Moderate riskAsia · Southern AsiaBhutan Travel Health Guide
Moderate risk
Bhutan carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in some parts of Bhutan. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure all your routine vaccines are current before traveling, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for most travelers to Bhutan. Special timing and dosing considerations apply for infants, older adults, and those with medical conditions.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may choose to get vaccinated.
Measles
Measles vaccine (MMR) is strongly recommended for all international travelers due to rising cases worldwide. Infants 6-11 months need an early dose.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers to Bhutan, especially if visiting rural areas or staying with local contacts.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for long-term travelers (over a month) or those doing outdoor activities in rural areas. Not needed for short urban trips.
Rabies
Consider rabies vaccination before travel if you'll be around animals or in remote areas. Rabies treatment may only be available in larger medical facilities in Bhutan.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for travel to Bhutan and is not required for entry.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists in some parts of Bhutan. Take antimalarial medication as prescribed and continue taking it after returning home.
Altitude Sickness
Himalayan trails (up to 5,000m+); trekking permits require gradual itineraries.
Traveler's Diarrhea
All areas; rural areas pose higher risk.
Malaria risk
Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists in some parts of Bhutan. Take antimalarial medication as prescribed and continue taking it after returning home.
Emergency numbers
Police
113
Medical / Ambulance
112
Fire
110
U.S. Embassy
+91-11-2419-8000
Bhutan travel health FAQ
Do I need vaccines to travel to Bhutan?▼
For travel to Bhutan, Routine Vaccines is required for entry; COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles and Typhoid are recommended; Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies and Yellow Fever may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.
Is there malaria in Bhutan?▼
Yes — malaria is present in Bhutan. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for most travelers, alongside insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.
Is it safe to travel to Bhutan?▼
From a travel-health standpoint, Bhutan is currently rated moderate risk. Bhutan carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in some parts of Bhutan. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
What are the emergency phone numbers in Bhutan?▼
Key emergency numbers in Bhutan are Police 113, Medical / Ambulance 112, Fire 110 and U.S. Embassy +91-11-2419-8000. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.
More country guides
AfghanistanModerate riskAfghanistan carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in areas below 2,500 meters elevation from April to December. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
BangladeshModerate riskBangladesh carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in specific areas of Bangladesh but not in Dhaka. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
IndiaHigh riskIndia carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria is present throughout India below 2,000m elevation, including major cities. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.