General Information
Sep 25 - 27 (2024)
- Venue: Le Meridien, Thimphu
General Information for Funded Delegates
Event Venue and Accommodation
Venue for the Regional Seminar and Public Integrity Network (PIN) will be held at:
Tshokhang I
-
Le Méridien Hotel
Chorten Lam, P.O. Box 01286, Thimphu, Bhutan - +975 2 337788
- http://www.lemeridienthimphu.com
Venue for the Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Law Enforcement Network will be held at:
Tshokhang II
-
Le Méridien Hotel
Chorten Lam, P.O. Box 01286, Thimphu, Bhutan - +975 2 337788
- http://www.lemeridienthimphu.com
Accommodation for the delegates will be at:
-
Le Méridien Hotel
Chorten Lam, P.O. Box 01286, Thimphu, Bhutan - +975 2 337788
- http://www.lemeridienthimphu.com
The Secretariat of the Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific will cover the cost of your return air ticket in economy class and accommodation with complimentary breakfast. Upon registration, the Secretariat will arrange your flight tickets and hotel booking at the Le Méridien, Thimphu. Please note that you are responsible for all incidental charges, such as phone calls, mini bar, and TV charges. Please settle these charges upon check-out.
Visa and Route Permits
All delegates attending the regional seminar will require entry visa to Bhutan, except as mentioned below:
- Nationals of India are eligible for an Entry Permit at the port of entry and must produce either a passport or voter card;
- Nationals of Bangladesh and Maldives are eligible for a visa on arrival and must produce a national passport valid for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan;
- Nationals of Thailand and Switzerland holding Diplomatic/Official passports are eligible for a visa on arrival and must produce a national passport that is valid for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan; and
- Nationals of SAARC countries issued with a valid SAARC Visa Exemption Sticker on their national passport do not require prior visa/entry permit clearance.
The Royal Government of Bhutan will waive the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for all delegates and speakers for the Regional Seminar for a maximum of five (05) nights of stay in Bhutan, including three (03) nights to attend the Regional Seminar from 25-29 September 2024. Delegates and speakers staying beyond those dates will need to apply for a tourist visa on their personal account through this website.
Visa fee of Nu. 5000 (approximately USD 40) per person is applicable for delegates holding ordinary passports during the time of visa processing.
Route Permit must be processed for movement outside of Thimphu and Paro. In case the delegates wish stay back for leisure program after the Regional Seminar on 28 September 2024, the delegates are advised to submit a duly filled route permit form: click here.
As the host for the Regional Seminar, the ACC will advise and facilitate in the issuance of visas and route permit. To facilitate this, delegates will be asked to submit the following documents to the Secretariat:
- Copy of applicant passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan;
- Duly completed visa application form. click here; and
- Recent passport photo.
Airlines, Airport, and Baggage Transfer
Airport
The best way to get to Bhutan is through Bangkok (BKK), Delhi (DEL), and Kathmandu (KTM). Paro International Airport (PBH) is the only international airport in Bhutan. It is located 49 km (30.45 miles) from the Capital (Thimphu) and is about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car to Le Méridien Hotel, Thimphu.
Airline
There are only two airlines operating to/from Paro International Airport, namely ‘Drukair’ and ‘Bhutan Airlines’. Since September month is a peak tourist season in Bhutan, obtaining tickets may be a challenge. Furthermore, please note that Drukair and Bhutan Airlines doesn’t have code-sharing with any other airlines.
Luggage Information
If you are traveling via Delhi and Kathmandu, you must go through immigration, collect your luggage, recheck your luggage at the Drukair/Bhutan Airlines counters and go through immigration and security check again before boarding your flight to Paro. Please double-check if you will require a transit visa for India and Nepal before boarding the plane to Delhi or Kathmandu.
If you are traveling through Bangkok, you will not need to recheck your luggage. You can show your luggage tag to the Drukair/Bhutan Airlines staff in the transfer counter in the transit area. Drukair/Bhutan Airlines will transfer your luggage to your onward flight to Paro. Please note that Drukair/Bhutan Airlines counter opens three (03) hours ahead of the flight for luggage recheck.
