Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles
Maximum Alerts / Bhutan
Level published by the State Department on 03.09.2026 · read 13 October 2026 · source checked daily
Bhutan — official level as of 13 October 2026: Level 1/4 ("Exercise Normal Precautions"), from the U.S. Department of State. Maximum Insurance covers this country: hospital settled directly, unlimited repatriation, USD 1.5M, certificate on payment.
Every country has its own scale, so we ask them all the same question: is the whole country advised against?
An advisory covering only areas of the country does not raise the answer: it stays “No”, and the area is shown in the relevant column.
The level shown on this page — and across this site — is the one published by the U.S. State Department, from 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). France and the United Kingdom publish their own advisories, with their own rules: they add to that level, they do not replace it.
You will be alerted only on the day the official level of this country changes.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
What I say on the phone
What to do, in this order
In immediate danger, call local emergency services first. Then contact assistance without delay; before engaging a service, seek approval under your policy. Cover is confirmed by the insurer.
Ask assistance where to get care and whether direct cover can be arranged. It confirms the facility and seeks the insurer's approval under your policy. In immediate danger, call local emergency services first.
Even for a pain you meant to shrug off. Without a medical certificate written on the spot, the same day, the insurer cannot cover the event — a certificate written after you return does not count.
The hospital desk sends the request to assistance. Direct payment depends on the insurer's approval and the policy; the call alone does not guarantee it. Have the response confirmed before relying on no up-front payment.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services immediately. For an arranged transfer or repatriation, contact assistance: the insurer's medical team decides on measures under the policy. A medical flight booked without approval may not be reimbursed.
Even if everything went well on the ground. Send your invoices and the medical report within 30 days; after that, compensation may be reduced or refused.
Reading hospitals, doctors and pharmacies around this point…
List read from OpenStreetMap on 08.10.2026, not read again since: these facilities may have changed.
Country dial code: +975
OpenStreetMap list read on 08.10.2026, straight-line distances. In an emergency: +41 22 ••• •• ••.
near Dondrup Lam SE
near S Doebum Lam
near Chang Lam SE
near Norzin Zur Lam 49 SE
Gongphel Lam
near S Doebum Lam
Norzin Lam Thimphu
near Gongdzin Lam SE
We-Mo 10:00-21:00
near Norzin Lam SE
near Norzin Zurlam 35 kaa SE
09:00-18:30
35B Norzin Lam - 1
2 Norzin Lam - 2
08:30-22:00
near Norzin Lam SE
near Rabten Lam SW
near Norzin Zur Lam 35 SE
near Gongphel lam - 2
near Wogzin Lam 1
near Norzin Lam SE
near Chang Lam SE
near Kundey Zur Lam 7 SE
jangchu lam
near Changangkha Gorlam
near Bangdu Lam 4A
near Zur Lam 20 NW
near S Doebum Lam
Mo-Su 09:30-20:30
near S Doebum Lam
near Tshalu Zur Lam 19 SE
33 Tshalu Lam
86 Wangchu Lam
near Khamtoe Lam SE
Ngabiphu Lam SE
Ngápi Lam
near Rabten Lam SW
185 Gumji Lam SW Thimphu
near W Thori Lam
near N Doebum Lam
8 Gongdzin Lam
Chang Zur Lam 83 SE Thimphu
Hebi Lam - 8 thimphu
near Norzin Zur Lam 29 SE
near Norzin Zur Lam 29 SE
168 Norzin Zur Lam 17 SE Thimphu
236 Thegchhen Lam SW Thimphu
Changjiji Lam Changjiji
near Tshalu Zur Lam 6 SE
near Maphel Wom 2
near Jungzhi Wom Lam NE
near Zamtok Lam SE
near Khamtoe Lam SE
near Yenchu Lam
near Wogzin Lam 1
near Ngabiphu Lam SE
near Drangtoed Lam NW
near Chang Zur Lam 83 SE
near Khamtoe Lam SE
near Khamtoe Lam SE
near S Doebum Lam
near JDW Lam N
near Wogzin Lam 1
near Kundey Lam SE
near Zeri Lam
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
10-13 0.8 · 10-14 0.8 · 10-15 0.7 · 10-16 0.7 · 10-17 0.7 · 10-18 0.6 · 10-19 0.6 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
No geolocated event in this country at this reading.
No geolocated UCDP incident in this country.
No news located around Thimphu in this reading.
National numbers (Wikidata, 2026 reading). On site, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: the insurer sends its payment guarantee to the hospital.
Elevation: MET Norway terrain model (CC BY 4.0), read from its forecast.
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Bhutan. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Bhutan. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Bhutan.
Recommended for travelers who Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis Consider vaccination for travelers Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas,…
Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.
