A report by the New York Times that Bhutan has been included in a draft “Red List” of countries facing a complete travel ban to the United States has come as a shock to many. The list, which includes Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, and several other nations, signals a hardline approach by the US administration towards immigration and security concerns. While Bhutan’s inclusion in this draft remains subject to change, it raises critical questions about how a small, peaceful nation known for its Gross National Happiness policy finds itself grouped with conflict-ridden or politically isolated countries.
So Why Is Bhutan on the List?
The exact rationale behind Bhutan’s inclusion is unclear. However, a few plausible reasons emerge from recent immigration patterns and past incidents. The most significant factor appears to be the 2023 immigration scam in Nepal, where Nepalese citizens posing as “Bhutanese refugees” managed to enter the US. This high-profile case, involving Nepalese politicians and bureaucrats, may have cast a shadow over Bhutan, even though Bhutan itself had no role in the scam.
Additionally, data from the US Department of Homeland Security indicates that from 2013 to 2022, 200 Bhutanese were caught residing illegally in the US. The number of illegal immigrants apprehended each year, though relatively small, suggests a steady trend of overstays and undocumented residency. Reports of Bhutanese individuals crossing into Canada and attempting to enter the US further complicate the narrative.
Historical records also point to incidents where Bhutanese cultural troupes and groups used their visas as a means to immigrate illegally. In a 2010 WikiLeaks cable, US Embassy officials highlighted a case where a so-called Buddhist folk music and dance troupe was actually a front for human smuggling. Similar cases in 2007 and 2008 involved Bhutanese applicants who admitted to overstaying or attempting to enter the US under false pretenses.
A Misplaced Comparison?
While there have been cases of Bhutanese overstaying visas or attempting illegal entry, Bhutan’s situation hardly compares to the countries typically subjected to complete US travel bans. Most nations on the list are either war-torn, facing severe political instability, or considered adversarial by the US government. Bhutan, on the other hand, is a peaceful, democratic monarchy with no history of terrorism, espionage, or hostile relations with the US.
Unlike Cuba, Iran, or North Korea, Bhutan does not engage in anti-US rhetoric or policies. Unlike Afghanistan, Sudan, or Syria, it has no internal conflict leading to mass displacement. Bhutan has never been a hub for organized crime or human trafficking. To be placed on a list that implies severe security threats seems disproportionate and unfair.
US Immigration Policy: A Shifting Landscape
Bhutan’s inclusion in the draft “Red List” appears to be part of a broader crackdown on immigration under the new US administration. Since January 2025, President Trump’s executive order has mandated stricter security screening for foreign nationals, with countries being classified based on their “vetting deficiencies.”
Bhutan’s immigration history does indicate some overstay rates and visa misuse, but this alone does not justify a blanket travel ban. Many larger countries, including those with high overstay rates, such as Brazil and India, have not been included in such restrictive lists. Bhutan’s high visa approval rates in previous years suggest that the US has not historically considered Bhutanese applicants a major risk.
If Bhutan remains on the final “Red List,” it would signal that the US is adopting an overly rigid approach, one that does not account for context, scale, or diplomatic goodwill.
Impact on Bhutanese Travelers and Relations
If the travel ban is implemented, it will have significant repercussions for Bhutanese citizens who wish to visit the US for education, work, or tourism. Bhutanese students pursuing degrees in American universities, professionals seeking opportunities, and families with relatives in the US would all face major obstacles.
Diplomatically, the ban would be a setback for US-Bhutan relations. While the two countries do not share extensive economic or strategic ties directly, Bhutan has historically maintained friendly relations with the West. Being grouped with nations that the US views as adversaries or security threats could damage Bhutan’s reputation and complicate future diplomatic engagements.
What Can Bhutan Do?
At this stage, Bhutan’s best course of action is to seek clarification from US authorities on why it has been included in the draft list. The government must engage in diplomatic efforts to present Bhutan’s case and highlight the nation’s strong record of peace and cooperation. If overstay rates are indeed a concern, Bhutan could explore measures to ensure better compliance with visa regulations for its citizens traveling abroad.
Bhutan’s inclusion in this list is likely based on misperceptions rather than concrete security threats. If the US is indeed reviewing the list for accuracy, as reported, Bhutan’s government must push for a reassessment.
Looking Ahead
The prospect of a complete travel ban on Bhutanese citizens to the US is alarming and raises serious concerns about the fairness and rationale of US immigration policy. While Bhutan has seen cases of visa overstays and illegal immigration, these numbers are relatively minor compared to many other countries. Being placed alongside nations facing severe crises or geopolitical tensions seems misplaced and unjustified.
As the final decision looms, Bhutan must engage with US officials to ensure that its inclusion on the list is based on facts rather than broad, misinformed classifications. At stake are not just travel rights but Bhutan’s standing in the international community and its ability to maintain open engagement with the wider world.
