For a moment, it seemed like Bhutan’s global standing was about to take an unprecedented hit. The possibility of being placed on the United States’ dreaded ‘Red List’—which would have effectively banned Bhutanese citizens from traveling to the U.S.—sent a wave of anxiety across the country. Fortunately, that scenario has been averted. Bhutan now finds itself on the ‘Yellow List’ instead, a classification that, while concerning, at least provides an opportunity to address the issues at hand rather than facing outright exclusion.
While the news of Bhutan appearing on any restrictive list is unwelcome, the distinction between the ‘Red’ and ‘Yellow’ lists is crucial. The former represents an absolute travel ban, a categorization reserved for countries deemed high-risk or non-compliant with U.S. immigration policies. The latter, however, signals a warning rather than a condemnation. Bhutan, along with around two dozen other nations, now has time to address concerns—primarily visa overstays—before the situation escalates.
The primary reason cited for Bhutan’s inclusion on the Yellow List is visa overstay. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defines visa overstays as cases where individuals enter the country legally but remain beyond their authorized period. While Bhutan’s overstay rates are indeed higher than the global average across multiple visa categories, it is not alone in this trend. Countries such as Afghanistan, Burma, and Angola have even higher rates of overstay, which underscores the complexity of the issue.
While this situation is embarrassing, given Bhutan’s reputation for good governance, rule of law, and international goodwill, it is far from catastrophic. The shock among Bhutanese citizens is understandable—Bhutan is more accustomed to appearing on global rankings for happiness, environmental conservation, and peace rather than lists that imply non-compliance. However, instead of despairing, this moment should serve as a call to action.
The goodwill between Bhutan and the United States, which has been carefully nurtured over the years, took a hit with the publication of these lists. This is especially unfortunate given the strong bilateral relationship, exemplified by the U.S.’s generous vaccine donations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The last thing Bhutan wants is for such ties to fray over issues that can be addressed with better oversight and policy adjustments.
To move forward, Bhutan must act swiftly to address visa overstay concerns. Public awareness campaigns can educate travelers on the consequences of overstaying visas, while tighter monitoring of outbound travelers could help ensure compliance. Bhutanese students, business travelers, and tourists should be made aware that visa violations not only impact individuals but can also have national repercussions.
While being on the Yellow List is not ideal, it is far from a disaster. Bhutan still has time to rectify the situation, and if it acts prudently, it can ensure that it never finds itself on the Red List in the future. Instead of dwelling on the embarrassment, Bhutan should see this as an opportunity to reaffirm its reputation as a country that respects international norms and values its global relationships.