Monkeypox vaccination is recommended for any adult who anticipates any of the following activities during travel: Sexual or intimate contact with a new partner Sexual or intimate contact at a commercial sex venue, like a sex club or bathhouse Sexual or intimate contact in exchange for money, goods, drugs, or other trade Sexual or intimate contact in association with a large public event, such as a rave, party, or…
Dogs infected with rabies are sometimes found in Bhutan. If rabies exposures occur while in Bhutan, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.
Recommended for most travelers. Typhoid vaccine is not 100% effective. Practicing safe food and water habits , including washing hands at key times , can also help prevent typhoid fever .
CDC recommendations: Vaccine is not recommended. Country entry requirements: Vaccine is not required. Updated April 23, 2025
CDC Travelers' Health, re-read weekly — the recommendation depends on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm it with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure.CDC ↗read 10.10.2026
High incidence: a long stay or time in care settings warrants a test on return.
High coverage.
Very low or no transmission.
World Bank — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Source: France Diplomatie (health advice, in French).
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
WHO: no outbreak reported for this country in the last 24 months (Disease Outbreak News).who.int ↗read 13.10.2026
FDFA (Switzerland) — medical care, in French
A l'extérieur des grandes villes, l'assistance médicale de base n'est pas toujours garantie. Dans les régions reculées, l'évacuation de personnes malades ou blessées peut se révéler extrêmement difficile, car il n’est pas assuré que des hélicoptères soient disponibles immédiatement. Les maladies ou blessures graves devraient, dans la mesure du possible, être traitées hors du pays. Les personnes de Rhésus négatif peuvent avoir des difficultés à obtenir une transfusion sanguine. Si vous prenez régulièrement des médicaments , emportez-en une quantité suffisante avec vous. N’oubliez toutefois pas que l’importation de médicaments contenant des stupéfiants (p. ex. méthadone) ou l’importation de substances utilisées pour traiter des troubles psychiques est soumise à des prescriptions spéciales dans de nombreux pays. Le cas échéant, renseignez-vous à ce sujet, avant le départ, auprès de la représentation étrangère compétente (ambassade ou consulat) et consultez la rubrique Liens voyages , où vous trouverez, entre autres, de plus amples informations sur ce thème ainsi que sur la médecine du voyage en général. Les informations concernant la propagation de maladies et les éventuelles mesures de protection à prendre sont fournies par le personnel médical et les centres de vaccination. Liens voyages
France Diplomatiesource ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Consulter si besoin son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) pour faire une évaluation de son état de santé et bénéficier de recommandations sanitaires, notamment sur les vaccinations. Consulter éventuellement son dentiste avant le départ.
Constituer sa pharmacie personnelle en conséquence et n’emporter dans ses bagages que les médicaments strictement nécessaires ; ne jamais consommer de médicaments achetés dans la rue (risque de contrefaçons). Les médicaments doivent être dans leur emballage d’origine avec les étiquettes originales, accompagnés d’une ordonnance portant le nom des médicaments en dénomination commune internationale (DCI). Il est indispensable de vérifier que les médicaments concernés sont autorisés dans le pays visité : pour plus d’informations, consulter la fiche Informations pratiques .
Il y a de bonnes pharmacies à Thimphou, il est toutefois recommandé de connaître le nom générique du médicament.
Les vaccins recommandés en France sont également indispensables lors d’un séjour à l’étranger : les maladies qu’ils préviennent circulent partout dans le monde, parfois même plus fréquemment qu’en France. Avant tout départ, le voyageur (adulte et enfant) doit donc d’abord s’assurer d’être à jour du calendrier vaccinal français, en particulier des vaccins contre la diphtérie, le tétanos, la poliomyélite, la coqueluche mais aussi contre la rougeole. Le carnet de vaccination peut être demandé à l’arrivée de certains pays.
Des vaccinations complémentaires peuvent être nécessaires :
Il est donc conseillé de consulter son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) suffisamment de temps avant le voyage.
La chikungunya est une maladie virale transmise par l’intermédiaire de moustiques infectés. Cette maladie se manifeste par l’apparition de symptômes grippaux (fièvre, douleurs musculaires et articulaires). En cas de signes cliniques, il est impératif de consulter immédiatement un médecin ; le traitement est uniquement symptomatique. Les moyens de prévention reposent sur la vaccination et la protection contre les piqûres de moustiques. Il est conseillé avant le départ de se référer à son médecin traitant et/ou à un centre de vaccination internationale.
Pour plus d’informations , consulter la rubrique risques sanitaires .
