It is important to know about customs regulations before traveling to Bhutan to avoid legal issues and potential fines. As you know, customs regulations widely depend on the country. Before traveling to (or from) Bhutan make sure to check the allowance and limits for the next things:
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Currency
- Medicines (especially those containing drugs)
- Animals
- Cultural artifacts
- Plants, fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products
Check the information below to be sure that you are complying with Bhutan customs regulations.
Import regulations in Bhutan
Duty-free allowance
Tobacco limit
There is no duty free allowance for importing tobacco into Bhutan. Travellers may import one of the following, and pay an import duty of 200%, or 100% if arriving from India:
- 800 cigarettes;
- 1200 bidis;
- 150 cigars;
- or 750g other tobacco products.
Bringing alcohol
- 2 bottles of alcohol, each no larger than 1 litre.
Other Goods
- 1 bottle of perfume, no large than 2oz.
- 50g gold (including jewellery).
- 1kg silver (including jewellery).
- 10 pieces each type of clothing.
- Personal goods for day to day use, including personal electronics.
- Items for sports purposes in reasonable quantities.
- Medication for personal use.
- All articles must not exceed a total value of more than BTN10 000.
Prohibited items
The following are goods which cannot be brought into the country.
- Narcotics and drugs.
- Wildlife products, particularly those of endangered species.
- Antiques.
- Pornographic materials.
Restricted items
These goods are strictly regulated, and in most cases require a permit to be obtained prior to arrival.
- Pets are subject to import restrictions, and require prior approval from the Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority of the Ministry of Agriculture (BAFRA).
- Plants and their derivative products require a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture.
- Products of animal origin, including meat, require a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture.
- Wireless and remote sensing telecommunication and broadcasting equipment requires permission from the Ministry of Communications.
- Chemicals, fertilizers or agricultural equipment require a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture.
- Arms and ammunition require a permit from the Royal Bhutan Police.
- Explosives and explosive devices require a permit from the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs.
- Medication containing narcotic and psychotropic substances requires a permit from the Drug Regulatory Authority.
- Religious artefacts require a permit from the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs.
Information has been updated: .