Country Guide: Bhutan

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Copy Passport
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
• Letter of Employment (must include dates of employment)
• Resident Visa / Work Visa
• Import Permit obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Detailed inventory
• Diplomatic Franchise (Diplomats)
• Receipts of Purchase (if new items are included in the shipment)

 

Specific Information

• All shipments are subject to inspection, except diplomatic shipments.
• Shippers must be present during Customs clearance.
• Returning citizens are exempt from taxes subject to completion and availability of the required documents for entry (Passport, OBL / AWB, Letter of Employment, IKEC, and BSTEC).
• Diplomats, personnel of the United Nations and its agencies, personnel of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Embassy employees with non-diplomatic status may import used household goods duty free.
• The IDEC and BSTEC are issued by the Department of Revenue and Customs in Thimphu upon request and submission of the documents required for entry and import.
• An Import License is required for shipment through the Kolkata Port per treaty between India and Bhutan.
• Household goods and personal effects may be imported in small quantities only.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Original Certificate of Title / Registration
• OBL
• Original Purchase Invoice
• Proof of Insurance

 

Specific Information

• Only privileged personnel of foreign diplomatic Missions and international agencies may import or acquire new, used, and second-hand vehicles within 12 months of arrival in Bhutan duty free.
• Contact the destination agent for additional information

Pets

Documents Required

• Vaccination Record
• Veterinary Health Certificate

 

Specific Information

• Check with the destination agent for regulations and requirements regarding the importation of pets as transportation options are limited.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Alcohol (2 L; 200% taxes and duties; however, alcohol is available in duty-free shops)
• Cigarettes(20 packs)
• Firearms (permission is required from the Royal Bhutan Army prior to import)
• Second-hand vehicles (only privileged Missions and Embassies may import)
• Drugs (drugs by medical prescription are permitted)
• Electronic goods (photographic equipment, video cameras, etc. are exempt from Customs duties but must be declared upon arrival)

Prohibited Items

• Explosives
• Military equipment
• Pornographic and subversive materials
• Antiques
• All narcotics and drugs (medically-prescribed drugs pare permitted)
• All wildlife products, including those from endangered species

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

 

 

 

Helpful Website(s):

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1068.html

http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/nivconsdist.html

 

Note: Bhutan is a land-locked country with no U.S. Embassy. Consular issues, including assistance to U.S. citizens are handled by the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India.