Bhutan border reopens after 3 years. The India-Bhutan border will reopen on Friday for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic struck, after a nearly two-and-a-half-year wait. On the other hand, The closure of the gates of Samdrup Jhongkhar, the east-Bhutan headquarters on the border of today’s Tamulpur district, had resulted in the town’s the trade and commerce structure collapsing.
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On September 14, this year, Tashi Penjore, Bhutan’s Director (law and order) of the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, met with officials from the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
“The Government of Bhutan has officially announced that the international border with India will be opened on September 23 as Covid cases have subsided,” Tashi Panjore said. We are preparing to open the border and provide a pleasant experience for visitors.”
The wait is finally over. The gates are open. ✈️
After a two-year pandemic break, Bhutan is all set to reopen to international tourism without quarantine from tomorrow,September 23rd 2022..
.#bhutan #tourism pic.twitter.com/oooN6mrRk7— Inside_bhutan_ (@inside_bhutan) September 22, 2022
The official Twitter page of Bhutan Tourism tweeted “Into a timeless pristine land of lores; With a cool climate and warm hearts. With a deeply rooted culture with an eye on the future. Welcome back to this land of happiness and possibility. Welcome to #Bhutan
#Bhutanbelieve #BhutanIsForYou #VisitBhutan #BhutanReopening”
Into a timeless pristine land of lores; With a cool climate and warm hearts. With a deeply rooted culture with an eye on the future. Welcome back to this land of happiness and possibility. Welcome to #Bhutan #Bhutanbelieve #BhutanIsForYou #VisitBhutan #BhutanReopening pic.twitter.com/4TUM0hbX7U
— Tourism Bhutan (@tourismbhutan) September 23, 2022
On 20th September, a newly-constructed pedestrian terminal in Phuentsholing was inaugurated by Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering.
𝗣𝘂𝗺𝗼𝗹𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝗸𝗲
Enjoy a mild pleasant hike to #Pumola Lhakhang in Thimphu. Don’t forget to enjoy the popular ‘instagramable swing’, immersing yourself into the scenic beauty of #Thimphu valley. However, be mindful while you enjoy the swing or take pictures. #bhutan #travel pic.twitter.com/OGMoDpq3Dn— Tourism Bhutan (@tourismbhutan) August 11, 2022
According to reports, beginning September 23, the pedestrian terminal will document and regulate all foreigners and Bhutanese entry and exit in accordance with border management and border control norms and requirements. After presenting proof of identity (voter card or passport) and completing immigration formalities at the terminal, Indian nationals will be permitted to visit Phuentsholing.
Indian-registered vehicles will also be permitted to enter the designated zone free of charge. However, if such vehicles enter the designated zone, they must pay Nu 4,500 per day.
Meanwhile, for Indian tourists above 18 years of age, having a valid passport or voter card with six months of validity is mandatory for entry. For those below 18 years of age, who do not have a passport or an Epic card, a birth certificate is required. Similarly, the same rule applies to those traveling by air. In this case, an entry permit will be generated at Paro International Airport.
