Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Bhutan Tightens Tourist Lodging Rules, North Bengal Welcomes Move
Bhutan has made new rules about where tourists can spend the night.
Tourists must use accommodations approved and certified by the Department of Tourism.
The rules also cover camping and other outdoor stays.
Staying in private homes or unauthorized open areas is not allowed.
Property owners may be fined if they host tourists without approval.
Approved accommodations must display and renew a valid star-rating certificate.
Bhutan says the policy is meant to improve visitor safety, hospitality and service quality.
Tourism stakeholders in North Bengal support the change because they expect it to make stays safer and better.
Bhutan’s Department of Tourism says tourists may stay only at approved and certified accommodations or designated sites.
The rules cover tourist night halts, camping and outdoor stays across Bhutan.
Overnight stays at non-certified premises, private properties or unauthorized open areas are prohibited.
Owners may be fined for building or operating tourist accommodations without prior approval and required formalities.
North Bengal tourism stakeholders welcomed the policy, citing improved visitor safety and service quality.
- Who
- Bhutan’s Department of Tourism issued the notification, and North Bengal tourism stakeholders welcomed it.
- What
- Bhutan restricted tourist overnight stays to Department of Tourism-approved and certified accommodations or designated sites.
- When
- The notification was issued on August 26; the year was not specified.
- Where
- Across Bhutan, including accommodation, camping and outdoor-stay sites.
- Why
- The stated aims are to ensure visitor safety, promote authentic hospitality and maintain quality standards.
- Issuing authority
- Bhutan’s Department of Tourism, under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment
- Notification date
- August 26; the year was not specified
- Covered stays
- Tourist night halts, camping and outdoor stays
- Permitted locations
- Department of Tourism-approved and certified accommodations or designated sites
- Prohibited locations
- Non-certified premises, private properties and unauthorized open areas
- Penalties
- Property owners may be fined for constructing or operating tourist accommodations without prior approval and required formalities
- Certification requirement
- Approved establishments must display and timely renew a valid star-rating certificate
- Legal framework
- The notification was issued in accordance with Bhutan’s Tourism Rules and Regulations of 2024