La dengue est une maladie virale transmise par piqûres de moustiques. Les symptômes sont de type grippal (fièvre, maux de tête, courbatures, parfois éruption cutanée). En cas de signes cliniques, il est impératif de consulter immédiatement un médecin. Il n’existe pas de traitement curatif. La prise en charge médicale repose uniquement sur le traitement des symptômes. Il faut impérativement éviter la prise d’anti-inflammatoire. La prévention individuelle repose essentiellement sur les moyens de protection contre les piqûres de moustiques. La vaccination des voyageurs peut être indiquée dans certains cas. Il est conseillé de se référer, avant son départ, à son médecin traitant et /ou à un centre de vaccination internationale.
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère de la Santé et le site de l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé .
L’encéphalite japonaise est une infection virale grave principalement transmise à l’humain par la piqûre de moustiques infectés, qui se reproduisent dans les zones rurales, notamment les rizières. Les porcs et les oiseaux aquatiques servent de réservoirs…
La fièvre typhoïde est une maladie infectieuse causée par des bactéries présentes dans l’eau contaminée par des matières fécales d’origine humaine. L’infection résulte le plus souvent de l’ingestion d’eau ou d’aliments contaminés, ou d’une transmission directe de personne à personne. Les symptômes surviennent en moyenne 3 semaines après la contamination et associent fièvre, maux de tête, perte d’appétit, douleurs abdominales avec diarrhée ou constipation, fatigue et parfois, éruption cutanée. Dans les formes plus graves, la fièvre typhoïde peut être fatale en l’absence de traitement.
Les mesures de prévention reposent sur les règles élémentaires d’hygiène générale vis-à-vis de l’eau, des aliments et du lavage des mains ainsi que sur la vaccination.
Pour plus d’informations , consulter le site de l'Institut Pasteur .
La rage est une maladie virale mortelle affectant le système nerveux et présent dans la salive des animaux infectés, tels que chiens, chats, chauves-souris et autres mammifères sauvages. Le virus se transmet par morsure, griffure ou contact de la salive avec une peau lésée ou une muqueuse. L’évolution est rapide avec l’apparition de fièvre, maux de tête, anxiété puis de troubles neurologiques (coma). La rage est presque toujours mortelle une fois les symptômes déclarés. Il est recommandé d’éviter tout contact avec des animaux suspects domestiques ou sauvages. La vaccination préventive contre la rage avant un séjour en zone exposée peut être indiquée en fonction du type de voyage et en particulier chez les jeunes enfants dès qu’ils marchent. Il est conseillé de demander conseil à un médecin ou à un centre de vaccinations internationales.
En cas d’exposition à risque, consulter immédiatement un médecin même si la vaccination…
Le mal aigu des montagnes (MAM) est une maladie survenant en haute altitude (plus de 2 500 mètres de hauteur) lorsque l’organisme n’a pas eu le temps de s’acclimater au manque d’oxygène consécutif à la baisse de pression. Il peut se manifester par des troubles de type respiratoires (essoufflement) et/ou neurologiques (maux de tête, nausées, vomissements, troubles du sommeil) qui peuvent être transitoires ou s’aggraver et conduire au décès.
L’identification des symptômes du mal des montagnes peut être difficile : il est essentiel de communiquer en permanence, sans restriction, sur son état physique. De surcroît, les capacités de réflexion et d’action d’une victime du mal aigu des montagnes peuvent être altérées. En cas de survenue de symptômes il est recommandé d’interrompre l’ascension, de redescendre le plus rapidement possible à une altitude inférieure, au minimum en dessous de 4000 mètres, avec un accompagnant et de consulter un médecin.
Toute personne, quelle que soit sa condition physique et son habitude de la randonnée en altitude, peut être confrontée au mal des montagnes. La prévention repose sur des règles essentielles :
Les excursions et randonnées en altitude doivent faire l’objet d’un avis médical spécialisé avant le départ. La haute altitude est déconseillée pour les enfants. La grossesse ainsi que la notion d’antécédents cardiaques, pulmonaires, neurologiques ou rénaux constituent une…
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère en charge de la Santé et le site de l'Assurance Maladie .
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère en charge de la Santé .
Health — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 10.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Call 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Bhutan .
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Bhutan. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro .
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .
If you’re carrying a large amount of medicine or medicine that’s not for your personal use, check with the Bhutanese Embassy in Brussels .
Healthcare facilities vary in quality across Bhutan. One hospital (Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital) in Thimphu can provide surgery and emergency treatment. Outside of Thimphu, hospitals generally provide only basic healthcare. Treatment for more complex issues is not available in Bhutan and you would need evacuation to India or Thailand for treatment.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance that covers the cost of medical treatment abroad, emergency helicopter evacuation and repatriation.
English is widely spoken in Bhutan and doctors are likely to speak some English.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .
Places read from OpenStreetMap, within a circle of about 12 km: phone, email, address, website and hours when the source publishes them. No customer reviews, that source has none. Straight-line distances.
