in all public spaces. Monitor your health closely and dial 2121 for COVID-19 or 1112 for other medical emergencies. Follow the advice of local authorities.
For information on Bhutan's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Ministry of Health website. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
You're at risk of altitude sickness if you travel above 2500m. The risk is higher the quicker you ascend.
Altitude sickness can be life threatening. It can affect anyone, even people who are physically fit.
You're at higher risk if:
If you plan to travel to high-altitude areas:
Outbreaks of dengue and malaria happen.
To protect yourself from illness:
More information:
Hospital and medical facilities are adequate for routine medical procedures.
Basic supplies and medicines can be limited.
You may need to pay up-front for medical services, including at hospitals.
In an emergency, you may be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long jail terms and heavy fines. Penalties apply for using marijuana.
More information:
It's illegal to sell and buy tobacco products in Bhutan.
You can import a limited amount of tobacco products for personal use. You have to pay a sales tax and customs duty.
Carry your import duty receipt for your tobacco products. If you don't, you could face heavy fines.
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, but rarely prosecuted. Avoid public displays of affection.
More information:
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
Bhutan has conservative standards of dress and behaviour. Take care not to offend.
If you visit temples or other religious institutions, dress modestly and respectfully.
Long pants are most appropriate for men. Long skirts are most appropriate for women.
You need a visa to travel to Bhutan.
Bhutan has strict controls on international tourism. Government-licensed tour operators must arrange your travel visa.
The Tourism Council of Bhutan publishes a list of licensed tour operators.
Independent travel is not possible unless you have a long-term visa.
If you plan to stay long term, you'll need either:
Bhutan does not recognise de facto or same-sex relationships. You need to provide a marriage certificate to be eligible for a dependent spouse visa.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions can change at short notice.
More information:
If you're travelling to or from Bhutan via India, read our travel advice for India.
Contact your airline, tour provider or nearest embassy or consulate of Bhutan to confirm visa and entry requirements.
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.
The official currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN).
The Indian Rupee (INR) is also legal tender, but larger banknotes may not be accepted.
ATMs are common in towns.
EFTPOS is available nationwide, including at most hotels.
Credit cards aren't widely accepted, but you can use them at major hotels.
Due to COVID-19 Bhutan has suspended all tourism until further notice.
More information:
Driving permit
Travellers rarely drive in Bhutan.
Most use organised tours and local drivers.
Driving can be hazardous due to:
You're three times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Bhutan than in Australia.
The condition of roads can quickly worsen after heavy rain.
If you plan to drive:
Allow for delays, especially in heavy rain.
More information:
Flights to and from Paro Airport are only scheduled for daylight hours. They're dependent on suitable weather conditions. Contact your airline or tour operator to find out if your travel has been interrupted.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Bhutan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 110.
Call 112.
Call 111.
For emergencies, call 113.
For non-emergencies, call (+975) 2 322347.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Bhutan. For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, India.
No. 1/50 G Shantipath (Gate 1)
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi, India 110021
Phone: +91 11 4139 9900
Fax: +91 11 2687 2228
Website: india.highcommission.gov.au
Email: ahc.newdelhi@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/australianhighcommissionindia
Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.