DV Lottery WINNER: Must get the required vaccinations

 Diversity Visa (DV) program, which requires applicants to undergo the U.S. immigration medical examination, you must receive certain vaccinations as specified by U.S. immigration medical requirements.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulations mandate that all immigrant visa applicants, including DV lottery winners, receive a medical exam that includes proof of vaccination. If you do not have proof of required vaccines, they must be administered during the medical exam.

The vaccinations required are based on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for the general U.S. population and must meet criteria such as protecting against diseases that can cause outbreaks or have been eliminated or are being eliminated in the U.S.

The core vaccines you may need to have or receive as part of the immigration medical exam include:

 • Mumps, Measles, and Rubella (MMR)

 • Polio

 • Tetanus and Diphtheria toxoids

 • Pertussis

 • Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)

 • Hepatitis B

 • Rotavirus

 • Hepatitis A

 • Meningococcal disease

 • Varicella (chickenpox)

 • Pneumococcal disease

 • Influenza (seasonal, if during flu season)

Applicants are only required to get age-appropriate doses according to CDC guidelines. If you’ve already received doses of these vaccines, you should bring proof to the exam. If not, vaccines will be administered during the exam or you may obtain them prior but must provide proof to the examining physician.

The medical exam for DV applicants is conducted either by a panel physician abroad or a USCIS-designated civil surgeon in the U.S., and proof of vaccination or administration at the time of exam is documented on Form I-693.

COVID-19 vaccination is currently no longer required as of January 22, 2025.

Must get the required vaccinations according to U.S. immigration medical requirements, which include several standard vaccines recommended for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases important to U.S. public.

Electronic Diversity Visa program-2026

 Electronic Diversity Visa program interview, you are required to complete a medical examination with an authorized physician (panel physician) before your interview date. Here are the key medical check-up requirements:

 • The medical exam includes a review of your medical history and a basic physical examination focusing on eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, skin, and extremities.

 • Specific tests include a chest X-ray (usually for tuberculosis screening) and blood tests, particularly for syphilis. These tests are generally required for applicants aged 15 and older.

 • The doctor will also check for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, gonorrhea, drug abuse/addiction, and certain physical or mental disorders relevant to U.S. immigration law.

 • You must get required vaccinations as specified by the U.S. immigration medical requirements.

 • The exam is conducted only by physicians authorized by the U.S. Department of State, listed by the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will appear for your interview.

 • You must bring your sealed medical exam results or have them sent directly to the embassy/consulate.

 • This medical exam is not a full physical but is intended to identify medical conditions that might affect visa eligibility.

You need to contact the designated authorized doctor yourself to schedule the exam and complete it before your visa interview. Bring the sealed medical exam envelope and any vaccination records to the interview.

In summary, the medical check-up involves:

 • Medical history review

 • Physical exam (general health and specific checks)

 • Chest X-ray for tuberculosis

 • Blood tests for syphilis (and other tests as applicable)

 • Vaccinations as required

All these are required to meet U.S. immigration health standards for your diversity visa interview.

Apply for a visa to visit Bhutan, follow these key steps.

 Apply for a visa to visit Bhutan, follow these key steps:

1. Choose How to Apply

 • Most tourists must apply for a visa before arrival; there is currently no visa on arrival service for most nationalities.

 • You can apply directly via the official Bhutan Immigration Services Portal (https://immi.gov.bt).

 • Alternatively, you can have a licensed tour operator or your booking hotel in Bhutan process the application for you. This is the traditional method, but direct online application has become easier in recent years.

2. Gather Required Documents

 • Digital copy of valid passport (at least six months’ validity remaining).

 • Recent digital passport-sized photo.

 • Arrival and departure dates (usually shown in your flight booking/itinerary).

 • Travel insurance details (insurance should cover COVID or other requirements if listed).

 • Payment details for international transaction.

3. Fill Out the Online Application

 • Go to https://immi.gov.bt, register, and add a new visa application.

 • Add required personal and travel info, upload the requested documents, pay the fees.

4. Pay Applicable Fees

 • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): $100/day per adult (concessions for children).

 • Visa application fee: $40 (one-time, non-refundable).

 • Make payment online as part of the application process. Inform your bank of an international transfer if necessary.

5. Wait for Approval

 • After submitting, you’ll receive a visa clearance letter upon approval.

