The United States does not have diplomatic relations with Bhutan and there is no U.S. diplomatic presence there. Consular issues relating to Bhutan, including assistance to U.S. citizens, are handled by the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. Read the Department of State’s Country Information Sheet on Bhutan or U.S. Embassy New Delhi’s A-Z Subject Index for additional information.
The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has consular responsibilities for Bhutan and maintains frequent and friendly communications with the Bhutanese Embassy in New Delhi. A consular officer periodically visits Bhutan to renew passports, provide notarial services, and take applications for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad.
Because there is no U.S. Embassy presence in Bhutan, services to U.S. citizens in Bhutan are limited. For example, getting your lost or stolen U.S. passport replaced can be complicated and costly. If you are without a passport you will be required to seek permission to exit Bhutan from Bhutanese immigration authorities, and also obtain advance permission to enter the receiving country from that country’s immigration authorities. The receiving country’s immigration officials may or may not grant such permission. Often, travelers are required to return to the United States to have their passport replaced.
To stay connected:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
- Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
- Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
- In the event of an emergency, contact 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
- Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.
Alerts and Messages
COVID-19 Information
March 6, 2020
Country-Specific Information:
- As of March 6, 2020, the Government of Bhutan has confirmed one (1) case of COVID-19 within its borders. The patient has been isolated at a designated hospital.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- The Government of Bhutan has imposed a two week travel restriction on all incoming international tourists, effective immediately, to enable rigorous monitoring, source assessment of COVID-19 infection, and mitigation efforts. In addition, all international conferences and seminars to be held in the country in the next two weeks are postponed.
- The government will assess the situation after two weeks and decide on travel restrictions accordingly.
Local Resources:
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- Ministry of Health of Bhutan: http://www.health.gov.bt/
- Royal Bhutanese Embassy, New Delhi: https://www.mfa.gov.bt/rbedelhi/
- Tourism Council of Bhutan: https://www.tourism.gov.bt/