Travel Vaccines and Advice for Bhutan

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Bhutan. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bhutan: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

Typhoid vaccination is highly recommended for travelers to Bhutan. Individuals who visit friends or relatives or go to rural areas are at greater risk and should be immunized.

Rabid dogs and other animals are common in Bhutan. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination should be considered before a trip to the country. Children are at an increased risk.

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.

A passport and visa are required to enter Bhutan. Your trip also be through a licensed tour operator. Your visa will only be issued if your trip is booked in this way.

Bhutan Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Bhutan?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Bhutan and U.S. State Department

Travelers must pay $40 and provide two passport photos upon arrival.

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.

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. Travelers should take reasonable precautions when visiting large cities. Avoid walking alone or traveling at night.

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.

It’s important to make sure 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 traveler’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. Make sure you bring the right options for Bhutan.

When traveling it is very helpful to find out exactly where the U.S. embassy or consulates are located. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.

U.S. affairs within Bhutan are handled by the embassy in New Delhi, India:

U.S. Embassy New Delhi
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi – 110021
Phone: 011-91-11-2419-8000

Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!