Travel Vaccines and Advice for Bhutan
Bhutan is a country that combines traditional Buddhist traditions with sustainability and development. The Bhutanese have restricted tourism, requiring travellers to pay hefty tariffs each day and make plans with local tour operators. But, this means that visiting the country provides a very genuine look at the culture.
The country is known for its environmental protection effort. This has lead to gorgeous national parks, forests, and snowy mountains to visit. In the cities, there are also dance festivals, soft goods and handcrafts to admire.
A visit to Bhutan will be an experience unlike any other.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Bhutan?
Do I Need a Visa for Bhutan?
What is the Climate Like in Bhutan?
How Safe Is Bhutan?
Visiting Paro Taktsang
What Should I Take to Bhutan?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Bhutan
Do I Need Vaccines for Bhutan?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Bhutan. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bhutan: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Most common in non-mountainous regions. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Bhutan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Most common in non-mountainous regions. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Japanese encephalitis is a serious risk in Bhutan. Even one bite can end a trip. Be sure to receive a vaccine before your trip. Dengue is also present in Bhutan. Mosquito repellents and netting can help protect against both infections.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa for Bhutan?
Entry and exit is only allowed through certain ports. These include: Phuntsoling, Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephug or Paro. A passport and visa are required to enter Bhutan. Tourist visas must be submitted by a tour operator. Passports must have at least six months validity. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
Bhutan Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Bhutan? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Bhutan and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in Bhutan?
The climate in Bhutan varies based on altitude. In the north, there are mountains rising up to 7,000 m where the weather can be cold, like the arctic. In central Bhutan, there are warm summers and cool, dry winters. In southern Bhutan, the weather is hot and humid during the summer, but cool during the winter. The summer monsoons occur from late-June to late-September. They bring heavy rains to the southern border of Bhutan.
How Safe Is Bhutan?
There is very little crime in Bhutan. Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing, does occur, but is rare. Burglaries, thefts, and assaults related to skin color, ethnicity, and religion have increased in recent years. Travellers should take reasonable precautions when visiting large cities. Avoid walking alone or travelling at night.
Visiting Paro Taktsang
Paro Taktsang is a Himalayan Buddhist temple complex in the cliff-side of the upper Paro valley. To reach the monastery requires climbing about 1,000 steps, but the view up the cliff is gorgeous. The monastery is made of white buildings and golden roofs. The interior of the temple has a gold-plated dome and and the hall of Thousand Buddhas has a large tiger statue. There are also eight caves, four of which are easy to access. It is a gorgeous and educational place to visit.
What Should I Take to Bhutan?
It’s important to ensure you have everything you may need for your trip to Bhutan. Be sure to include these items:
- Hiking Shoes – Bhutan is known for having amazing hiking. Bring appropriate shoes to enjoy it without hurting your feet.
- Cash – Carry cash or traveller’s checks. Though use of credit cards is becoming more common in Bhutan, cash is always accepted.
- Plug Adapters – Power adapters and voltage vary by country. Ensure you bring the right options for Bhutan.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Bhutan
If you are in Bhutan and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
While there is no consulate or embassy in Bhutan, it is served by the British embassy in Bhutan:
British Deputy High Commission Kolkata
1A Ho Chi Minh Sarani
Kolkata 700071
India
Telephone: +91 (33) 2288 5172/2288 5173-76
Emergency Phone: +91 (33) 2288 5172/2288 5173-76
Fax: +91 (33) 2288 3435
Contact Form: Click Here
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