Transportation
The ACC officials will be at the airport to receive the delegates. At the arrival section of the airport, kindly look for the ACC officials holding a placard with the message, “Regional Seminar of the ADB/OECD ACI for Asia & the Pacific, 25-27 September 2024”.
Customs and Immigration Guidelines
Bhutan is a tobacco-free country, and it is prohibited to smoke in public places. A person may import tobacco or tobacco products for personal consumption only as per the following permissible quantity: 800 sticks of cigarettes; or 1200 sticks of bidis; or 150 pieces of cigars; or 750 grams of other tobacco or tobacco products upon 100% tax payment of the value of the product.
For more details on customs restriction, please visit: https://www.paroairport.com/passenger-guide/custom-immigration
Food and Beverage
Breakfast
Hotel accommodation at Le Méridien Hotel includes complimentary breakfast. Complimentary breakfast is served at Latest Recipe Restaurant (at the lobby). Details of other hotels will be communicated directly to delegates upon reservation.
Lunches and Dinners
Lunches are arranged by the Royal Government of Bhutan and will be served at the meeting/seminar rooms, Le Méridien Hotel, on 25-27 September. A Reception Dinner for the Regional Seminar and Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Law Enforcement Network delegates will be hosted by the Chairperson of the ACC on 26 September at 6:30 PM. A cultural show and Gala Dinner will be hosted by the Royal Government of Bhutan on 27 September at 6:30 PM.
Coffee breaks
Coffee, tea, and snacks, offered by the host, will be served during morning and afternoon breaks outside the meeting/seminar rooms.
Communication
There are two Telecommunication Service Provider (TSP) viz. ‘B-Mobile’ and ‘TashiCell’ currently operating in the country. Delegates can purchase a SIM card from either of the above two TSPs at the Airport upon arrival and will have to be paid in Ngultrum. The ACC officials will be there to assist in getting the SIM card.
Payment and Money Exchange
Currency
The unit of currency is Ngultrum (Nu.). The current exchange rate (as of 05 August 2024) is approximately 1 USD = 85.1 Nu.
Hotel Payment
Most of the hotel accepts Visa and MasterCard unless it is mentioned at the back of the card(s) that it is restricted in Bhutan & Nepal. If so, before travelling to Bhutan, kindly request your bank to grant the permission to access your card(s) for the transactions in Bhutan. Nonetheless, we strongly recommend carrying hard cash in case of exigencies. The hotel will also accept payment in cash at the prevailing exchange rate of the Royal Monetary Authority.
Money Change
Participants can exchange for Ngultrum at the Airport upon arrival at the prevailing exchange rate of the Royal Monetary Authority. Delegates will need to show their passport.
The Exchange Counters will accept most of the currencies. However, during departure, if the delegate wishes to exchange Ngultrum back to respective currencies, the counter may provide in USD or preferred currency, depending on the availability of the currency. For more details please visit: https://www.paroairport.com/airport-facilities/atm-currency-exchange
Other Information
Language
The country’s national language is Dzongkha. English is widely spoken and understood in Bhutan. The meeting and regional seminar sessions will be conducted in English. The documentation will also be issued in English in soft wherever possible.
Time
Bhutan Standard Time is 6:00 hours ahead of GMT with sun rise at 05:51 AM and sunset at 05:51 PM.
Electricity
Power is supplied at 230 Volts. The standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power sockets that are used are of type D / F / G.
Climate and Weather
Thimphu, the Capital City of Bhutan, is situated at about 2300 meters above sea level. September is an autumn season, which spans from September through November and is characterized with bright sunny days. The average temperature in Thimphu in the month of September ranges from 15 – 23 degree Celsius. Delegates are advised to bring warm clothing.
Public transport
Taxis and City buses are available to go around Thimphu.
