Genvisec advises that all business or leisure travel can continue to Bhutan.

 

Crime

Bhutan has a low crime rate. Incidents of petty crime are occasionally reported in the country. Violent crime is very uncommon. Some cases of drug abuse are reported and alcohol abuse is a problem. . The most serious threat to Bhutan's security is terrorism by different terrorist groups from India illegally camped in the nation.

 

Terrorism

Many insurgent groups from India have set up training camps in the southern part of the country. The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and the Bodo Liberation Tigers Force (BLTF) had bases in Bhutan in 2002.Terrorists were involved in murders, extortion and kidnappings.Under increasing pressure from the Government of India, Bhutan issued an ultimatum to the terrorists for leaving the country by December 2001, and in December 2003, the Royal Bhutan Army, aided by the Special Frontier Force, launched a military campaign. Many terrorist camps were destroyed in the operation. It is suspected that terrorists are trying to make retaliatory attacks against Bhutan. On September 5, 2004, a bomb exploded in Gelephu killing two people and injuring twenty seven. The NDFB was suspected behind the attack.

 

The Government of Bhutan has taken several legal and military actions for combating terrorism. On September 4, 2004, one hundred and eleven people received various sentences ranging from four years to life imprisonment for helping terrorist organizations camped illegally in Bhutan.The offenders included civil servants, businesspersons, and laborers.

 

The current terrorist threat level is low.

 

Entry requirements

Foreigners (apart from Indian nationals) may only enter or depart the country through certain towns such as Phuntsoling, Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephug (by road) or Paro (by air).  

 

Visa

 

You will need a passport and visa to enter and exit Bhutan. Keep a photocopy of your passport visa pages and flight ticket separate from the originals when travelling.

 

All visas are approved from Thimphu and are only issued to tourists booked with a local licensed tour operator, either directly or through a foreign travel agent. Applications for tourist visas are submitted by the tour operator.

 

All visitors (except Indian nationals) must obtain visa clearance from Thimphu before coming to Bhutan. More information, including a list of authorised tour operators in Bhutan, may be obtained from Genvisec.

 

The Bhutanese Department of Tourism sets a non-negotiable minimum daily tariff for all visitors to Bhutan. The rate includes all accommodations, all meals, transportation, services of licensed guides and porters, and cultural programs where and when available.

 

If you are travelling for business or other non-tourist reasons you must arrange your visa through your sponsoring organisation in Bhutan.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Bhutan.

 

Medication

 

There are restrictions on the import of medicines into Bhutan. You can bring your prescription and other medicines in quantities clearly for your own personal use. You should carry copies of the prescription with you if possible. For larger quantities, or if you’re carrying medicines not for your own personal use please check with customs prior to departure.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

 

 

Air travel

 

Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) is the main air carrier in and out of Bhutan. Daily air services between Paro and Bangkok are also operated by Tashi Air (Bhutan Airlines), an independent Bhutanese airline. An internal flight operated by Druk Air flies between Paro and Bumthang. Flights can be subject to disruption due to weather conditions.

 

Phuntsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar in eastern Bhutan are the only land border areas open for international tourists. You can get more information if required from Genvisec.

 

Consular assistance

 

The nearest British consular office is the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, Bhutan:

 

 

The nearest US representation is in India:

 

U.S. Embassy New Delhi

Shantipath, Chanakyapuri

New Delhi - 110021

India

Telephone: (+91) 11-2419-8000

Emergency Telephone: (+91-11) 2419-8000

Fax: (+91-11) 2419-8407

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