Bhutan has recently made a significant change in its tourism policy by lifting the mandatory requirement of travel insurance for tourists. This requirement, initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to address unforeseen emergencies, including medical expenses related to the pandemic, has been removed.

The Department of Tourism Bhutan announced this decision in a notification dated April 23, 2024. The move aims to streamline travel procedures for tourists visiting the country.

While the mandatory requirement of travel insurance is no longer in place for visa processing, tourists are still encouraged to possess travel insurance as a precautionary measure in case of any unexpected emergencies associated with international travel. This recommendation underscores the importance of being prepared for unforeseen circumstances despite the policy change.