Bhutan Travel Information
Visiting Bhutan
All foreign nationals other than Indians require visa and must travel through a registered travel agent on an all-inclusive package tour. These agents make all allied arrangements including obtaining of visa and Druk Air reservations.
Visa Procedure
Visa is required for all foreign nationals traveling to Bhutan and is processed in Thimphu through a local registered tour operator. No foreign Mission/Embassies abroad grant tourist visa. Passport details are required to process the same, which should be forwarded at least 10 days prior to the date of travel. Actual visa is stamped only on arrival in Bhutan on reference of the visa clearance issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A traveler is required to have a copy of the Visa Clearance Letter or at least know the visa clearance no. For those arriving through Druk Air , visa clearance number is forwarded to concerned overseas Druk Air Stations (travelers are not allowed to board the flight without visa clearance number) and for those arriving overland, Visa Clearance is forwarded to the visa authorities at Phuentsholing (entry point) and the visa stamp on arrival. Two copies of passport size photographs are required on arrival. Visa fee of cash US$20 per person is required to pay upon grant of visa stamp, which is granted for 14 days. For extension, additional fee of approximately US$15 is payable.
Tour Escorts
All our tours are escorted by knowledgeable DoT (Department of Tourism) certified English-speaking guides. French, Italian, Japanese, German speaking guides could also be provided with prior information and on additional cost.
Food
Bhutanese delicacies are limited with spicy chilies and cheese. However, you will be served a buffet of Continental & Chinese food with local dishes too. Even on trek, dishes are served suitable to your taste ranging from Continental to Chinese, Indian and Bhutanese.
Clothing
Due to wide range of temperature and climatic conditions, it is advisable to bring appropriate clothing. For protection against cold, layered clothing is better than a few thick ones. Clothes should be preferably of natural material, which allows the body to breath better. It is also not advisable for you to walk around in skinny or tight fitting clothes. It is advisable for the women to wear shirts or loose trousers. Please avoid wearing shorts and hats while visiting Dzongs, Monasteries and other religious institution.
Postal Services & Communications
Bhutan Post is the national postal organization in Bhutan and is a reliable service. You can send your cards, mails, letters, etc. from the post offices available at each place that you visit. No extra formalities are required to avail the facilities for a foreign national. International Courier Services like DHL International, First Flight, EMS (Express Mail Service) and Blue Dart Courier are available in Thimphu.
All major towns in the country have both domestic and international direct dialing facilities. Most of the hotels and PCOs have STD/IDD facilities and fax transmission facility. Bhutan, since mid of 1999, has its own Internet and email service. Country dialing code of the kingdom is +975. Area code of Thimphu, the capital city is 2.
Time Zone
Bhutan has only one time zone. It is exactly six hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
Currency
Ngultrum, in short known as Nu is the official currency of Bhutan and has equivalent value to the Indian Rupee. , which is also accepted in Bhutan. ATMs are not available in Bhutan, and thus credit cards are accepted only at certain places. US dollar and Euro is widely accepted all over the country. Changing of money is possible at the banks viz. Bank of Bhutan and Bhutan National Bank and hotels.
Photography
Photographic opportunities are immense on all trips. In general, people do not mind if you take their photograph. However, you are advised to follow the guide’s instructions carefully, while visiting Dzongs, Monasteries and other religious institutions.
Restricted Areas
Not all places of religious establishments are open to tourists. This is to ensure that monastic life can continue unhindered and for environmental and safety concerns. Details can be provided with a full list of places and festivals that are open to tourists.
Customs
Visitors are required to complete the Customs formalities by submitting the Declaration Form to customs authorities on arrival. The following articles are exempted from customs duty
- Personal effects and articles for day to day use by the visitor
- 2 litres of alcohol; 400 cigarettes; 150 gms of pipe tobacco
- Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use
- Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use
Articles described in sl.no.3 & 4 must be declared on the Customs Form. If such items are disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift they become liable for customs duty.
Import and export of the following goods are strictly prohibited
- Arms, ammunition, explosives and military stores
- All narcotics and drugs (medically prescribed drugs are exempted)
- Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
- Antiques
Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items. Customs authorities will not allow any old/used items to be taken out of the country if they have not been certified as non-antique.
Import of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be declared on arrival.
