

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 travelers 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, textiles, and handcrafts to admire.
A visit to Bhutan will be an experience unlike any other.
Do I Need Vaccines 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.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travelers, recurrent travelers and travel to rural areas. Most common in non-mountainous regions. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Bhutan |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travelers, recurrent travelers and travel to rural areas. Most common in non-mountainous regions. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Bhutan |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
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.
Do I Need a Visa for Bhutan?
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 |
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Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Bhutan? | |
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Passport | ![]() |
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Tourist Visa | ![]() |
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Business Visa | ![]() |
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Vaccinations | ![]() |
Sources: Embassy of Bhutan and U.S. State Department
Travelers must pay $40 and provide two passport photos upon arrival.
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. Travelers should take reasonable precautions when visiting large cities. Avoid walking alone or traveling at night.
Visiting Paro Taktsang
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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 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.
U.S. Embassy to 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!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Bhutan
Overall rating: 5 stars – 4 reviews
★★★★★
“Amazing!“
“The nurse was very nice and helpful. She took the time to explain everything to me- and I had a lot of questions! I feel better about my trip to Bhutan knowing that Passport Health made sure that I was prepared!”
Submitted by: Lauren
★★★★★
“Efficient and knowledgeable“
“We went in prior to our upcoming trip to Bhutan. The nurse had everything ready to talk to us about and gave us the immunizations we needed and answered all our questions. I had another question this morning and she responded quickly.”
Submitted by: Jenny
★★★★★
“Excellent advice about our future trip to Asia“
“The RN was extremely knowledgeable and forthcoming in reviewing our health risks in traveling extensively in India, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Thailand. Although we have lived in SE Asia for some years, and have traveled there several times since, her review was a learning experience for us. We valued her advice and time. Thank you for your kind assistance.”
Submitted by: Bob
★★★★★
“Ready for travel“
“I had my immunization records reviewed and recommendations made for my upcoming travel that includes India, Bhutan, Uganda and Rwanda.”
Submitted by: Nancy
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?
U.S. Embassy to Bhutan
“The nurse was very nice and helpful. She took the time to explain everything to me- and I had a lot of questions! I feel better about my trip to Bhutan knowing that Passport Health made sure that I was prepared!”
“We went in prior to our upcoming trip to Bhutan. The nurse had everything ready to talk to us about and gave us the immunizations we needed and answered all our questions. I had another question this morning and she responded quickly.”
“The RN was extremely knowledgeable and forthcoming in reviewing our health risks in traveling extensively in India, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Thailand. Although we have lived in SE Asia for some years, and have traveled there several times since, her review was a learning experience for us. We valued her advice and time. Thank you for your kind assistance.”
“I had my immunization records reviewed and recommendations made for my upcoming travel that includes India, Bhutan, Uganda and Rwanda.”
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?
U.S. Embassy to Bhutan