What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Bhutan, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
Does not advise against travel
No numbered levels
Updated 10 December 2025
Latest change, in the source's words: New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 1 of 4
Updated 4 September 2026
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Exercise normal security precautions
Level 1 of 4
Updated 24 September 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
From the section “Emergency services in Bhutan” of the UK government's travel advice for Bhutan, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Ambulance: 112
Fire: 110
Police: 113
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Bhutan, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
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.
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Bhutan, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
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.
From the section “Extreme weather and natural disasters” of the UK government's travel advice for Bhutan, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Monsoon rains can cause landslides that cut off some roads for days. Always check your route before setting off and take extra care during the monsoon season.
Several parts of Bhutan lie on active fault zones. Limited emergency vehicles, equipment and medical facilities are likely to increase the impact of an earthquake. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
There is high risk of wildfires, particularly in central and southern areas of the country. You will be fined if you cause a wildfire, even if it is accidental. The level of the fine increases if the wildfire is caused intentionally.
Flooding, including flash flooding, can be caused by many natural events such as monsoon rains and earthquakes. Both rural and urban areas are vulnerable.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Rainfall Average temperature
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs. For seasonal hazards such as storms, floods or extreme heat, read the official section Extreme weather and natural disasters.
A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Bhutan.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.