Indian bikers BUSTED by Bhutan police: Here’s why [Video]

A group of bikers venturing into an unexplored territory is fairly common. However, we have a rather interesting video here. The roughly 11 mins long clip shows what happens when you and your biking buddies unknowingly end up riding into a neighbouring country.

Please start watching from 5:30 to skip directly to the bikers getting busted by Bhutanese cops. 

The video shows a group of riders from West Bengal, who left home to explore nearby areas. Unmindful of the border, they end up riding into Bhutan. Soon, they are flagged down by a Bhutanese cop, who first stops them for riding in a ‘strange’ fashion. The vlogger is quick to explain that one often needs to stand on the footpegs while riding on the rough terrain.

Soon, however, the policeman discovers that the Indian motorcyclists were in Bhutan without the necessary permits. The cop removes keys from the three motorcycles and an argument ensues. The vlogger goes on to tell that the cop talked about seizing the motorcycles and demanding a fine of Rs 19,000 per head for entering Bhutan without the necessary permits.

However, he says that he was polite and confident enough while dealing with the cop and requested him to show leniency. Finally, the motorcyclists were given a warning and told to go back to India. Of course, it wasn’t at all normal to ride into another country without the necessary permits. However, on repeated requests by the bikers, the cop decided to leave the offenders with only a warning.

What are the documents needed to enter Bhutan for Indian nationals?

It may be noted here that Indian citizens require an Entry Permit for entering Bhutan. One can obtain this permit on the spot prior to entering the neighbouring country. Citizens of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives do not require a visa to travel to Bhutan. However, the entry permit is really necessary.

Indians travelling to Bhutan by road should obtain an Entry Permit from the Immigration Office of Royal Government of Bhutan at Phuentsholing, which is located on the Indo-Bhutan border opposite Jaigaon. Also, one needs to approach the Indian Consulate Office in Phuentsholing and apply for an “Identification Slip” in case he or she isn’t carrying a Passport or Driving License.

Samdrup Jongkhar is another valid entry/exit point for Bhutan but isn’t used as much as Phuentsholing. One can also get an entry permit in advance from the Bhutan High Commissioner’s Office in Delhi or the Kolkata Bhutan Consulate.

Video courtesy Biker Kingston’s Vlog on Youtube