Smoking in Bhutan

Smoking in Bhutan

Smoking in Bhutan is strictly regulated because Bhutan is famous for being one of the most smoke-free countries in the world. To keep its air clean and its people healthy, the government has created very strict rules. If you are a traveler who uses tobacco, it is very important to understand how Smoking in Bhutan works so you can avoid big fines.

Here is a very simple, detailed guide to staying safe and following the law.

1. Bringing Tobacco into the Country

In the past, Bhutan banned the sale of tobacco entirely. Today, it is legal to have it, but you cannot bring it in secretly.

• The Customs Rule: When you arrive at Paro Airport or a land border, you must tell the officers if you have cigarettes, cigars, or rolling tobacco. This is called “declaring” your goods.
• Paying the Tax: Because Bhutan wants to discourage smoking, they charge a high tax (usually 100%). You will pay this at the border.
• The Most Important Paper: Once you pay the tax, the officer will give you an official receipt. You must keep this receipt with you at all times—treat it as importantly as your passport. If a police officer sees you smoking in a legal area, they have the right to ask for this receipt. If you don’t have it, you can be fined Nu 10,000 (about $120 USD) on the spot.
• Monthly Limits: For personal use, you are allowed to carry up to 800 cigarettes, 150 cigars, or 150 grams of other tobacco products.

2. Where You Are Allowed to Smoke

The rules for Smoking in Bhutan are very different from most other countries. You almost never smoke outdoors in public.

• Public Ban: You are not allowed to smoke in any public places. This includes city parks, sidewalks, streets, and markets. It is also strictly banned in all government offices, schools, hospitals, and on all public transport like buses or taxis.
• Religious Sites: Bhutan is a very spiritual country. Smoking near a monastery, a temple, or any holy site is considered very disrespectful and is strictly illegal.
• Designated Smoking Areas: You are only allowed to smoke in specific private zones approved for Smoking in Bhutan.

1. Hotels: Most hotels have designated smoking rooms or hidden outdoor areas.
2. Bars and Clubs: Some bars in Thimphu or Paro allow smoking in specific sections.
3. Private Spaces: Smoking in private homes or vehicles is allowed under the Smoking in Bhutan rules.

3. Buying Tobacco in Bhutan

You will not see cigarettes sold in normal grocery stores or displayed in shop windows. Advertising tobacco is also illegal.

• Duty-Free Shops: The safest and most common place to buy tobacco is at a Bhutan Duty-Free outlet. These are usually found in larger towns like Thimphu.
• Licensed Sellers: There are some private shops licensed to sell tobacco, but they keep the products hidden behind the counter. You usually have to ask the shopkeeper directly.

4. Understanding the Penalties

Bhutan takes Smoking in Bhutan regulations very seriously to protect public health.

• Fines: If you are caught smoking on a public street or in a park, you will be fined. The most common fine for tourists is for not having a tax receipt.
• Smuggling vs. Personal Use: In 2026, the laws are much friendlier to tourists than they used to be. You will not go to jail for having a few packs of cigarettes for yourself. Jail time is only for “smugglers”—people who bring in thousands of cigarettes to sell them secretly to make money. As long as you declare your tobacco and pay the tax, you are legally safe.

5. Simple Tips for Your Trip

• Ask Your Guide: Your tour guide is your best friend in Bhutan. Before you light a cigarette, always ask them, “Is it okay to smoke here?”  They will show you the correct spot.
• Vaping: If you use an e-cigarette or a vape, the same rules apply. You must declare it at customs and only use it in designated smoking areas.
• Be Discreet: Even in areas where it is legal, try to be quiet and private about smoking. Many Bhutanese people do not smoke and appreciate it when visitors are respectful of the fresh mountain air.

Quick Summary Checklist:

• Declare all tobacco at the customs desk when you arrive.
• Pay the tax and get your official receipt.
• Keep that receipt in your wallet every single day.
• Only smoke in your hotel’s designated area or inside a bar.
• Never smoke on the street, in a park, or near a temple.

By following these simple rules for Smoking in Bhutan, you can enjoy the stunning Himalayan scenery and the kind culture of the country without any legal trouble.