Notices vary by bank and vintage — yours prevails. On the right: the Maximum contract (public documents).
No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.
The levels each government publishes, unsummarised: their texts, linked below, prevail.
no region is advised against by these readings; the trip follows the national advice. A new regional advisory would call for a new, written decision.
Global Affairs Canada — Open Government Licence – Canada (24.09.2026) · Foreign Office — Open Government Licence v3.0 · France Diplomatie (18.03.2026) · Natural Earth
No located event in this reading.
Last change: New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).
Updated 03.09.2026
Exercise normal precaution in Bhutan .
Bhutan is generally a safe destination for travelers. Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited, specifically in rural areas. Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.
Bhutan regularly experiences flooding, landslides, and wildfires. The country is also vulnerable to earthquakes. Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in Bhutan.
Review our Travel Guidance for Bhutan to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
10-13 0.8 · 10-14 0.8 · 10-15 0.7 · 10-16 0.7 · 10-17 0.7 · 10-18 0.6 · 10-19 0.6 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
The level is national. Risk areas are in the state advisories below.
No major event in progress is located in this country at this morning's check.
Reading: The homicide rate is 4 times Switzerland's: violence is a real risk there, concentrated in the areas named by the official advisories. On the road, 7 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
What we locate on the map are events in progress that have real coordinates: USGS earthquakes, GDACS disasters, NOAA storms and open NASA EONET events. Hover a dot for details, click to open it in this briefing.
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
The security page lists no red or orange area.France Diplomatie ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Dernière actualisation le 18/03/2026, information toujours valable à la date du jour
Dans le sud-est du Bhoutan, les districts de Pemagatshel et de Samdrupjongkhar, frontaliers de l’État indien de l’Assam, ne sont toujours pas accessibles via l’Assam.
Avant tout transit vers le Bhoutan depuis les États du nord-est de l’Inde, il est recommandé de consulter la fiche de "Conseils aux voyageurs" de l’Inde . Ces États connaissent des périodes d’instabilité susceptibles d’affecter les déplacements.
La frontière avec la Chine étant fermée et faisant l’objet d’un différend frontalier, il est recommandé de ne pas s’en approcher.
Le Bhoutan est situé dans une zone d’activité sismique.
Pour plus d’informations sur la conduite à tenir en cas de séisme, consulter la fiche relative au risque sismique .
Il y a relativement peu de criminalité et de délinquance au Bhoutan. Il convient néanmoins de faire attention aux pickpockets.
Il convient de se méfier des chiens errants, qui peuvent être agressifs le soir ou le matin s’ils sont en meute. En cas de morsure, se rendre immédiatement à l’hôpital le plus proche pour un traitement antirabique (voir rubrique Santé ).
Toutes les activités (randonnées de longue durée notamment) doivent être organisées par un tour-opérateur agréé au Bhoutan.
Il convient d’être prudent quant aux effets de l’altitude sur l’organisme, qui, dans certaines circonstances, peuvent entraîner la mort. Les capacités locales de transport médical d’urgence sont limitées. Plus d’informations à la rubrique Santé.
Full text of the Security pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland), in French
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
FDFA update note — Ces conseils pour les voyages ont été publiés avec des modifications marginales. (published 22.05.2026)
Les voyages au Bhoutan sont en principe considérés comme sûrs. Dans ce pays comme ailleurs, le risque d’attentats terroristes ne peut être exclu. La rubrique terrorisme et enlèvements attire l'attention sur les risques liés au terrorisme. Terrorisme et enlèvements Les voyages touristiques doivent être organisés et accompagnés par une agence de voyage officielle enregistrée au Bhoutan. L’agence de voyage bhoutanaise fournit les autorisations nécessaires pour les voyages hors de la capitale.
La description des zones à risques repose sur des données approximatives; les risques ne peuvent se restreindre à des zones délimitées. Dans la région frontalière avec l'Inde, une prudence accrue est de mise, car des tensions occasionnelles ne peuvent être exclues. Assurez-vous que la situation actuelle en matière de sécurité ait été vérifiée par votre guide. Conformez-vous aux consignes des autorités locales (par ex. couvre-feux).
Observez les précautions d'usage contre la petite délinquance.
Le Bhoutan se trouve dans une zone d'activité sismique . Les conditions climatiques sont très variables selon l'altitude. En hiver et au printemps, il existe en haute montagne un danger accru d'avalanches. Les activités de plein air nécessitent donc une préparation minutieuse et un équipement adapté. Assurez-vous que votre guide ait vérifié les conditions météorologiques prévalant dans la zone de trekking. De fortes pluies peuvent provoquer des inondations ainsi que des glissements de terrain et endommager les infrastructures. La circulation peut s’en trouver temporairement perturbée. Il existe un risque d’incendie de forêt à de nombreux endroits. Si une catastrophe naturelle devait se produire durant votre séjour, prenez immédiatement contact avec vos proches et suivez les instructions des autorités locales et de votre guide de voyage. Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management Les symptômes du mal des montagnes devraient être pris au sérieux.
