Bhutan

Bhutan's crime rate is low.

Violent crime is not common.

Incidents of petty crime include:

• burglary
• pickpocketing
• bag snatching

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.

Women are encouraged to refer to advice for women travellers.

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Avoid demonstrations.

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners, and where large crowds may gather.

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Trekking can be dangerous.

Plan carefully and use reputable trekking companies with professional guides.

Check your travel insurance covers:

• all activities you plan to do
• emergency evacuation by helicopter or other means

Before you leave, ask your trekking company about:

• the security situation
• weather conditions

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:

• trekking
• rafting

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• check your tour operator's credentials
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

More information:

• Tourism Council of Bhutan trekking section

Bhutan experiences natural disasters and severe weather.

Flooding and landslides can occur with little warning. They are more common during the monsoon season (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:

• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and weather reports, as well as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with family and friends

More information:

• Department of Disaster Management 

You may need to have medical documents authenticated by DFAT before you leave.

Altitude sickness

If you travel above 2500 m, you're at risk of altitude sickness. The risk is higher the quicker you ascend.

Altitude sickness can be life-threatening. It can affect anyone, even if you're physically fit.

You're at higher risk if:

• you've had altitude sickness before
• you exercise or drink alcohol before adjusting to the altitude
• you have health problems that affect your breathing

If you plan to travel to high-altitude areas:

• ask your doctor for advice
• check your travel insurance covers you for altitude sickness and medical evacuation

Insect-borne diseases

Outbreaks of dengue and malaria happen.

To protect yourself from illness:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• Bhutan Ministry of Health
• General health advice

There’s no agreement between Australia and Bhutan for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. In an emergency, you may be evacuated to a place with better facilities. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Hospital and medical facilities vary in quality throughout Bhutan and are below Australian standards. Outside of Thimphu, facilities are limited, especially emergency services.

Basic supplies and medicines can be limited.

You may need to pay up-front for medical services, including at hospitals.

Bhutan’s King, people and country are highly revered around the world. Take care not to cause offence including if posting, commenting or liking items about the monarchy on social media.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long jail terms and heavy fines. Penalties apply for using marijuana.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs
• Partying safely

Other laws

The amendment of the Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan 2010 legalizes the import, sale and buying of tobacco and tobacco products in the country. 

Same-sex activity has been decriminalised. There's no legal recognition of same-sex relationships. Consider limiting public displays of affection.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Bhutan doesn't recognise dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals

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.

Visas

You need a visa to travel to Bhutan. Visit the Tourism Council of Bhutan website for information on applying for visas and the Sustainable Development Fee.

If you plan to stay long-term, you'll need either:

• a work permit
• a volunteer visa or
• another long-term visa

To travel to some areas of Bhutan, you must have permits. Your guide can help you arrange these permits.

Bhutan does not recognise de facto or same-sex relationships. You must 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:

• Embassy of Bhutan
• Tourism Council of Bhutan

Travel via India

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:

• Ministry of Home Affairs
• Embassy or consulate of India

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

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.

Driving permit

Travellers rarely drive in Bhutan.

Most use organised tours and local drivers.

Road travel

Driving can be hazardous due to:

• poor road maintenance
• mountainous conditions
• poor driving standards
• limited lighting

The condition of roads can quickly worsen after heavy rain.

If you plan to drive:

• check your travel insurance policy covers you
• avoid road travel after dark

Allow for delays, especially in heavy rain.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Air travel

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.

Check Bhutan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 110

Medical emergencies

Call 112

Traffic police, for road accidents

Call 111

Police

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. 

Disaster Communication Helpline

Call 999 

National Disaster Helpline

Call 219

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Bhutan. For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, India.

Australian High Commission

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
X: @AusHCIndia
Instagram: AusHCIndia 

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia