Under the guidance of His Majesty The King, hard work and dedication of our frontliners, and support and cooperation of the people, we achieved significant milestones in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Six months after the relaxation of restrictions and adoption of the “Protection Strategy”, the overall pandemic situation in the country is under control. The evidence so far suggests that it is safe to consider further relaxations, while continuing vaccination and strengthening clinical care.

With low virulence of the virus and high vaccination coverage today, the end of the pandemic is in sight. However, until the pandemic is declared over, the Ministry of Health will continue to monitor and strengthen active surveillance for new variants to inform national COVID-19 policy.

Therefore, we would like to notify the general public and all implementing agencies at all formal points of entry of the following requirements for all incoming travelers with effect from September 23, 2022:

1. There will be  NO COVID -19 testing  requirement for inbound travelers. However, all individuals (12 years and above) entering Bhutan may be subjected to random RT-PCR testing at the formal points of entry or at the worksite to maintain COVID-19 surveillance for new variants. No fee shall be charged for the RT-PCR testing for surveillance;
2. The employers of the foreign workers and day workers shall ensure that their employees are fully vaccinated and in case of unvaccinated individuals, vaccines shall be provided by MOH through the health facility at a cost;
3. Full vaccination is defined as two doses of any vaccine with a two-dose schedule or a single dose of any vaccine with a single-dose schedule;
4. Individuals who test positive shall follow the five-day isolation protocol (without having to test at the end of the isolation period). In case of non-Bhutanese who test positive, they must pay for isolation and treatment, if needed; and
5. All escort services currently provided to travelers in the border areas shall be discontinued.

General public health measures:

1. All symptomatic individuals are encouraged to come forward for testing in the health facilities (or flu clinic) to enhance disease surveillance not just for COVID-19 but also for other respiratory diseases of concern;
2. The use of face masks is recommended for individuals having flu-like symptoms and people with comorbidities; and
3. Hand washing will be continuously advocated and recommended to prevent not only COVID-19 but other communicable diseases.