Bhutan

Singaporeans are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Bhutan. Visas are only issued to tourists booked with a local license tour operator, either directly or through a foreign travel agent. Applications for tourist visas are submitted by the tour operator. The Bhutanese government sets minimum selling prices for tour packages, which must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival. The package includes all accommodation, all meals, transportation, cultural programmes, and the services of licensed guides and porters. Tourists travelling alone or in a group of two are also subject to a surcharge, in addition to the minimum package rates. Holiday travellers going to Bhutan can refer to the Tourism Council of Bhutan for more information and for a list of authorised Bhutan tour operators.

Business travellers or those travelling for non-tourist reasons should arrange their visa through their sponsoring organisations.

There should be at least six months' validity on your passport on the expected date of departure from Bhutan. As visa requirements often change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the nearest Bhutanese Embassy for up-to-date information.

If your passport is lost or stolen in Bhutan, you will need to do the following:

1. Lodge a police report with the Bhutan authorities.

2. Contact the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi. Our Consular officer will e-mail you a fingerprint verification form, which you will have to fill up, scan and email back.

3. Upon verification, the Singapore High Commission will inform ICA and you will have to arrange for a NOK to submit the application for a new passport on your behalf. Your NOK will also have to make arrangements to mail your new passport to you once it is ready.

4. If you have lost your passport and need to return to Singapore urgently, the High Commission will issue you a Document of Identity (DOI) after verification. To process your DOI, you must provide one passport-sized colour photograph and a fee of Rs 750 (subject to change) to the High Commission. The DOI can be couriered to you at your own expense.

Replacement of Bhutan Visa:

1. A Singapore Citizen who is issued with a replacement passport in Bhutan after a passport has been lost or stolen must bring the replacement passport to the Bhutan Department of Immigration to receive an exit visa. This exit visa allows the traveller a specified period of time (as stated by the Bhutanese authorities) in which to leave the county legally.

2. The same requirement applies if you are issued a DOI, which also needs to be endorsed by an exit permit.

3. The contact number of the Department of Immigration in Bhutan is +975 02-322301/322015/325173.

The crime rate in Bhutan is low. Violent crime is uncommon, but there are occasional burglaries, thefts and petty crime. Travellers should still remain vigilant. The Tourism Council of Bhutan warns against foreigners booking their travel with unregistered tour operators. Use only licensed tour operators.

Tobacco: It is illegal to sell or buy tobacco in Bhutan. Travellers may import a limited number of tobacco products for personal use, subject to import duty.

Trekking: Trekking can be dangerous, and travellers should plan their trips carefully. Before departing, ensure that your travel insurance covers all your activities, including emergency evacuation. Travellers should also seek an update on the climate in the specific area of travel.

Please refer to MFA’s general travel advice for Singaporeans before you travel overseas.