Yes	Yes	Yes
Yes	Yes	Yes
Yes	Yes	Yes
Yes	Yes	Yes
Yes	Yes	Yes
Yes	Yes	Yes

Tourists to Bhutan are obliged to use Druk Air (the only airline serving Bhutan) either on entering or leaving the country. The Government may refuse entry to those wishing to visit for mountaineering, publicity and other research activities.

Valid passport required by all.

Required by all except nationals of India.

(a) There are two ways of entering Bhutan: by air to Paro Airport or by road to the Bhutanese border town of Phuentsholing. All travellers entering the country by road must ensure that they have the necessary documentation for transiting through that part of India to Phuentsholing. Consult the Passport/Visa section for India. Visitors are also advised to contact the Government of India Tourist Office (see India section) to check exactly what special permits or other documents may be necessary as these regulations are subject to change at short notice. (b) Visitors are required to book with a registered tour operator in Bhutan, which can be done directly through an affiliated travel agent abroad. (c) A yellow fever certificate is required by all if arriving within six days from an infected area.

Tourist: US$20 (payable in hard currency).

Visas are initially granted for stays of up to 14 days. The Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited (BTCL) can apply for an extension of tourist visas for an additional fee per person.

Visa applications for all tourists processed by the travel/tour agent through the Tourism Authority of Bhutan (TAB). Only once the visa has been cleared can visitors travel to Bhutan. Visas are issued (stamped in passport) on arrival at Paro Airport or at Phuentsholing check post.

(a) Application forms, which may be obtained from the BTCL, who should be contacted directly (see Passport/Visa Information). (b) Faxed details of passport to the BTCL prior to arrival. (c) All necessary documents for transiting India (see Note above). (d) Confirmed onward or return ticket. (e) Sufficient funds for length of stay (Mar-May, Sep-Nov: US$200 per day; Jun-Aug, Dec-Feb: US$165 per day). (f) Fee. (g) Two passport-size photos.

Visa clearance takes at least 10 days to process and should be applied for at least 60 days prior to arrival in Bhutan.

Royal Bhutanese Embassy in India
Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021, India
Tel: (11) 2688 9230 or 9806/7.

Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited (BTCL)
PO Box 159, Thimphu, Bhutan
Tel: (2) 324 045 or 322 647.
Website: www.kingdomofbhutan.com

Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited (BTCL) in the USA
c/o Far Fung Places, 1914 Fell Street, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Tel: (415) 386 8306.
Website: www.farfungplaces.com or www.kingdomofbhutan.com

PO Box 126, Thimphu, Bhutan
Tel: (2) 323 251/2.
Website: www.tourism.gov.bt

PO Box 159, Thimphu, Bhutan
Tel: (2) 324 045 or 322 647.
Website: www.kingdomofbhutan.com

Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021, India
Tel: (11) 2688 9230 or 9806/7.

c/o Far Fung Places, 1914 Fell Street, San Francisco, California 94117, USA
Tel: (415) 386 8306.
Website: www.farfungplaces.com or www.kingdomofbhutan.com

Yes	1
Yes	2
3	N/A
4	N/A

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by all travellers if coming from an infected area.

Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Bhutan. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix.

Typhoid fever is common. Polio eradication has begun and is reducing the risk, although it must still be assumed to be a risk.

Malaria risk exists throughout the year in the southern belt of the following five districts: Chhukha, Geylegphug, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar and Shemgang. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine/ pyrimethamine has been reported in the malignant falciparum form of the disease. Mefloquine, doxycycline or atovaquone/proguanil is the recommended prophylaxis.

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid all dairy products. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Hepatitis A and E occur; hepatitis B is endemic. Giardiasis is common. Meningitis is a sporadic risk and vaccination is advised. TB exists. Visceral leishmaniasis is prevalent and a small risk of Japanese encephalitis exists in southern lowland areas. Altitude sickness may be a problem.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Full medical insurance is strongly advised. Medical facilities are good but scarce.

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2006-June 2007 period.

Aug 8 2006 Independence Day. Nov 11, 12, 13 Birthday of HM Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Dec 17 National Day of Bhutan.

The traditional Buddhist holidays are observed, including Winter Solstice, Day of Offerings, Losar (New Year), Shabdung Kuchoey, Birthday of Drukgyal Sumpa, Lord Buddha’s Parinirvana, Coronation Day, Birthday of Guru Rinpoche, First Sermon of Lord Buddha, Thimphu Tsechu and Thimphu Tsechu Domchoe, Blessed Rainy Day, Dashain and the Descending Days of Lord Buddha, The Meeting of Nine Evils and the National Day. Also to be noted is the Birth Anniversary, Coronation and Death Anniversary of Third King HM Jigme Dorje Wangchuck. Buddhist festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is not possible to forecast the date of their occurrence.