Bhutan Police Number: 113
+975 · Royal Bhutan Police
The police emergency number in Bhutan is 113. Operated by Royal Bhutan Police. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
Royal Bhutan Police
Bhutan · Police
📝 National police emergency number. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety throughout Bhutan.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Bhutan
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Police
- • Do not call 113 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 112 for minor ailments - visit a Basic Health Unit (BHU)
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Bhutanese law
- • Do not call emergency numbers for road condition inquiries
- • Do not use emergency lines for altitude sickness unless severe symptoms present
✈️ Travel Notes — Bhutan
Emergency response is reliable in Thimphu and Paro. Response times in remote dzongkhags and mountain areas may be significantly delayed. Medical facilities are basic outside Thimphu. The national referral hospital in Thimphu provides the best emergency care. Helicopter evacuation may be necessary for remote mountain emergencies.
🛡️ Traveling to Bhutan? Protect Yourself
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Police Emergency Service in Bhutan — Complete Guide
When traveling to Bhutan or living there as an expat, knowing the correct police number in Bhutan is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for police services in Bhutan is 113, which is operated and monitored by Royal Bhutan Police. National police emergency number. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety throughout Bhutan.
How to Dial 113 in Bhutan
To reach the Royal Bhutan Police in Bhutan, dial 113 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. A SIM card is typically required by mobile operators in Bhutan. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within Bhutan using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 113 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Bhutan from an international location, the country calling code is +975.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in Bhutan communicate primarily in dz. If you do not speak dz, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 113
When you call the police number in Bhutan, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at Royal Bhutan Police. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (police assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in Bhutan
Please note that Bhutan utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Police (113), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: Royal Bhutan Police (113), Emergency Medical Service (112), Fire and Rescue Service (110), Disaster Management (110). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across Bhutan and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 113 is verified against official directories published by Royal Bhutan Police. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Police in Bhutan
What is the Police number in Bhutan? ▼
The Police emergency number in Bhutan is 113. National police emergency number. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety throughout Bhutan.
Does 113 work from mobile in Bhutan? ▼
Yes, 113 works from all mobile phones in Bhutan.
Can I call 113 without a SIM card? ▼
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 113 free in Bhutan? ▼
Yes, calling 113 is free in Bhutan. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Police in Bhutan? ▼
The Police service in Bhutan is operated by Royal Bhutan Police. Source: https://www.rbp.gov.bt/
Can I call 112 from a mobile phone without credit in Bhutan? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls to 110, 112, and 113 are free and can be made without airtime credit.
Do emergency operators speak English in Bhutan? ▼
Yes. English is widely spoken in Bhutan and emergency operators generally communicate in English as well as Dzongkha.
What should I do for altitude sickness in Bhutan? ▼
For mild symptoms, rest and descend. For severe symptoms (confusion, breathlessness), call 112 for emergency medical assistance. Tour operators are trained to handle altitude sickness.
Are emergency services available in remote mountain areas? ▼
Emergency response in remote areas is limited. Helicopter evacuation may be necessary for serious emergencies. Travel with a licensed tour operator who can coordinate emergency response.
What number do I call for a disaster or earthquake? ▼
Call 110 for the Department of Disaster Management, which coordinates earthquake, flood, and landslide emergency response.