Bhutan Travel Vaccines and Advice
You can experience many things in Bhutan, including snowy mountain peaks, hidden jungle, endless forests, dzongs, lavish monastery-fortresses, or a generally festive atmosphere. Nestled at the foot of the Himalayas, this ideally located destination will undoubtedly seduce you with its exception landscapes, architectural treasures and lively cultural traditions. It is possible to trek or participate in sporting activities throughout its steep mountains, broad valleys and dense forests. Crystalline lakes are scattered throughout the country. These offer rafting, kayaking and fishing activities. During your hikes, do not hesitate to wander through the doors of dzongs and temples to fully immerse yourself in Buddhist traditions. If you are lucky, you will be able to experience the traditions of tsechus which are spectacular religious holidays. Whilst the climate is varied, a good time to visit Bhutan is from the end of September to November during which the temperature is pleasantly mild.
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Recommended travel vaccinations for Bhutan
| Vaccine | Disease Transmission |
|---|---|
| Traveler’s diarrhea | Contaminated water/food |
| Typhoid | |
| Hepatitis A | |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated body fluids (blood, sex, razors, needles, etc.) |
| Rabies | Infected Animals |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito bites (serious risk) |
| Influenza | Airborne Droplets |
Recommended Medication for Travelling to Bhutan
| Medication | Additional Information |
|---|---|
| Acetazolamide/Dexamethasone | Recommended for prevention of acute mountain sickness |
| Azithromycin/Suprax | Antibiotic in case of traveler’s diarrhea |
Current Weather in Bhutan
Medical Care in Bhutan
Nestled between India and China, Bhutan still has one of the worst-performing health systems in South Asia with regards to its health system, despite the government’s effort to provide residents with free care. The country suffers from large disparities, serious shortage of qualified medical personnel and lack of modern facilities. In large populated cities like Thimphu and Paro, reasonably reliable medical centers like Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital are accessible, but fees are expensive. In rural areas, access to basic health care is very limited or even non-existent.
Ambulance services are slow and inefficient, yet can be reached at 112.
Is Bhutan Safe for Travel?
| Safety and Security | Descriptive |
|---|---|
| Crime | Risk present |
| Road safety | Absence of railroads and there are few roads; mountain roads can present dangerous conditions |
| Trekking/mountaineering/hiking | Click the link below for precautions |
| Risk level | Normal security precautions |
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Bhutan?
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
A visa and a passport are required to enter Bhutan. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the time of entry.
Make sure to arrange your visa clearances and travel plans via an authorized travel agent. These measures must be confirmed before departure.
Please click here for more information.
Embassy of Canada to Bhutan information
When travelling to another country, it is important to know where the Canadian embassy is located in the event of:
- A legal problem
- A lost passport
- The need to report a crime
It is advisable to make a copy of your original passport in case you lose it.
Canadian High Commission to India (NEW DELHI)
Street Address:
7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi 110 021, India
Tel.: +91 11 4178 2000
Fax: +91 11 4178 2023
Email: [email protected]
Please note that this is the website for the Canadian High Consulate in India. There is no presence of a Canadian government office in Bhutan.