 • Bring the visa clearance letter—printed or digital—with you when entering Bhutan, as you’ll present it to immigration.

Additional Tips

 • You must have booked (or provide proof of) your travel arrangements and accommodation prior to applying.

 • For some travelers (especially from India, Bangladesh, Maldives), different rules or permits may apply.

 • For overland travel via India/Nepal/Thailand, check if you need transit or tourist visas for those countries.

This process ensures you are set for entry into Bhutan as a tourist; always check the latest requirements just before you travel.

How to Apply Visas to visit Bhutan.

 Apply for a visa to visit Bhutan, follow these key steps:

1. Choose How to Apply

• Most tourists must apply for a visa before arrival; there is currently no visa on arrival service for most nationalities.

• You can apply directly via the official Bhutan Immigration Services Portal (https://immi.gov.bt).

• Alternatively, you can have a licensed tour operator or your booking hotel in Bhutan process the application for you. This is the traditional method, but direct online application has become easier in recent years.

2. Gather Required Documents

• Digital copy of valid passport (at least six months’ validity remaining).

• Recent digital passport-sized photo.

• Arrival and departure dates (usually shown in your flight booking/itinerary).

• Travel insurance details (insurance should cover COVID or other requirements if listed).

• Payment details for international transaction.

3. Fill Out the Online Application

• Go to https://immi.gov.bt, register, and add a new visa application.

• Add required personal and travel info, upload the requested documents, pay the fees.

4. Pay Applicable Fees

• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): $100/day per adult (concessions for children).

• Visa application fee: $40 (one-time, non-refundable).

• Make payment online as part of the application process. Inform your bank of an international transfer if necessary.

5. Wait for Approval

• After submitting, you’ll receive a visa clearance letter upon approval.

• Bring the visa clearance letter—printed or digital—with you when entering Bhutan, as you’ll present it to immigration.

Additional Tips

• You must have booked (or provide proof of) your travel arrangements and accommodation prior to applying.

• For some travelers (especially from India, Bangladesh, Maldives), different rules or permits may apply.

• For overland travel via India/Nepal/Thailand, check if you need transit or tourist visas for those countries.

This process ensures you are set for entry into Bhutan as a tourist, always check the latest requirements just before you travel.

I am Buddhist

Religion, especially Buddhism, plays a central and profound role in the day to day life of people in Bhutan, deeply influencing their culture, values, social behavior, and governance.

• Buddhism as the State Religion and Cultural Backbone: About 75% of Bhutan’s population practice Buddhism, primarily the Drukpa Kagyu school, which is constitutionally recognized as the country’s spiritual heritage. The king of Bhutan must be Buddhist and is also the protector of all religions, reflecting Buddhism’s foundational role in the nation’s identity and governance.

• Daily Life and Personal Practices: Buddhism permeates daily activities, with many homes having personal shrines where offerings and prayers are made each morning. Prayer flags flutter on hillsides for blessings, and people commonly start their day with water offerings and prayers, embodying spiritual mindfulness throughout everyday routines. Acts of kindness, generosity, and respect guided by Buddhist compassion are fundamental social values shaping interpersonal interactions.

• Spiritual and Ethical Influence: The Buddhist belief in impermanence encourages acceptance, humility, and a focus on spiritual rather than material wealth. This ethos underpins Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness, prioritizing well-being, inner peace, and ethical governance over mere economic development.

• Community and Social Structure: Monasteries serve as religious, educational, and community centers. They play significant roles in social welfare and community support, reinforcing bonds through rituals and collective gatherings. The education system incorporates Buddhist teachings to instill values such as kindness, respect, and community service.

• Festivals and Rituals: Annual religious festivals called Tsechus are important social events featuring sacred mask dances that bless attendees and transmit Buddhist teachings. These festivals strengthen communal identity and spirituality, with rituals handed down centuries, celebrating Bhutan’s religious heritage.

• Interplay with Other Religions: While Buddhism dominates, about 22% of the population practices Hinduism, mainly among the Lhotshampa community. Bhutan’s constitution guarantees religious freedom, and the government promotes tolerance and coexistence among different faiths.

In summary, religion in Bhutan is not just a matter of private belief but a living philosophy that shapes daily conduct, social structures, governance, festivals, education, and community life, with Buddhism intricately woven into the very fabric of Bhutanese identity and everyday living.

