Bhutan
Experience the unique culture and stunning Himalayan landscapes of this Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom.
Overview
Bhutan, nestled in the Himalayas, is characterized by its profound Buddhist traditions and dramatic valley geography. Thimphu and Paro serve as key cultural hubs, adorned with ancient monasteries and dzongs.
At a glance
Language
- Dzongkha(Official)
Population787,424
CurrencyBhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
1 BTN = 0.0105 USD
1 USD = 95.3477 BTN
Popular places
Bhutan
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
Cost of LivingPotentially much less expensiveSource category: All | 2026
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Local Purchasing PowerMuch weaker local purchasing powerSource category: Purchasing Power | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
Quality of Life IndexStrongSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
Healthcare IndexGenerally favorableSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
Crime IndexLowSource category: Crime | 2026 | Crime index (100 = highest crime)
Safety IndexGenerally favorableSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
Pollution IndexModerateSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
Traffic IndexLowSource category: Traffic | 2026 | Overall traffic index (considers time + inefficiency + CO2)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Family Reunification, Family Reunification, Investor, and 5 more.
Family Reunification
- Dependent Permit
Bhutan dependent permit for eligible spouse and dependent children of professional work-permit holders, investors/promoters of FDI companies, and specified project uniformed personnel.
- Immigration Card for Foreign Spouse
Bhutan immigrant-status route for a foreigner married to a Bhutanese, issued through an Immigration Card after the required marriage, Bhutanese spouse identity, and foreign spouse passport or identity evidence.
- Limited work rights
Investor
- Investor Permit
Bhutan investor permit route for promoters, investors, board directors, technical or managerial personnel of FDI companies, and potential investors, backed by Department of Industry approval.
- Limited work rights
Languages
- Dzongkha(Official)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Bhutan.
Canada
Take normal security precautions
Advisory effective · Verified
Take normal security precautions in Bhutan.
United Kingdom
No destination-wide FCDO travel warning
Advisory effective · Verified
FCDO travel advice currently has no destination-wide warning for Bhutan. Review the full FCDO travel advice before travelling, including safety, entry, health, and insurance guidance.
United States
Level 1Exercise Normal Precautions
Advisory effective · Verified
Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise normal precautions in Bhutan. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Bhutan. If you decide to travel to Bhutan: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Bhutan. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the International Traveler Checklist. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
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