Know Before You Go: Bhutan Travel Guide
Entry Requirements and Visas
Bhutan maintains one of the world's most restrictive visa policies as part of its "High Value, Low Impact Tourism" scheme. Citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives are exempt from visa requirements, but virtually all other nationalities require a visa to enter.
For most tourists, visa arrangements can now be handled independently, along with your own transportation and accommodations. However, a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per day applies to all visitors except those from India and Bangladesh. This fee is waived if you stay just one night at one of the three border entry points: Phuentsholing (western Bhutan), Gelephu (central Bhutan), or Samdrup Jongkhar (eastern Bhutan).
Entry points: You can enter Bhutan by air through Paro International Airport, the country's only airport, or by land through three border crossings with India. There are no border crossings with China to the north. Flying into Bagdogra Airport in nearby Siliguri, India, is often cheaper for international travelers than flying directly to Paro, with a three-hour drive to the Bhutanese border.
For Indian citizens: Entry permits are issued at the border. You'll need a valid passport or voter ID card (with photocopies), along with a passport-sized photograph. A hotel confirmation voucher is also required. Permits are free and typically processed in about 30 minutes. Initial permits are valid for 7 days and can be extended at the Immigration Office in Thimphu.
Money, Currency, and Costs
Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (BTN). The Sustainable Development Fee of US$100 per day is the largest fixed cost for most visitors, though this is waived for single-night stays at border towns. Beyond this, travel costs vary depending on your choices for accommodation and dining.
Budget airlines and overland routes from India can help reduce overall expenses if the daily SDF is a concern. Buses from Siliguri to Phuentsholing cost around ₹200, while a taxi from Bagdogra Airport runs ₹2,800 to ₹3,800 depending on vehicle quality and time of day.
Safety and Emergency Contacts
Bhutan is one of the safest countries in the world for travelers. The Bhutanese are generally honest, and crime affecting tourists is rare. Police in Thimphu are visible and helpful, with English-speaking officers. Call 113 for police emergencies.
However, take standard precautions: don't leave valuables unattended in vehicles, especially at tourist sites. Bears pose a threat in remote mountainous regions, so exercise caution when trekking in wilderness areas. Earthquakes are a concern in parts of Bhutan that lie on active Himalayan fault zones, and emergency response infrastructure in remote areas may be limited.
Health
Hospitals and clinics operate throughout Bhutan, even in remote areas, though don't expect advanced technology. Basic Health Units are widespread but doctors may not always be on-site. If you prefer traditional medicine, indigenous medical facilities operate in all district capitals, with the largest in Thimphu, where ailments can be treated with natural herbal compounds.
Waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, giardia, and typhoid are not uncommon, particularly during the summer monsoon season. Exercise caution with tap water and be mindful of food and water sources, especially during the rainy months.
Staying Connected
Bhutan's international dialing code is +975. Mobile SIM cards are available for purchase in-country, and internet service is available in most populated areas, though connectivity may be limited in remote regions. Check with your accommodation about available options for data and calling.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Bhutan is a Buddhist country where the Vajrayana school of Buddhism is the state religion. Respect for religious customs is important. Dress modestly, particularly when visiting monasteries and temples. Remove shoes before entering sacred spaces, and always walk clockwise around religious structures and prayer wheels.
The Bhutanese are generally welcoming to respectful visitors. Avoid loud behavior and treat cultural sites with reverence. Photography may be restricted in certain religious spaces, so always ask permission before photographing people or sacred areas.
The concept of "Gross National Happiness" is central to Bhutanese society, reflecting values of sustainability and well-being over economic growth alone. Understanding and respecting this philosophy will enhance your visit.