The India-Bhutan border gates at Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu reopened for tourists today. The border gates opened for the first time since the outbreak of the deadly Covid-19 virus.
The announcement to reopen the border gates was made last week when a meeting was held between a Bhutanese delegation headed by Tashi Penjor, Director (Law and Order), Home and Culture Ministry of Bhutan and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) officials.
The Bhutan government has declared the reopening of border gates after 2 and half years in view of the improvement in the Covid-19 pandemic situation. The reopening of the border gates will resume trade activities, commerce and official transit between India and Bhutan.
Director Tashi Penjor said, “The Government of Bhutan has officially announced that the international border with India will be opened on Sept 23 as Covid cases have subsided. We are preparing to open the border and give visitors a good experience.”
Director Tashi Penjor said, “Over the last two-and-half years, many officials on both sides have changed and we were not able to meet and establish friendship and person-to-person contacts which are essential for people residing along the border areas of the two countries. We look forward to more such visits.”
Additionally, Tashi Penjor invited Indian visitors to explore various regions after entering Bhutan through the Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar gates. Earlier, Bhutan only allowed entry through Paro and Phuentsholing but now three more entry gates have been added for tourists.
From today, travellers visiting Bhutan will only need to show Covid-19 vaccination certificate. According to the Ambassador of Bhutan, Major General Vetsop Namgyel, visitors will not have to be quarantined anymore and there will be no covid tests upon arrival.
The Bhutan government has developed a Standard Operating Procedure to ensure smooth transit for travellers. The country is also planning to organize eco-tourism, bird-watching and other packages for visitors. Recently, the Tourism Council of Bhutan also declared that it is looking forward to revamp the tourism sector in their country. Their goal would be to focus on infrastructure and services, the travel experiences of tourists, and the sector’s environmental impact.
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