Travel Vaccines and Advice for Bhutan
Bhutan is a country that combines traditional Buddhist traditions with sustainability and development. The Bhutanese have restricted tourism, requiring travellers to pay hefty tariffs each day and make plans with local tour operators. But, this means that visiting the country provides a very genuine look at the culture.
The country is known for its environmental protection effort. This has lead to gorgeous national parks, forests, and snowy mountains to visit. In the cities, there are also dance festivals, textiles, and handcrafts to admire.
A visit to Bhutan will be an experience unlike any other.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Bhutan?
Do I Need a Visa for Bhutan?
What is the Climate Like in Bhutan?
How Safe Is Bhutan?
Visiting Paro Taktsang
What Should I Take to Bhutan?
Canadian Embassy to Bhutan
Do I Need Vaccines for Bhutan?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Bhutan. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bhutan: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Most common in non-mountainous regions. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Bhutan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Most common in non-mountainous regions. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Bhutan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Japanese encephalitis is a serious risk in Bhutan. Even one bite can end a trip. Be sure to receive a vaccine before your trip. Dengue is also present in Bhutan. Mosquito repellents and netting can help protect against both infections.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa for Bhutan?
A passport which is valid for 6 months beyond the expected departure date is required to enter the country. Before arriving in Bhutan, Canadians must obtain a visa clearance. All travel plans and visa clearances must be arranged through an authorized travel agent and confirmed prior to departure. A visa is required for business purposes as well.
Bhutan Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Bhutan? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Bhutan and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Bhutan?
The climate in Bhutan varies based on altitude. In the north, there are mountains rising up to 7,000 m where the weather can be cold, like the arctic. In central Bhutan, there are warm summers and cool, dry winters. In southern Bhutan, the weather is hot and humid during the summer, but cool during the winter. The summer monsoons occur from late-June to late-September. They bring heavy rains to the southern border of Bhutan.
How Safe Is Bhutan?
There is very little crime in Bhutan. Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing, does occur, but is rare. Burglaries, thefts, and assaults related to skin color, ethnicity, and religion have increased in recent years. Travellers should take reasonable precautions when visiting large cities. Avoid walking alone or travelling at night.
Visiting Paro Taktsang
Paro Taktsang is a Himalayan Buddhist temple complex in the cliff side of the upper Paro valley. To reach the monastery requires climbing about 1,000 steps, but the view up the cliff is gorgeous. The monastery is made of white buildings and golden roofs. The interior of the temple has a gold-plated dome and and the hall of Thousand Buddhas has a large tiger statue. There are also eight caves, four of which are easy to access. It is a gorgeous and educational place to visit.
What Should I Take to Bhutan?
It’s important to make sure you have everything you may need for your trip to Bhutan. Be sure to include these items:
- Hiking Shoes – Bhutan is known for having amazing hiking. Bring appropriate shoes to enjoy it without hurting your feet.
- Cash – Carry cash or travellers’ checks. Though use of credit cards is becoming more common in Bhutan, cash is always accepted.
- Plug Adapters – Power adapters and voltage vary by country. Make sure you bring the right options for Bhutan.
Canadian Embassy to Bhutan
Canada currently does not have a residential government office in Bhutan. The High Commission in New Delhi, India provides consular services to Canadians travelling to Bhutan.
Canadian High Commission in New Delhi, India
7/8 Shantipath
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110 021
India
(+91) 11 4178 2000
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Bhutan
“We had a very pleasant experience. Our nurse was very knowledgeable about Bhutan and very helpful. I always feel secure after i have talked with a specialist.”
“This the best healthcare delivery! Highly recommended for excellent service and professional delivery of any immunizations required for your trip to Bhutan.”
“The nurse provided wonderful service informing me of all of the dangers in each of the areas in which I would be travelling in Bhutan . I was given medications to take prior to my trip and advised to get certain inoculations from my doctor which are covered by OHIP. I was most satisfied with the service and advice I was given.”
US – English
CA – English
UK – English
Rest of World – English
