Bhutan imposes temporary travel ban after COVID-19 detection

Following detection of the first COVID-19 case in Bhutan on Friday, the government has imposed a two-week restriction on all incoming tourists.

Two airlines in the country will start restricting incoming tourists as per the government. The government has also announced that all international conferences and seminars scheduled to hold in Bhutan will be postponed.

A 76-year-old U.S. tourist, who arrived in the country from India on Monday, tested positive for COVID-19, Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering said on Friday.

Drukair, the state-owned airline, said in a statement that no tourists except those on official travel and holding resident permits will be allowed to board the flight to Bhutan from Friday till March 20.

The airline urged official and resident permit holders to obtain official documents from the related agency without which the airline will have to deny boarding the passenger.

"The airline will provide full refund to all affected passengers," said the airline.