Sightseeing in Thimphu
The ACC Bhutan will coordinate following trips at the delegate’s own expenses (personal account of both funded and self-funded delegates): a hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s nest temple) or a trip to Punakha (other city) on 28 September 2024 after the Seminar. Transportation will be provided by the host (ACC), but all other expenses i.e. entrance fees, food, accommodation, and extra nights in Bhutan will be paid by the delegates. Kindly confirm with Mr. Rinchen Namgay of ACC.
Emergency Contacts
Please note the following contacts during your stay in Bhutan:
Mr. Rinchen Namgay, Tel: +975 17564458; email: rnamgay@acc.org.bt
Ms. Tashi Choden, Tel: +975 77370728; email: tchoden@acc.org.bt
Mr. Sangay Thinley, Tel: +975 17362768; email: sthinley@acc.org.bt
Disclaimer
The Secretariat of the Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific provides this information solely as a resource for its users. Neither ADB nor OECD guarantees the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of this information, and will not be liable in any capacity for damages or losses to the user that may result from the use of this information. Special thanks to ACC Bhutan for providing important information in this document.
The Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific
Regional Seminar on Government Incentives for Corporate Anti-Corruption Compliance and Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Law Enforcement Practitioners Network
25 – 27 September 2024 | Le Méridien, Thimphu, Bhutan
General Information for Self-Funded Delegates
Event Venue and Accommodation
Venue for the Regional Seminar and Public Integrity Network (PIN) will be held at:
Tshokhang I
-
Le Méridien Hotel
Chorten Lam, P.O. Box 01286, Thimphu, Bhutan - +975 2 337788
- http://www.lemeridienthimphu.com
Venue for the Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Law Enforcement Network will be held at:
Tshokhang II
-
Le Méridien Hotel
Chorten Lam, P.O. Box 01286, Thimphu, Bhutan - +975 2 337788
- http://www.lemeridienthimphu.com
Accommodation for the delegates will be at:
-
Le Méridien Hotel
Chorten Lam, P.O. Box 01286, Thimphu, Bhutan - +975 2 337788
- http://www.lemeridienthimphu.com
For self-funded delegates, the negotiated rate per night for a standard room with complimentary breakfast is US Dollar 250.00 plus 10% service charge and 10% Bhutan Sales Tax, or approximately US Dollar 300.00. Upon receipt of your registration form, the Secretariat, in coordination with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bhutan, will reserve a standard room for you on your personal account. Since the event is during a peak season in Bhutan, advance payment will be applicable. Kindly note that reservation will only be confirmed upon receipt of advance payment by the hotel. After reservation, full charge will be imposed in the event of cancellation, no-show or amendments made after 10 September 2024. Self-funded delegates who prefer to stay in another hotel may contact the ACC Bhutan.
Visa and Route Permits
All delegates attending the regional seminar will require entry visa to Bhutan, except as mentioned below:
- Nationals of India are eligible for an Entry Permit at the port of entry and must produce either a passport or voter card;
- Nationals of Bangladesh and Maldives are eligible for a visa on arrival and must produce a national passport valid for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan;
- Nationals of Thailand and Switzerland holding Diplomatic/Official passports are eligible for a visa on arrival and must produce a national passport that is valid for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan; and
- Nationals of SAARC countries issued with a valid SAARC Visa Exemption Sticker on their national passport do not require prior visa/entry permit clearance.
The Royal Government of Bhutan will waive the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for all delegates and speakers for the Regional Seminar for a maximum of five (05) nights of stay in Bhutan, including three (03) nights to attend the Regional Seminar on from 25-29 September 2024. Delegates and speakers staying beyond those dates will need to apply for a tourist visa on their personal account through this website.
All the delegates are advised to submit the following documents with your visa application at least two weeks before your departure:
- Copy of applicant passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan;
- Duly completed visa application form. click here; and
- Recent passport photo.
Visa fee of Nu. 5000(USD 40)/- per person is applicable for delegates holding ordinary passports during the time of visa processing.
Route Permit must be processed for movement outside of Thimphu and Paro. In case the delegates wish stay back for leisure program after the Regional Seminar on 28 September 2024, the delegates are advised to submit a duly filled route permit form: click here and submit to the ACC Bhutan for processing not later than one week before arrival.