FDFA travel advice, in French, valid on 13.10.2026eda.admin.ch ↗updated 22.05.2026 · read 13.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Warnings — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 10.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
Safety — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 10.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Bhutan, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Crime levels are low across Bhutan, but you should take the same precautions as you would at home.
Keep a copy of your passport’s photo page and visa, and your flight ticket separate from the originals when travelling.
Bhutanese people take their customs and traditions very seriously. Respect them at all times to avoid giving offence. Particularly avoid criticising HM The King of Bhutan. If in doubt, ask your tour guide.
Dress respectfully when visiting temples and Dzongs (fortified buildings, like castles), so that you do not cause offence. Your tour guide will be able to advise.
Alcohol is legal in Bhutan, but there are restrictions on how much alcohol tourists can buy at one time. Check with the vendor what the limit is.
It was illegal to sell or buy tobacco products in Bhutan until 2020. It is currently legal, but smoking is still frowned on. Be mindful of where you smoke – for example smoking near religious locations may cause offence.
There are strict penalties for possession, use and trafficking of illegal drugs. If convicted, you could get a prison sentence and heavy fine. Sentences range from a minimum of 3 years to a life sentence depending upon the type and quantity of drugs.
Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in Bhutan in 2020, and there are no censorship laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBT+ topics. Same-sex marriages are not recognised. There is no legal recognition of transgender individuals.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .
Environmental conservation is critically important to Bhutan. You could be imprisoned for harming protected species. It is illegal to litter anywhere in Bhutan.
You need to use tour guides when visiting places of interest. Otherwise, you may be refused entry.
Mountaineering is banned in Bhutan, but there are trekking options across the country at a wide range of altitudes. Take advice from your tour guide.
If you are planning to drive in Bhutan, see information on driving abroad .
Car rentals come with a driver. If you want to drive your own vehicle, you must hire a guide to travel with you.
Any car you bring into Bhutan must meet the requirements of the Bhutan Road Safety and Transport Authority . You must have a driving licence, insurance documents, pollution control documents and an entry permit. You will need to pay a daily charge of 4,500 ngultrum. The same fees and rules apply for motorbikes.
For a stay of more than 90 days, apply for a Bhutanese driving licence from the Bhutan Road Safety and Transport Authority. You must show your UK driving licence.
Car and motorbike accidents are one of the biggest causes of injury and death in Bhutan. If possible, avoid…
American passport — U.S. Department of State
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Bhutan - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions 2026-09-03travel.state.gov ↗updated 03.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Exercise normal precaution in Bhutan .
Bhutan is generally a safe destination for travelers. Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited, specifically in rural areas. Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.
Bhutan regularly experiences flooding, landslides, and wildfires. The country is also vulnerable to earthquakes. Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in Bhutan.
Review our Travel Guidance for Bhutan to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
Global Affairs Canada — additional reading
Exercise normal security precautions
Open Government Licence – Canada · September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — written for Canadian travellers, valid for all
You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Authorities carefully regulate tourism. You cannot travel independently. You must pre-arrange travel through an authorized travel agency. Tourism Council of Bhutan
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Drugs, alcohol and travel
Buying or selling tobacco in Bhutan is illegal. Smoking is prohibited in public places. Imported tobacco products for personal use are subject to a 200% tax. Keep your customs receipt. You could be charged with smuggling and face imprisonment if you cannot produce it for police.
Upon arrival, you must register the following electronic devises with Bhutan’s Department of Revenue and Customs:
Authorities will also check the items when you leave the country.
Export of all antiques is strictly prohibited. Authorities strictly reinforce the law. Authorities closely monitor and strictly enforce regulations.
Photography and filming are not permitted in some areas. Ask your guide before taking pictures or filming inside dzongs, temples, monasteries and other religious institutions.
To avoid offending local sensitivities:
While sexual acts between individuals of the same sex were decriminalized in early 2021, Bhutan does not legally recognize same-sex unions. 2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Bhutan. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Bhutan by an abducting parent:
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
Traffic drives on the left. It is uncommon for tourists to drive in Bhutan as transportation is offered by the tour operator.
The currency of Bhutan is the ngultrum (BTN). The Indian rupee is also accepted.
Open Government Licence – Canada · September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Foreign Office — laws and cultural differences
Bhutanese people take their customs and traditions very seriously. Respect them at all times to avoid giving offence. Particularly avoid criticising HM The King of Bhutan. If in doubt, ask your tour guide.
