Risk / Health Info for Bhutan

What vaccines are required for a holiday in Bhutan?

The health requirements for Bhutan may seem complex, but our experts can advise you. The recommended inoculations are hepatitis A and B and typhoid.

If you are planning an extended stay in a rural area, or you will be staying near rice paddies, consider getting vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis. It is spread by mosquitoes, so avoid bites as best you can.

A yellow fever certificate is needed to visit Bhutan if you have come from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Can I catch rabies in Bhutan?

Rabies does occur in Bhutan and you should consider getting vaccinated against it if you will be spending time in remote areas or working with animals. If you are bitten by an animal, see a healthcare professional as soon as you can.

Healthcare in Bhutan

The hospital in Thimphu is well-equipped but most hospitals in Bhutan offer only basic care. Evacuation by helicopter to India will be necessary for serious illness or injury, so ensure you have good travel health insurance and accessible funds. The emergency number is 112.

Can I bring medicines into Bhutan?

You should be fine bringing prescription and other medicines in quantities that are clearly for your own use but make sure you have a copy of the prescription.

Altitude in Bhutan

Parts of Bhutan are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Dengue fever in Bhutan

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Bhutan. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in Bhutan

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Bhutan at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Zika in Bhutan

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Bhutan. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Bhutan. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.