Bhutan: Officials ease COVID-19 quarantine rules as of July 4 /update 47

Event

Bhutan is maintaining domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of July 4. However, eased international travel restrictions are in place. Most international arrivals no longer need to quarantine for five days; the exemption applies to all entrants with vaccination certificates if aged above five years old, or proof of recovering from a COVID-19 infection in the last six months. Arrivals must undergo an on-arrival RT-PCR test, and quarantine at home or a hotel until negative results arrive; the isolation period is typically 24 hours. Travelers who test positive must self-isolate at their accommodation for five days; repeat testing is not required to exit isolation. Individuals in quarantine as of July 4 may also avail of testing to exit quarantine.

Domestic Measures
Businesses, including entertainment venues such as cinemas, may operate at full capacity without time limits. Officials have also lifted limits on gatherings. Facemasks are compulsory in public places. Residents must use the Druk Trace application for contact tracing when entering public places, business premises, and public and private hire transport vehicles. Service providers may alternatively track details manually. Inter-district travelers must register via the Check Post Management System if crossing select check posts in the country. Residents may call a toll-free hotline at 1010 for assistance.

Authorities are no longer using the red zone designation for areas and buildings with COVID-19 cases; strict measures such as stay home orders, ban on nonessential movement and activity, as well as entry and exit controls typically affected red zones for at least 72 hours, followed by phased relaxations after mass testing. Enhanced controls may recur in high-risk locations of Thimphu, Wangduephodrang, parts of Trashiyangtse and Trashigang districts, as well as southern districts bordering India.

International Travel Restrictions
Foreigners must obtain prior permission via authorized tour operators or Bhutanese embassies to enter Bhutan. Entrants do not need to undergo pre-departure COVID-19 testing. Eased quarantine rules apply from July 4; most arrivals must only quarantine until negative results of an on-arrival test is returned. Individuals planning to undergo home quarantine must apply online beforehand.

Bhutanese citizens do not require registration to exit the country. Authorities continue to advise citizens against nonessential travel, and complete vaccination before international travel. Outbound passengers may require pre-departure testing for COVID-19, based on the requirements of the destination country. Land borders are largely closed for passenger travel; cargo transit is operational.

Advice

Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm business appointments, deliveries, work, and travel arrangements. Do not check out of accommodations without confirming onward travel. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Ensure access to essential items. Carry proper identification documents, heed all security advisories.

Resources

Home Quarantine Application Form
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tourism Council of Bhutan