Dress respectfully when visiting temples and Dzongs (fortified buildings, like castles), so that you do not cause offence. Your tour guide will be able to advise.
Alcohol is legal in Bhutan, but there are restrictions on how much alcohol tourists can buy at one time. Check with the vendor what the limit is.
It was illegal to sell or buy tobacco products in Bhutan until 2020. It is currently legal, but smoking is still frowned on. Be mindful of where you smoke – for example smoking near religious locations may cause offence.
There are strict penalties for possession, use and trafficking of illegal drugs. If convicted, you could get a prison sentence and heavy fine. Sentences range from a minimum of 3 years to a life sentence depending upon the type and quantity of drugs.
Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in Bhutan in 2020, and there are no censorship laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBT+ topics. Same-sex marriages are not recognised. There is no legal recognition of transgender individuals. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Environmental conservation is critically important to Bhutan. You could be imprisoned for harming protected species. It is illegal to litter anywhere in Bhutan.
Open Government Licence v3.0gov.uk ↗updated 10.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026
FDFA (Switzerland) — laws and customs, in French
Les produits du tabac ne peuvent être importés qu'en quantité limitée et exclusivement pour la consommation personnelle dans des locaux privés. Ils sont soumis à déclaration et à des droits de douane lors de l'entrée sur le territoire. La preuve d’achat correspondante doit pouvoir être présentée à tout moment, faute de quoi une lourde amende pour contrebande est encourue. Les infractions à la loi sur les stupéfiants, y compris la détention de minimes quantités de drogue quelle qu'elle soit, sont passibles de lourdes peines de prison. Les conditions de détention ne sont pas comparables aux standards suisses.
Les rituels et cérémonies religieux marquent la vie quotidienne et publique dans de nombreux endroits. Adaptez votre comportement et votre tenue vestimentaire aux coutumes locales, en particulier lors de la visite de monastères et de châteaux-monastères. Vous trouverez des informations sur les règles de conduite à respecter et les conditions d'accès dans les guides touristiques, auprès de votre agence de voyage ou directement sur place. Veuillez noter que quelques monastères et sites considérés comme sacrés ne sont pas accessibles aux visiteurs étrangers.
FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 22.05.2026 · read 13.10.2026
What it changes for you: Air acceptable at this hour: nothing special to plan. Very high UV: sunscreen, hat and shade between 11 am and 4 pm; sunstroke and dehydration are travellers' first reasons to see a doctor.
Reading 04:00 (Asia/Thimphu)Open-Meteo ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Air quality and UV: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information 2026. Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
Reading: With 0.6 physicians per 1,000 people (87% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 162 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
World Bank — latest published value, year per indicatordata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Le passeport doit être valable 6 mois à compter de la date d’entrée au Bhoutan.
Les ressortissants français doivent être munis d’un visa pour entrer au Bhoutan. Le Département du tourisme bhoutanais ne délivre pas de visa directement. La demande doit être faite au moins 15 jours avant le départ, par l’intermédiaire d’un des nombreux tour-opérateurs agréés au Bhoutan ou de leur représentant à l’étranger, qui s’occupera de l’ensemble des formalités, y compris le visa et le billet d’avion par Druk Air (compagnie aérienne nationale du Bhoutan) ou par Bhutan Airlines (compagnie privée).
Les tour-opérateurs bhoutanais sont regroupés au sein d’une association : ABTO .
Pour toute information, voir le site du Département du tourisme bhoutanais (en anglais) : Bhutan.travel ou la page Facebook dédiée .
Les frais de visa sont de 40 USD. En complément, les voyageurs étrangers doivent s’acquitter de la taxe (Sustainable Development Fee – SDF) d’un montant de 100 USD par jour (plus d’informations disponibles sur le site Bhutan.travel ).
En cas de passage de la frontière entre le Bhoutan et l’Inde, le visa indien est obligatoire et doit être demandé avant le départ auprès d’une représentation diplomatique indienne. En outre, le visa permettant d’entrer en Inde ne suffit pas pour accéder à certains États indiens du Nord-Est, pour lesquels une autorisation spéciale est exigée (voir fiche "Conseils aux voyageurs" Inde ).
Si vous prévoyez également de quitter le Bhoutan par l’Inde, vous devez demander un visa à deux entrées pour l’Inde avant votre départ. L’ambassade d’Inde à Thimphou ne délivre pas de visas pour les touristes.
