Bhutan revises tourism policy, lifts mandatory travel insurance requirement

THIMPHU: In a recent development, Bhutan has revised its tourism policy by lifting the mandatory requirement of travel insurance for tourists.

Initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to address potential emergencies, including medical expenses related to the outbreak, this requirement has now been lifted.

The Bhutan tourism department officially announced this decision through a notification dated April 23, 2024.

The primary objective behind this move is to simplify travel procedures for tourists intending to visit the country.

While the compulsory need for travel insurance is no longer mandatory for visa processing, tourists are still advised to acquire travel insurance as a precautionary measure against unforeseen emergencies associated with international travel.

The notification stated, “The mandatory requirement of travel insurance is hereby withdrawn with immediate effect for processing visa to facilitate seamless travel for tourists.”

“However, it is recommended for tourists to possess travel insurance as a precaution in case of unlikely emergencies associated with any international travel,” it added.