Covid-19 Bhutan FAQs – updated 13 OCT 2021

One day soon we’ll all be able to travel again. Meanwhile we can still dream and prepare!

Below are some Covid-19 Bhutan FAQs to help you with your future trip planning. Click here for more general FAQs on travel to Bhutan.

Q: What are Bhutan’s Covid-19 Stats?
A: As at 13 October 21 Bhutan has recorded only 2613 Covid-19 transmissions. Currently Bhutan has 2 active cases and 2611 fully recovered cases. There have been only 3 deaths at all from the virus in Bhutan.

Q: When will I be able to travel to Bhutan?
A: Bhutan was quick to seal its borders when the Coronavirus was first identified. As a result Bhutan has handled the pandemic extremely effectively. Bhutan’s vaccine roll out was largely complete with 90% of the adult population fully vaccinated by late July 2021. Bhutan’s land borders are still closed however fully vaccinated tourists can now visit Bhutan (via air) but do require proof of vaccination, negative PCR test on arrival and must quarantine for 14 days after arrival. We currently are awaiting news when international tourist arrivals by air will be able to enter with a reduced quarantine later this year and hope by early 2022 no mandatory quarantine will be required when visiting Bhutan. We therefore advise you to plan future trips to Bhutan from March 2022.

Q: How did Bhutan react so effectively to the pandemic?
A: Since the 13th century Bhutan’s valley rulers were exposed to regional epidemics. The Bhutanese Government ensures Bhutan remains well isolated during Covid-19. Bhutan had a quarantine period of 21 days. Each person in quarantine is tested 5 times and, if infected, must return to a further 14 days quarantine after being cleared of the virus.

Q: What if neighbouring India remains affected by Covid-19?
A: The land border crossing with India will remain sealed for as long as India is a risk. International visitors will only be invited from ‘safe’ countries and via ‘safe’ transit cities. Bhutan has advised prospective tourist visitors will require proof of vaccination & a negative PCR test taken in their home country 72 hours prior to arrival in Bhutan.

Q: How will I travel to Bhutan when it is safe to do so?
A: Singapore Airport is likely to be the first transit point to provide a safe transit stop for your onward flight connections. Pre-Covid we enjoyed twice weekly flights ex-Singapore-Paro. Post-Covid flight schedules will be reduced, for a period of time, after entry to Bhutan is again permitted.

Q: Will I be able to travel to multiple countries including Bhutan?
A: Travel for vaccinated tourists without mandatory quarantine is already possible in Nepal from SEP 2021, India has announced it is soon to reopen also without mandatory quarantine, and Bhutan we hope will follow in early 2022.

During the Covid-19 period our office is open Monday to Friday, between 09.00am and 1.00pm, should you wish to chat with us by phone.

We will be happy to discuss your current or future travel plans. Call Us Toll free on 1300 367875. Tashi delek, James & Nicola / Bhutan & Beyond.