AMATEUR RADIO OPERATION FROM BHUTAN

Information for Visiting (Non-National) Amateur Radio Operators 

The following terms, conditions and restrictions shall apply to all visiting Amateur Radio Operators operating within/from designated area(s) in Bhutan.

Non-Nationals wishing to visit Bhutan for amateur radio operation should first tie-up with a local licenced tour operator. The tour operator will be responsible to:

1.            Process and clear tourist visa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enable the visitor to enter Bhutan.

2.            Process the visitor’s application for amateur radio operation in Bhutan and assignment of Call Sign - from the Bhutan Telecom Authority, Ministry of Communications, Royal Government of Bhutan.

3.            Arrange for the clearance (Customs formalities) for the import/re-export/disposal of the radio communications equipment upon arrival/departure.

4.            Arrange for the comfortable stay - including airport pick-up/drop off, local transportation, food and lodging and provision of an experienced tour guide if - need be.

The equipment for Amateur Radio Operation shall be imported into the country in either of the following 2 manners:
1.         As personal accompanied baggage at the time of landing/entry into the country; OR
2.            Shipped in advance - as unaccompanied baggage/cargo and cleared by the local tour operator.  

The visitor should prepare a full and complete list of equipment - transceivers, antennae, keyers, rotors, power supplies - every single item related to radio communications as well as logging devices such as a laptop computer or a modem - that the visitor wishes to import into the country and use during the duration of his/her stay. Details should include information such as type of equipment, make, model, country of origin, serial number of equipment wherever possible and quantity being brought in.

This list should be faxed/e-mailed to the local tour operator in order that prior arrangements can be made for obtaining authorization from the BTA and the Royal Bhutan Customs for their use and importation into the country.

Upon arrival in Bhutan, the visitor will be required to visit the office of Bhutan Telecom Authority at which time the BTA will notify the visitor his Call Sign and issue the Temporary Operator’s Licence for operation – if this has not already been done. Call signs shall be allotted in accordance with the relevant provisions of the National Radio Regulations and ITU Radio Regulations.

A temporary station - such as the hotel where the visitor will be put up or any other place from where the operation is to take place - shall first be approved and designated by the BTA as an Amateur Radio Operation Station. The station shall become operational ONLY after official affirmation by the BTA.

During the operation, an official of the BTA shall be present to countersign the Log Book. A copy of the Logbook - if manually entered - or a print out of the computer assisted logging system entry shall be retained by the BTA.

On completing operation, all imported equipment as per list earlier submitted, shall be packed and sealed in the presence of a representative from the Department of Revenue and Customs for re-export. It shall be the responsibility of the visiting operator/tour operator to transport the equipment from and to the Airport.

No operator shall set up or operate Amateur Radio from any other location than the one designated and affirmed by the BTA.

Operation of Amateur Radio shall be done only on the frequencies assigned by the Radio Spectrum Management Section of the BTA. A copy of the frequencies can be obtained from the BTA upon specific request.

The radio Transmitter power output shall not exceed 140W mean power or 400W peak envelope power.