Bhutan
Last update 08 November 2023Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 3: Increased level of risk (recommendation not to travel in certain areas of the country unless necessary)
3
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Kingdom of Bhutan
There are no formal diplomatic relations between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Kingdom of Bhutan. For this reason, neither Bulgaria has its own Embassy in the capital of Bhutan — Thimphu, nor Bhutan has an accredited to Bulgaria Embassy from a third country. Bhutan is serviced by the Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi, India.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in New Delhi, India
Address: 16/17 Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021
Telephone: +91 11 26115549; +91 11 26115551
Fax: +91 11 26876190
Mobile number (for emergencies): +91 9910999498
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/india
Consular Office:
Telephone for visa related information, appointments and consular matters: +91 966 776 5100
Working hours: 09:00 to 18:00 (local time)
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 15:00 (local time) - acceptance of applications for visa and consular services; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:00 to 13:00 (local time) - delivery of issued visas and consular services documents.
Appointments only by e-mail.
E-mail: [email protected]
General information
Security level
The situation in the country is peaceful. It is recommended that Bulgarian citizens travelling to Bhutan provide contact details to the Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi, India.
Of all EU member states, only Denmark and Austria have diplomatic missions in Bhutan:
Representation Office of Denmark in Thimphu
Representation Office of Denmark, P.O.Box 614, Thimphu
Telephone: +975 2 323331
E-mail: [email protected]
Representation Office of Austria in Thimphu
Austrian Coordination Office for Development Cooperation
P.O.Box 307, Thimphu
Telephone: +975 2 324495
E-mail: [email protected]
As part of the common interaction between EU member states in the consular field, Denmark and Austria are leading the way in crisis situations in Bhutan, such as natural disasters, plane crashes or bus accidents, in which large numbers of European citizens are affected. In such situations, the diplomatic missions of these two countries are ready to assist the citizens of other EU member states, including Bulgarian citizens, with recommendations and through interaction with the local authorities in Bhutan, as well as with the embassies of the respective EU member states accredited to Delhi.
Healthcare
For up-to-date information on mandatory and/or recommended vaccines you may contact the Regional Health Inspectorates in the country. The yellow fever vaccine is administered in the following regional health inspectorates: Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate; Varna Regional Health Inspectorate; Burgas Regional Health Inspectorate; Pleven Regional Health Inspectorate; Plovdiv Regional Health Inspectorate; Blagoevgrad Regional Health Inspectorate and Ruse Regional Health Inspectorate.
Specifics of the local legislation
Constitutional monarchy. The dominant religion is Buddhism.
Customs requirements
It is advisable to carry US dollars and euros in cash, as well as travellers cheques or credit cards.
There are restrictions on the import of medicines.
It is illegal to sell tobacco products in Bhutan.
The import of: weapons, ammunition, explosives, drugs is prohibited.
ATTENTION!
- Strict penalties are imposed for the possession, use and trafficking of drugs.
- The export of antiquities and rare religious exhibits of artistic value is prohibited.
Practical advice
Clothes should be tailored to local traditions and religious practices.
Drink enough fluids particularly during the hot season. Light food intake is recommended. Fruits and vegetables should be well handled before consumption. It is recommended to consume bottled water.
It is recommended to carry essential medicines, but in quantities for own use only or only prescribed with prescriptions, with prescriptions being presented, if necessary.
Local currency
The local currency is Ngultrum (NU).
Climatic characteristics
In the southern part of the country, where the climate is tropical, the monsoon season lasts from June to October. In the north, the climate is alpine. Due to Bhutan’s location high in the Himalayas, summer temperatures in the country do not exceed 17–18 degrees Celsius. Winters in northern and central Bhutan are harsh, with minimum temperatures below -15 degrees Celsius.
Travel papers and visas
Bulgarian citizens may travel to Bhutan with international passports valid for at least 6 months from the date of leaving Bhutan.
Bulgarian citizens can apply for a visa electronically through tour operators authorized by the Bhutanese authorities. The visa approval is also obtained electronically and is presented upon entry into the country where the visa is applied for.
Attention! Your passport must have at least one blank page so that the entry visa can be affixed to it. There should be no other visa stamps on the back of this page other than the border control stamps.
Health insurance is required. A fee of USD 200 per person per day is charged for the sustainable development of Bhutan.
For more information you can visit the website of the Bhutanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs HERE.
Attention! Bhutan can only be entered legally by air through the airport in Paro or by land through Phuentsholing on the border with India and 2 other land points.
It is recommended to travel to Bhutan by air. Group or individual trips to Bhutan should be arranged by an authorized international or local tour operator. More details for travellers to Bhutan can be found on the Bhutan Tourism Office website HERE.
It is advisable to consult the Embassy of Bhutan for case-by-case requirements before undertaking travel.
Competitive service
European Emergency Travel Document:
In case of emergency (lost passport), Bulgarian citizens can seek on-the-spot assistance from the diplomatic mission of Austria or Denmark in the capital Thimphu to obtain an Emergency Travel Document.