Customs
Asia
Bhutan Customs Regulations
Import & export rules, duty-free allowances, prohibited items, and traveler health advisory
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Import Regulations
*Items of gifts and presents shall be included in the above free allowance.
- 2 Cartons of Cigarettes - subject to 100 percent Customs Duty and 100 percent Sales Tax
- 2 boxes or 50 pieces subject to 100 percent Customs Duty and 100 percent Sales Tax
- 2 bottles of alcoholic spirits - each bottle not larger than one litre
- 1 bottle of perfume up to 2 ounces
- 50 grammes of Gold
- 1 kilo of Silver
- Maximum of 10 pieces of clothing whether stitched or unstitched
- Other household or personal goods including electronics and bedding shall be limited to one piece each. Video cameras and photographic equipment can also be freely imported into the country.
- Items of gifts and presents shall be included in the above free allowance.
- Most foreign currency can be imported or exported up to the equivalent of 10,000 USD.
- Illegal drugs
- Guns, explosives and ammunition
- Knives and deadly weapons
- Plant and plant products
- Meat and meat products
- Pets and animals
- Religious or rare cultural artefacts
- Hazardous materials
- Counterfeit money and goods
- Pornographic material
- Any other goods which are prohibited by any laws or international conventions or treaties to which Bhutan is a signature
- All arms and ammunition are prohibited from entering the country unless special permission has been granted from the Royal Bhutan Army.
- Plant and plant materials will require permission from the Ministry of Agriculture before being granted permission to enter the country.
- Animal and animal products will also require permission from the Ministry of Agriculture to enter the country. All cats, dogs and other pets will also need a travel health certificate clearing the creature of any potential infection or contamination.
- Wireless and remote sensing telecommunications equipment will need a permit from the Ministry of Communication.
Export Regulations
- No information available
- Guns, explosives and ammunition
- Knives and deadly weapons
- Plant and plant products
- Meat and meat products
- Pets and animals
- Religious or rare cultural artefacts
- Hazardous materials
- Counterfeit money and goods
- Pornographic material
- No information available
Health & Security
Basic health information for travelers to Bhutan
Basic security information for travelers to Bhutan
🩺 Basic Health Information for Travelers to Bhutan
- A yellow fever vaccination is required by all travellers coming from infected areas planning on visiting the country.
- All native water should be considered potentially contaminated and should be thoroughly boiled before being drunk. Travellers are urged to stick to bottled water where possible and should avoid swimming in any lakes, pools or other natural water sources. Milk is likely to be unpasteurised and all dairy products should be checked before being eaten. Meat, poultry, fish and vegetables should be well cooked and served boiling hot before being consumed and fruit peeled before eaten.
- Travellers to Bhutan are advised to obtain routine vaccinations against Hepatitis A, E, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio prior to beginning their journey and should exercise extreme caution when dealing with potentially contaminated food and water. Consumables served from vendors are not advised owing to the extra risk of infection. Tuberculosis is highly endemic to the region and all visitors to the region should submit to a skin test both prior to and immediately after visiting the country.
- Malaria exists throughout the year throughout the southern belt of the country comprising the districts of Chukha, Samchi, Sandrup Jonkhar, Geyleg-phug and Shemgang. The disease is particularly active between the months of June to September but all travellers visiting at other times of the year should still exercise extreme caution. The disease is contracted via mosquito bites and all visitors to the country are urged to wear close fitting clothing that exposes little skin where possible and should buy plenty of insect repellent for defence. If bitten, travellers are urged to immediately seek out emergency medical assistance before serious symptoms develop. Additional insect based diseases present throughout Bhutan include Dengue Fever and Japanese encephalitis and all travellers should exercise great caution to prevent any potential risk of infection.
- Hepatitis B is present throughout the country and all visitors are strongly advised to take considerable care when dealing with bloody/infected needles or when engaging in sexual activity during the course of their visit.
- Two fatal cases of human rabies, both related to dog bites, were reported from Gelephu in July 2009 and all travellers visiting remote regions of the country are strongly advised to avoid any contact with wild animals whose bites might contain the disease. If bitten, visitors should immediately clean the wound before seeking out emergency medical assistance.
- Acute Mountain Sickness can be an issue if travelling in some of the higher areas of the country. Symptoms can include nauseas, headaches, fatigue and dizziness and any traveller not used to high altitudes should immediately stop their activities and slowly make their way to a lower altitude until symptoms abate. Medical assistance should be sought if ill feelings continue to persist.
🛡 Basic Security Information for Travelers to Bhutan
- The buying and selling of Tobacco is illegal in Bhutan. Any traveller visiting the country will be required to bring in their own supplies. Smoking in government places is prohibited and considered sacrilegious if undertaken near any religious locations. Visitors to religious or administrative facilities are advised to remove their hats upon entering and to act in a quiet and respectful manner at all times.
Contact Information
For further assistance please contact the Bhutan Customs authorities directly. They will provide the latest information about customs regulations and export-import procedures.
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