South Asia
Is Bhutan safe?
L1Exercise normal precautions
Is Bhutan safe?
Among Asia's safest countries; crime is rare. The hazards are winding mountain roads, monsoon landslides, altitude on treks and stray dogs.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2025-10-19.
- Homicide rate: 2.5 per 100,000 people (2020, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 16.2 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 113 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 110 · Tourist police 2300.
- Solo women: Very safe for women; harassment is rare. You'll be with a guide most of the time anyway.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Landslides and road closures, June–September
- Altitude sickness on high treks
- Stray dogs, especially at night; rabies risk
Laws visitors break by accident
- Smoking is banned in public places, and tobacco you bring in is limited and taxed.
- Tourists generally can't bring or fly drones without an advance permit.
- Exporting antiques or religious artefacts is illegal; non-antique crafts need an export permit.
Safety by place in Bhutan
Quick answers
Is Bhutan safe for tourists?
Among Asia's safest countries; crime is rare. The hazards are winding mountain roads, monsoon landslides, altitude on treks and stray dogs.
Is Bhutan safe for solo female travelers?
Very safe for women; harassment is rare. You'll be with a guide most of the time anyway.
What is the emergency number in Bhutan?
Police 113 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 110 · Tourist police 2300.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Bhutan Travel: Visa
- Bhutan Travel: FAQs (SDF, guides, payments)
- TashiCell Tourist SIM
- Druk Ride
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.