As the host for the Regional Seminar, the ACC will advise and facilitate in the issuance of visas and route permit. Kindly contact Mr. Rinchen Namgay, ACC of Bhutan, Phone: +975 17564458 and Email: rnamgay@acc.org.bt.
Airlines, Airport, and Baggage Transfer
Airport
The best way to get to Bhutan is through Bangkok (BKK), Delhi (DEL), and Kathmandu (KTM). Paro International Airport (PBH) is the only international airport in Bhutan. It is located 49 km (30.45 miles) from the Capital (Thimphu) and is about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car to Le Méridien Hotel, Thimphu.
Airline
There are only two airlines operating to/from Paro International Airport, namely ‘Drukair’ and ‘Bhutan Airlines’. Since September month is a peak tourist season in Bhutan, obtaining tickets may be a challenge. Furthermore, please note that Drukair and Bhutan Airlines doesn’t have code-sharing with any other airlines.
For flight reservations, self-funded delegates are advised to contact Mr. Rinchen Namgay of ACC Bhutan immediately upon registration. The ACC strongly recommends the delegates connect on international flights (if applicable) via Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport at the latest on 25 September 2024 due to more frequency of flight between Paro and Bangkok. Following is the tentative flight schedule:
Airline | Arrival on 25 September 2024 | Departure on 28 September 2024 | ||||
From BKK to PBH | From DEL to PBH | From KTM to PBH | From PBH to BKK | From PBH to DEL | From PBH to KTM | |
Drukair | Departure: 05:00 AM Arrival: 07:15 AM | Departure: 12:30 PM Arrival: 15:20 PM | Departure: 09:10 AM Arrival: 10:30 AM | Departure: 16:20 PM Arrival: 20:30 PM | Departure: 09:40 AM Arrival: 11:30 AM | Departure: 07:10 AM Arrival: 08:10 AM |
Bhutan Airlines | Departure: 06:30 AM Arrival: 09:55 AM | Departure: 12:10 PM Arrival: 15:50 PM | Departure: 14:35 PM Arrival: 15:50 PM | Departure: 10:35 AM Arrival: 16:05 PM | Departure: 08:20 AM Arrival: 11:10 AM | Departure: 08:20 AM Arrival: 09:15 AM |
Air Fare
Fare is subject to change at the time of ticket issuance. Taxes may vary for travelers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Luggage Information
If you are traveling via Delhi and Kathmandu, you must go through immigration, collect your luggage, recheck your luggage at the Drukair/Bhutan Airlines counters and go through immigration and security check again before boarding your flight to Paro. Please double-check if you will require a transit visa for India and Nepal before boarding the plane to Delhi or Kathmandu.
If you are traveling through Bangkok, you will not need to recheck your luggage. You can show your luggage tag to the Drukair/Bhutan Airlines staff in the transfer counter in the transit area. Drukair/Bhutan Airlines will transfer your luggage to your onward flight to Paro. Please note that Drukair/Bhutan Airlines counter opens three (03) hours ahead of the flight for luggage recheck.
Transportation
The ACC has arranged the airport transfers for all the delegates. We encourage you to confirm your arrival and departure flight schedules with the ACC at least seven (7) working days before your arrival date to ensure proper arrangements of your airport transfers.
The ACC officials will be at the airport to receive the delegates. At the arrival section of the airport, kindly look for the ACC officials holding a placard with the message, “Regional Seminar of the ADB/OECD ACI for Asia & the Pacific, 25-27 September 2024”.
Customs and Immigration Guidelines
Bhutan is a tobacco-free country, and it is prohibited to smoke in public places. A person may import tobacco or tobacco products for personal consumption only as per the following permissible quantity: 800 sticks of cigarettes; or 1200 sticks of bidis; or 150 pieces of cigars; or 750 grams of other tobacco or tobacco products upon 100% tax payment of the value of the product.
For more details on customs restriction, please visit: https://www.paroairport.com/passenger-guide/custom-immigration
Food and Beverage
Breakfast
Hotel accommodation at Le Méridien Hotel includes complimentary breakfast. Complimentary breakfast is served at Latest Recipe Restaurant (at the lobby). Details of other hotels will be communicated directly to delegates upon reservation.