Des renseignements complémentaires peuvent être obtenus auprès de l’Office du tourisme bhoutanais (Tourism Council of Bhutan), dont les coordonnées sont les suivantes : Adresse : P.O. Box 126 - Thimphu, Bhutan Tél. : +975 2 323 251 ou +975 2 323 252 Télécopie : +975 2 323 695 Courrier électronique : info@tourism.gov.bt
Entry and stay pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland)
The FDFA does not publish entry requirements: they are set out by the destination's embassy or consulate in Switzerland — check them before booking, passport in hand. As a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.eda.admin.ch ↗updated 22.05.2026 · read 13.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Entry requirements — rules for a British passportForeign Office ↗updated 10.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Bhutan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Bhutan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, see the Bhutan government’s visa entry page or contact the Bhutanese Embassy in Brussels .
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Bhutan.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement . See Dual Citizenship .
You must have a visa to enter and leave Bhutan.
You must apply for your visa in advance. The authorities will pre-approve the visa and issue it when you arrive in Bhutan.
You can arrange a visa through a Bhutanese tour operator, through a Bhutanese hotel or directly through the Department of Immigration’s website . You will need to pay a non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of 40 US dollars.
If you’re travelling for business or other non-tourism reasons, you must arrange your visa through your sponsoring organisation in Bhutan.
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
Make sure the border control officer stamps your visa in your passport.
You must have permits to travel to some states in Bhutan. Your tour guide will help to get these.
If you want to extend your stay in Bhutan, go to the Department of Immigration in Thimphu to make a request.
You can enter or exit Bhutan by air through the international airport in Paro, or by the land entry point in Phuentsholing.
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bhutan guide .
All adult visitors must pay a daily sustainable development fee ( SDF ) of 100 US dollars per night. There is a lower daily charge for children. Read more information about the SDF .
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Bhutan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
It is illegal to take antiques out of Bhutan. Customs officials may inspect items that appear to be antiques.
You can bring a small supply of tobacco for personal use. You will need to pay taxes and duties and be able to show proof of tax and duty payments if the authorities ask you to at any point during your visit.
You can take up to 30,000 Bhutan ngultrum into or out of Bhutan.
If you plan to take foreign currency worth 10,000 US dollars or more into or out of Bhutan, you must declare it and get clearance from the Royal Monetary Authority of…
American passport — U.S. Department of State
The State Department publishes the requirements ("Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements") on its country page, which our servers cannot read. Read it before you go; as a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.travel.state.gov ↗updated 03.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
For each risk, the official texts themselves: what is happening, then, where they say so, what to do.
What the texts say · Crime levels are low across Bhutan, but you should take the same precautions as you would at home. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, theft and purse snatching, occurs on occasion, particularly in the capital Thimphu.
What the texts say · Car and motorbike accidents are one of the biggest causes of injury and death in Bhutan. Taxis are available in the major cities. They are unreliable and poorly maintained. Drivers tend to hike up the fares as they are unregulated and often not metered.
What the texts say · Flooding, including flash flooding, can be caused by many natural events such as monsoon rains and earthquakes.
What the texts say · There are strict penalties for possession, use and trafficking of illegal drugs. Bhutanese people take their customs and traditions very seriously. Respect them at all times to avoid giving offence. Particularly avoid criticising HM The King of Bhutan.
Sentences copied word for word from the official texts cited, chosen for the destination; the level is our reading. The full texts, at each source:Foreign Office ↗updated 10.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026 (updated 10.12.2025 · read 27.09.2026)Global Affairs Canada ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026 (updated 24.09.2026 · read 27.09.2026)
Reading: The homicide rate is 4 times Switzerland's: violence is a real risk there, concentrated in the areas named by the official advisories. On the road, 7 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Time zone: IANA and timezone-boundary-builder (ODbL) · RESTCountries · EmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · European Central Bank
Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Photon search by komoot.
FDFA (Switzerland) — transport and specific advice, in French
Pendant la mousson , les routes et les chemins peuvent être impraticables en raison de précipitations et glissements de terrain. En matière de transports aériens , il faut s'attendre à des retards fréquents dus aux conditions météorologiques. Les points de passage des frontières peuvent être fermés à court terme, par exemple afin d’endiguer la propagation de maladies. Informez-vous auprès des autorités locales ou directement auprès des postes-frontières.
FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 22.05.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Maximum policyholder: before paying anything, call the 24/7 number. If you are admitted for more than 24 h, Maximum sends its direct payment guarantee to the hospital (art. 2.12).
+41 22 ••• •• •• — Full number in your client areaNone of these facilities is a Maximum Insurance “partner”, and none is presented as waiving upfront payment: this list is a reading of public map data, nothing more. A direct payment guarantee is arranged CASE BY CASE by our assistance desk, facility by facility and when the need arises — one number, +41 22 ••• •• ••.
List read from OpenStreetMap on 08.10.2026, not read again since: these facilities may have changed.
