Before You Arrive
Customs Regulations
Bhutan's customs regulations are straightforward, but knowing them in advance ensures your arrival and departure are smooth and stress-free. Here is everything you need to know.
Arriving in Bhutan
At Paro Airport, arriving passengers pass through either the Green Channel (nothing to declare) or the Red Channel (dutiable goods to declare). Baggage inspections are carried out randomly on both channels. False declarations are subject to fines and penalties, so honesty is always the wisest course.
Each visitor may import the following free of customs duty and tax: used personal effects and one bottle of alcoholic beverage (not more than one liter).
If you carry dutiable goods for personal use, you must declare them on the passenger arrival form. These items will be verified upon departure — if any declared item is missing, duty and taxes will be charged at the prevailing market rate in Bhutan.
Prohibited Imports
The following items are strictly prohibited from being brought into Bhutan:
1. Narcotics, psychotropic drugs, and controlled substances
2. Pornographic materials
3. Arms, ammunition, and explosives (without prior government authorization)
4. Wildlife products, skins, or specimens of endangered species listed under CITES
5. Plants and soil (without phytosanitary certification)
Departing Bhutan
When leaving Bhutan, the following items are prohibited from export:
1. Antiques and artifacts of cultural or historical significance
2. Wildlife products, skins, or specimens of endangered species
3. Narcotics and controlled substances
4. Arms, ammunition, and explosives
If you have purchased artwork, textiles, or handicrafts during your visit, you may be asked to show a receipt. Items that could be mistaken for antiques may require a clearance certificate from the Department of Culture — your guide can help arrange this if needed.
Currency Regulations
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you may bring into Bhutan, but amounts exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent) should be declared upon arrival. The Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu) cannot be taken out of the country. Foreign currency can be exchanged at Paro Airport, Bank of Bhutan, and Bhutan National Bank in Paro and Thimphu. Unused Ngultrums can be converted back to foreign currency at the airport upon departure, provided you retain your exchange receipt.
A Word of Assurance
Bhutanese customs officials are professional and courteous. If you are traveling with Pelyab Tours, your guide will be waiting for you just beyond customs to welcome you and assist with any questions. The process is typically quick and efficient — within minutes, you will be through the formalities and breathing the crisp mountain air of the Paro Valley.
The formalities are brief.
What lies beyond them is extraordinary.