Lunches and Dinners
Lunches are arranged by the Royal Government of Bhutan and will be served at the meeting/seminar rooms, Le Méridien Hotel, on 25-27 September. A Reception Dinner for the Regional Seminar and Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Law Enforcement Network delegates will be hosted by the Chairperson of the ACC on 26 September at 6:30 PM. A cultural show and Gala Dinner will be hosted by the Royal Government of Bhutan on 27 September at 6:30 PM.
Coffee breaks
Coffee, tea, and snacks, offered by the host, will be served during morning and afternoon breaks outside the meeting/seminar rooms.
Communication
There are two Telecommunication Service Provider (TSP) viz. ‘B-Mobile’ and ‘TashiCell’ currently operating in the country. Delegates can purchase a SIM card from either of the above two TSPs at the Airport upon arrival and will have to be paid in Ngultrum. The ACC officials will be there to assist in getting the SIM card.
Payment and Money Exchange
Currency
The unit of currency is Ngultrum (Nu.). The current exchange rate (as of 05 August 2024) is approximately 1 USD = 85.1 Nu.
Hotel Payment
Most of the hotel accepts Visa and MasterCard unless it is mentioned at the back of the card(s) that it is restricted in Bhutan & Nepal. If so, before travelling to Bhutan, kindly request your bank to grant the permission to access your card(s) for the transactions in Bhutan. Nonetheless, we strongly recommend carrying hard cash in case of exigencies. The hotel will also accept payment in cash at the prevailing exchange rate of the Royal Monetary Authority.
Money Change
Participants can exchange for Ngultrum at the Airport upon arrival at the prevailing exchange rate of the Royal Monetary Authority. Delegates will need to show their passport.
The Exchange Counters will accept most of the currencies. However, during departure, if the delegate wishes to exchange Ngultrum back to respective currencies, the counter may provide in USD or preferred currency, depending on the availability of the currency. For more details please visit: https://www.paroairport.com/airport-facilities/atm-currency-exchange
Other Information
Language
The country’s national language is Dzongkha. English is widely spoken and understood in Bhutan. The meeting and regional seminar sessions will be conducted in English. The documentation will also be issued in English in soft wherever possible.
Time
Bhutan Standard Time is 6:00 hours ahead of GMT with sun rise at 05:51 AM and sunset at 05:51 PM.
Electricity
Power is supplied at 230 Volts. The standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power sockets that are used are of type D / F / G.
Climate and Weather
Thimphu, the Capital City of Bhutan, is situated at about 2300 meters above sea level. September is an autumn season, which spans from September through November and is characterized with bright sunny days. The average temperature in Thimphu in the month of September ranges from 15 – 23 degree Celsius. Delegates are advised to bring warm clothing.
Public transport
Taxis and City buses are available to go around Thimphu.
Sightseeing in Thimphu
The ACC Bhutan will coordinate following trips at the delegate’s own expenses (personal account of both funded and self-funded delegates): a hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s nest temple) or a trip to Punakha (other city) on 28 September 2024 after the Seminar. Transportation will be provided by the host (ACC), but all other expenses i.e. entrance fees, food, accommodation, and extra nights in Bhutan will be paid by the delegates. Kindly confirm with Mr. Rinchen Namgay of ACC.
Emergency Contacts
Please note the following contacts during your stay in Bhutan:
Mr. Rinchen Namgay, Tel: +975 17564458; email: rnamgay@acc.org.bt
Ms. Tashi Choden, Tel: +975 77370728; email: tchoden@acc.org.bt
Mr. Sangay Thinley, Tel: +975 17362768; email: sthinley@acc.org.bt
Disclaimer
The Secretariat of the Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific provides this information solely as a resource for its users. Neither ADB nor OECD guarantees the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of this information, and will not be liable in any capacity for damages or losses to the user that may result from the use of this information. Special thanks to ACC Bhutan for providing important information in this document.
