Globe Aware volunteers will be surprised to learn that Bhutan’s Department of Tourism announced on April 23, 2024, that travel insurance is no longer mandatory for tourists. This simplifies the visa application process and streamlines travel logistics, making Bhutan an even more attractive destination.

Bhutan Makes Travel More Accessible By Dropping Mandatory Insurance; Details Here

Plan your dream trip to Bhutan as the Himalayan Kingdom streamlines visa requirements and ditches mandatory travel insurance for tourists.

BY YASHITA VASHISHTH
APR 26, 2024
Travel + Leisure

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bhutan implemented a mandatory travel insurance requirement for tourists to address potential health emergencies, particularly those related to the virus. However, with travel restrictions easing and conditions significantly improving, the Department of Tourism announced on April 23, 2024, that travel insurance is no longer mandatory for tourists. This simplifies the visa application process and streamlines travel logistics, making Bhutan an even more attractive destination.

While mandatory travel insurance is a thing of the past, having one during travel remains a wise precaution. Unexpected situations can arise during international travel, and travel insurance can provide financial protection in case of emergencies like medical issues, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.

Bhutan sans travel insurance: How it will impact travel

Bhutan’s tourism industry has successfully recovered from the pandemic and continues to prioritise tourist well-being through various protocols and safety measures. The Land of the Thunder Dragon is best known for its rich cultural fabric, breathtaking monasteries, and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Without the travel insurance requirement and corresponding easy access to a Bhutan visa, tourists from across the world can plan hassle-free holidays in this splendid South Asian nation.

While experts at Bhutan’s National Institute of Traditional Medicine will examine the balance between your wind, phlegm, and bile, offering a unique medical experience free of cost, it’s important to know its limitations. For serious medical emergencies, visitors should consider seeking care at a hospital equipped with modern medical facilities.

Things to do in Bhutan

A serene Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, Bhutan is touted for its spell-binding valleys, fortresses (locally called dzongs), monasteries, and trekking trails. When in Bhutan, we recommend deep-diving into the country’s history at Trongsa Dzong (the ancestral home of the Royal Family), embarking on the Tiger’s Nest trek, check out the Punakha Suspension Bridge and admire the 169 ft tall Buddha Dordenma. Additionally, test your skills at archery, explore the museums, and indulge in the sumptuous Bhutanese cuisine for a wholesome holiday.