CDC Travelers' Health recommendations, most important first. They depend on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm them with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Details, disease by disease ↗cdc.gov ↗read 10.10.2026
The health system — With 0.6 physicians per 1,000 people (87% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 162 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
Back home — a fever in the following weeks should be told to a doctor, naming the country.
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
French passport — French embassy and consulates
Useful contacts listed by France Diplomatie (in French)diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Updated: 15 September 2026
OpenStreetMap
Swiss passport — Swiss embassy and consulates
Représentations suisses à l’étranger: En cas de situation d’urgence à l’étranger, vous pouvez vous adresser à la représentation suisse la plus proche ou à la Helpline DFAE. Ambassade de Suisse en Inde Helpline DFAE Représentations étrangères en Suisse: Pour obtenir des informations sur les prescriptions d'entrée (documents d'identité admis, visa, etc.), veuillez-vous adresser aux ambassades et consulats étrangers compétents. Ceux-ci peuvent également vous renseigner sur les dispositions douanières pour l'importation et l'exportation d'animaux et de marchandises: appareils électroniques, souvenirs, médicaments, etc. Représentations étrangères en Suisse Department of Immigration: Bhutan e-Visa Bhutan Travel Visa
OpenStreetMap · DFAE
OpenStreetMap
Getting help — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 10.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Ambulance: 112
Fire: 110
Police: 113
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Find out about call charges
No Dzongkha phrases yet: Maximum only publishes established, reviewed translations.
Actions to take before each professional trip abroad.
Live alerts and level changes, each with its official source. Continuously updated.
The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026No level change recorded for this country since the log opened. The live alerts above are updated continuously.
Level 1/4 — Exercise Normal Precautions, U.S. Department of State, retrieved on 13 October 2026.
Sourcestravel.state.gov · updated 03.09 · read 13.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10DFAE · updated 22.05 · read 13.10207-country comparison
An area advised against does not rule out the country.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 10.12 · read 13.10State Department · updated 03.09 · read 13.10
The rules depend on the passport, not on the destination alone.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 10.12 · read 13.10State Department · updated 03.09 · read 13.10
For a Schengen visa, yes: at least €30,000 of travel medical insurance (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, art. 15).
SourcesRegulation (EC) 810/2009, art. 15General conditions, policy 20 00 479
VIP Pack — $990 for twelve months, unlimited trips.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479OpenStreetMap · read 13.10
Six steps, in this order.
SourcesSpecial conditions 01.26General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Local emergency services: police 113 · ambulance 112 · fire 110
SourcesEmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · read 08.10OpenStreetMap · read 13.10
At today's level 1/4, card by card:
SourcesAmex Platinum France T&Cs, 01.2025 — general exclusion n° 11BNP Paribas Visa Infinite notice (policy PT7), 04.2025 — comFortuneo World Elite Mastercard notice, 01.2026 — art. 5.5 '
A health plan reimburses at home; here, the hospital asks for a payment guarantee before admission.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Around Thimphu: 41 hospitals and clinics, 37 with a 24/7 emergency room, 31 pharmacies, 6 doctors' practices (OpenStreetMap, hospital list read on 08.10.2026).
The sourced detail is under Medical network › Health: vaccines, diseases present, altitude, outbreaks.
SourcesCDC Travelers' Health · read 10.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10OMS · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 10.12 · read 13.10
0.6 physicians per 1,000 people (2022) versus 4.5 in Switzerland.
SourcesWorld Bank · read 10.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479
2.5 homicides per 100,000 people (2020) versus 0.6 in Switzerland and 1.3 in France.
Embassies and consulates are under Before you go › Contacts, sorted by passport.
SourcesOpenStreetMap · read 13.10DFAE · updated 22.05 · read 13.10
No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 24.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 10.12 · read 13.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10
Local laws apply to every traveller; here is what the official texts say.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 24.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 10.12 · read 13.10
Every foreign ministry runs a 24/7 emergency line for its nationals.
Sourcesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · updated 15.09 · read 13.10eda.admin.ch · updated 22.05 · read 13.10
Keep the entry stamp, the invoices, the prescriptions and the medical report.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Cancellation or change up to CHF 20,000, special risk CHF 5,000 per person, crisis management and security, optional Kidnap & Ransom.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
A question not answered here? Ask Maximum below, or call the support number: every question gets a clear, actionable answer.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
Same advisory level: Canada · Cyprus · South Korea · Croatia · Curaçao · Dominica
The displayed level comes from the State Department, checked every morning. Before departure, always cross-check your country of residence's advisory: that is what your policy cites.
The level shown is the official U.S. Department of State level, checked daily. Maximum Insurance is an insurance distributor — general information, not personal advice.
The destination is already Thimphu. A few choices, then the reading of your cover, here.
Destination · Thimphu
Travel Insurtech. 24/7 worldwide.
Swiss insurer · Worldwide medical network