Visas Health & Insurance

Visas

All visitors to Bhutan require a passport valid for at least 6 months longer than their journey, and an entry visa for Bhutan which must be pre-approved prior to your arrival. Your Bhutan visa will be arranged by Bhutan & Beyond and all we need is a quality scanned copy of your passport photo page.

Visa costs are built in to your travel package.  A visa authority letter is issued after prepayment for your travel arrangements and the actual visa is entered into your passport on arrival at Paro Airport or at one of the land border crossings. When entering Bhutan through a land border crossing two passport sized photos are required.

If also travelling to India and Nepal please note visa’s are required and we will provide you with the relevant details.

UPDATE ON INDIA VISA APPLICATIONS:
Being the nice people we are, and having just personally gone through the process of obtaining an India visa from VFS-Global, we can attest to the frustrations that can accompany such a process using their website http://www.vfs-in-au.net/ 

Sometimes some of their processing features just don’t seem to work or are very difficult to interpret. Hopefully the points below will help you through this process and remain sane! The basic concept is you fill out your application form on-line and submit it. It will then be returned by email in the shape of a completed PDF document that you print out, review, sign and send off with all the other relevent documents to gain the actual visa itself.

* DO print out the checklist of essential requirements as it must be signed off & forwarded with your application!
* You must include your full air itinerary and preferably a contact hotel name or tour operator in India.
* Avoid a MULTI-ENTRY visa if you can. There are current security issues that mean you must have 60 days between visits on this visa type.
* Instead opt for a Single or Double Entry visa where possible.
* Please DO NOT apply for a TRANSIT Visa. Yes, they are cheaper…but the problems you can face are terrifying! We know!
* Your India visa photo (just 1) must be 2 inches x 2 inches – a different size to most regular PP photos. Australia Post knows what to do!
* If you are a Kiwi and also have an Aussie PP…just be one or the other….don’t mention dual-citizenship or you’ll go mad.
* ENSURE you print out any application tracking numbers and responses from VFS-Global etc. They will be essential.
* DON’T whatever you do mail or courier your application to your local state VFS-Global office! Only go there if you are submitting in person!!!
* If mailing or couriering you must send your application to the VFS-Global offfice in Canberra! Address on their website. 
* Please get your COSTS right as per their costing sheet. And make your payment out to VFS-Global, as instructed….or else!  

Travel Insurance

It is mandatory for all visitors to Bhutan to hold a valid comprehensive travel insurance policy. Bhutan & Beyond can assist with this if required. Motorcyclists MUST hold a valid QBE travel insurance policy which will cover them whilst riding in Bhutan.
 

Health

Whilst Bhutan is a relatively safe country to visit, and there are currently no mandatory health requirements, public health facilities are basic in some regions. Please note there is a rabies risk in Bhutan and ideally you should seek professional health advice at least 8 weeks prior to your departure. We also encourage all travellers to ensure  that their hepatitis and tetanus vaccinations are kept up to date at all times. 

Altitude & Motion Sickness

It is advisable to avoid any trekking or climbing until day 3 unless you are at least moderately fit and do not suffer from any lung related condition such as asthma. As a precaution we suggest you carry a small amount of Diamox for altitude sickness as the Bhutan guides & trekking crews rarely carry such medication. If you suffer from altitude sickness please descend as quickly as possible and drink plenty of fluids. Diamox (Acetazolamide) maybe combined with Ibuprofen or Paracetomol and after initial treatment symptoms may last for a few days. Additionally Bhutan’s roads are very windy and motion sickness medication is recommended as a precaution.

Your nearest Travel Doctor in Australia can be contacted by telephoning: 1300 421 142.