Bhutan

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 113 for police
• Dial 112 for ambulance
• If you are a U.S. citizen victim of domestic violence in Bhutan, you are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India for help. 

Crime

There is relatively little crime in Bhutan. Take reasonable precautions when visiting major towns. This is especially true when going out at night.

• Petty crime, like pickpocketing and purse snatching, is occasionally reported.
• Burglaries, theft, robbery, stolen vehicles, and assault related to skin color, ethnic origin, and religion have increased in recent years.
• Police report increased arrests related to drug and alcohol abuse and marijuana.
• Police report an increase in reported rape cases.
• Tobacco sales are unlawful. Foreigners caught selling tobacco to Bhutanese can be charged with smuggling. Authorities will seize the tobacco and treat it as contraband.

Scams

• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.   

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 113 and contact the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India at +91-11-2419-8000.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India for assistance.  
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence in Bhutan are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India for help. 

Technology use abroad

Mobile coverage and internet connectivity in Bhutan can be unreliable outside of urban areas.

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated:

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced.
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs.
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.  

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. 
• Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Bhutan seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 

Common issues

• Penalties for having, using, or selling illegal drugs in Bhutan are severe. They include long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• Hunting and fishing are illegal in most of Bhutan. Review Bhutan’s travel website for more information.  
• Officials may take you for questioning if you do not have your passport, or if you take pictures of certain buildings.
• Bhutanese custom authorities enforce strict regulations on firearms and ammunition. Review our firearms page for more information. 

Arrest notification

There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in Bhutan.

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India, right away. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Bhutan, but neither the constitution nor legislation explicitly protects individuals from discrimination based on their sexual orientation. 
• There have been reports of discrimination and social stigma based on sexual orientation.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Bhutan does not prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities.

• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, information, and general infrastructure.
• Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as common as in the United States.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Bhutan Traveler Information 
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 113 for police services.
• Dial 112 for emergency medical services. 
• Dial 110 for fire.
• Dial +975-1712-2257 (or 2300 if within Bhutan) for the Department of Tourism if you have any emergencies related to tourism. 

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not widely available and are unreliable in most areas except the capital city, Thimphu.

• Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Bhutan. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Bhutan.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Health facilities are available in Thimphu and Paro. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
• Medical care is not up to U.S. standards throughout the country. For serious conditions, hospital facilities in Bhutan should only be used for stabilization prior to transfer or evacuation to Singapore or Bangkok.
• U.S. citizens in need of urgent medical care should try to get to one of the following hospitals:
  • Thimphu -Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNR), Address- Post Box #128, Contact- +975-322496/322497/325244
  • Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in the capital city, Thimphu. For emergency services in Thimphu, dial 113 for police or 112 for ambulance.
  • Bhumtang- Wangdicholing General Hospital, Address- Jakar, Bhmtang, Bhutan, contact- +975- 3-631112;
  • Punakha - Punakha District Hospital, contact- +975-2-584-111  .
• We do not endorse any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. 
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.
• Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions.

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Check with the Bhutan Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Bhutan.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals may be easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Bhutan to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Bhutan, with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Bhutanese courts.
• There is no specific legislation governing the practice of surrogacy in Bhutan. 

Water quality and food safety

• In many areas, tap water is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Altitude

• Many cities in Bhutan, such as Thimphu and Paro, are at high altitude.
• Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel.
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before traveling to Bhutan.
• Visit the CDC website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

If you travel outside major cities in Bhutan, be aware of the road conditions and accessibility:

• Roads outside cities are in poor condition.
• Emergency services are generally unavailable.
• The terrain is mountainous.
• Roads have steep drop-offs and blind curves.
• During heavy rains, falling rocks and landslides can block roads.

Traffic laws  

• Having an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
• It is not possible to rent a vehicle in Bhutan to drive yourself.
• A guide is required at all times for guests who drive their own cars to Bhutan. 

Taxis and ride-shares

• The most common way to travel in Bhutan is to hire a vehicle and driver from a car rental company or a licensed tourism service provider. It is not possible to rent a vehicle in Bhutan to drive yourself.
• Taxis in Bhutan are often not regulated or metered. It is best to hire a taxi from a licensed tourism service provider in Bhutan.

Public and commercial transportation

• Public transportation options in Bhutan are limited, though bus service is available for inter-city travel.
• The most common way for tourists to travel in Bhutan is to hire a vehicle and driver from a car rental company or licensed tourism provider.
• Visit the website of Bhutan’s national tourist office for information on how to get around Bhutan.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

No Bhutanese carriers offer commercial air service from Bhutan to the United States.

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Bhutan for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.
• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.  

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Bhutan has 4 seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May).  

Earthquakes

• Earthquakes sometimes happen in Bhutan, with the highest risk in urban centers, such as Thimphu, Phuentsholing, and Paro.

Monsoon season: heavy rainfall and flooding

• Prepare for wet conditions if visiting Bhutan between June to mid-September.
• Sudden and heavy rainfall in Bhutan can lead to flooding along rivers and lakes. This is common in the southern regions of the country. 

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and 

Embassies and consulates