Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom with low crime and a high-value, low-impact tourism policy. Most foreign visitors pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
- Overall risk
- Low; crime against tourists is uncommon
- Main concern
- High-altitude health effects and mountain road travel
- Emergency number
- Police 113, Fire 110, Ambulance 112
- Bhutan is a peaceful, orderly country and violent crime is rare. Most travellers arrange trips through licensed local operators and pay the Sustainable Development Fee; confirm the latest entry requirements before you travel, as arrangements differ for some nationalities.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no no-go areas for typical tourists. Travel to remote high-altitude trekking routes should be well planned with a guide.
- No-go areas
- None for typical travellers
- Remote areas
- High mountain and trekking routes need proper planning
- Most itineraries follow well-established routes such as Thimphu, Paro and Punakha. In remote high-altitude areas weather changes quickly and facilities are limited; travel with a licensed guide and allow time to acclimatise.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Bhutan is mountainous and prone to earthquakes. The monsoon (June to September) brings landslides and flooding, and high altitude carries a risk of altitude sickness.
- Monsoon
- June to September; landslides and road closures
- Altitude
- Thimphu around 2,300m; passes above 3,000m
- Seismic risk
- Earthquakes possible; the region is seismically active
- During the monsoon, mountain roads can be blocked by landslides and journeys take longer than distances suggest. Ascend gradually and watch for symptoms of altitude sickness. Be aware that Bhutan lies in a seismically active zone.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Altitude sickness is the main health concern. Medical facilities are limited outside Thimphu, so bring personal medication and drink treated or bottled water.
- Altitude sickness
- Common above 2,500m; ascend slowly
- Water
- Use bottled or treated water; avoid untreated tap water
- Healthcare
- Basic outside the capital; serious cases may need evacuation
- Consult a travel clinic before you go and consider vaccinations recommended for the region. Carry a personal medical kit and any prescription drugs. For serious conditions, medical evacuation to a neighbouring country may be required, so insurance with evacuation cover is important.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Crime rates are low and violent crime against tourists is rare. Take normal precautions with valuables in busy markets and public places.
- Main risk
- Occasional petty theft in crowded areas
- Hotspots
- Busy markets, festivals and transport hubs
- Advice
- Keep valuables secure and watch cash handling
- Bhutan is generally very safe for visitors. Petty theft is uncommon but not unknown at crowded festivals and markets. When handling cash, note that Indian rupees are widely used alongside the ngultrum; be cautious with high-value notes.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Bhutan is a stable constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The country is calm and political unrest is very uncommon.
- Government
- Constitutional monarchy with a democratic parliament
- Stability
- Calm and orderly; disruption to tourists is rare
- Bhutan places strong emphasis on the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH). The political situation is stable and demonstrations affecting visitors are very rare. Follow local guidance during national events and festivals.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Tibetan Buddhism is deeply respected. Dress modestly and follow photography rules at dzongs and religious sites; the sale of tobacco is restricted.
- Religious sites
- Dress modestly; photography may be restricted inside
- Tobacco
- Sale is restricted; import limits and taxes apply
- Traffic
- Drive on the left; mountain roads are winding
- Dzongs (fortress-monasteries) and temples are active places of worship; remove hats and shoes where required and ask before taking photos. Traditional dress (gho and kira) is worn by locals. Respect religious objects and monks, and follow guidance from your guide.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Emergency numbers: Police 113, Fire 110, Ambulance 112. Your local guide can also help arrange assistance.
- Police
- 113
- Fire
- 110
- Ambulance
- 112
- In an emergency call the relevant number above. Outside the capital, response times can be longer and your licensed guide or tour operator is a valuable point of contact for help and translation.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Carry comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover. Facilities are limited and serious cases may require evacuation abroad.
- Essential
- Medical treatment and emergency evacuation cover
- Activities
- Include trekking and high-altitude cover
- Documents
- Carry policy details and an emergency contact number
- Given limited medical facilities and high-altitude travel, ensure your policy covers helicopter or medical evacuation, trekking and any adventure activities you plan. Keep your insurer's 24-hour emergency line accessible.