This is not just about one resort in Trongsa. It is a far louder alarm bell.

 The promise of Bhutan’s economic rise will remain nothing more than a tantalizing mirage if our institutions  particularly the Judiciary continue to operate with a mindset carved in stone. Business failures are not signs of national doom. They are inevitable milestones on the long road toward economic maturity. But when they happen, the question is not whether procedures were followed, stamped, and filed. The real question is-Did our institutions protect the larger interest of the nation? Too often, the Judiciary seems content with the perfunctory declaration  case closed, judgment delivered, duty done. But when livelihoods, investments, and billions in national assets are on the line, such narrow thinking is dangerous. It is not enough to simply clear the docket. The courts must recognize that every order carries rippling consequences across Bhutan’s fragile private sector. They must weigh the stakes, not just the statutes. Take, for instance, the Viewpoint Resort in Trongsa  a magnificent private venture erected with the sweat of 300 million ngultrums. For nearly a decade, it has stood idle, shackled not by lack of vision or capital, but by litigation. And now, the Bank of Bhutan has announced its auction, hoping against hope to salvage a fraction of the colossal loan tied to its rotting walls. Let us speak plainly-Who in their right mind will come forward to bid for scraps of a venture worth three hundred million? Who would risk soaring costs and wasted years, only to inherit the carcass of a dream smothered in legal red tape? If only perspective had prevailed in the halls of justice. If only the resort was permitted to operate while the court carried on its deliberations, the story today would be different. The owner could have run it, or it could have been leased the very next day after the handover. Income would have been generated, jobs created, and the asset preserved instead of eroded. Instead, what remains is economic carnage a property decayed, potential squandered, and losses ballooned into the millions. And here lies the paradox: every judge, every bureaucrat, every public servant who claps their hands at the end of a “completed case” must remember  the very salaries they draw are from the lifeblood of businesses. If businesses sink, so does the heartbeat of the economy. This is not just about one resort in Trongsa. It is a far louder alarm bell. If institutions fail to exercise pragmatism, if they cling to mechanical duty over national interest, then Bhutan’s economy will remain stranded as a distant dream. The Viewpoint Resort debacle is not just a story of one failed enterprise; it is a bitter parable of how institutions can suffocate growth with blind rigidity. May we dare to learn from this ruin, or will the next billion be buried under the same mistakes? The choice is clear, but the mindset must change.

Bhutan maintains strong economic ties with India, both in trade and financial support.

Bhutan’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, forestry, and hydropower. More than half of the population still relies on agriculture mostly subsistence farming and animal husbandry for their livelihoods. Forestry also plays a crucial role due to the country’s rugged, mountainous landscape, which makes large-scale industrialization challenging.

Hydropower is a major economic driver, with much of the electricity produced exported to neighboring India. This sector is critical for Bhutan’s GDP growth and is supported by ongoing development projects such as the commissioning of the Punasangchu II hydropower plant. The service sector, especially tourism, has grown steadily in recent years and is seen as a key avenue for diversification. The government encourages “high value, low impact” tourism to protect Bhutan’s unique environment and culture.

The country has seen consistent economic growth with projections of 8.5% GDP growth in 2025 thanks in large part to the recovery in tourism post-pandemic and continued investment in hydropower and mining. However, significant portions of the population remain vulnerable to poverty, especially those affected by natural hazards.

Bhutan maintains strong economic ties with India, both in trade and financial support. The economy is classified as lower-middle income, with GDP per capita about $3,718 as of 2024. Bhutan’s unique development philosophy emphasizes Gross National Happiness (GNH) over purely economic measures, reflecting a holistic approach to progress that seeks to balance material and spiritual well-being.

Key points:

• Main sectors: agriculture, forestry, hydropower, and tourism.

• GDP per capita (2024): about $3,718.

• Projected GDP growth: 8.5% in 2025.

• Close economic ties with India.

• Emphasis on Gross National Happiness alongside GDP.

• Still significant poverty and vulnerability to natural disasters, though extreme poverty is almost eliminated.

His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck entered into sacred matrimony with the venerable Ugen Choden Namgyel.

 On the auspicious day of 25Th August 2025, the resplendent Dechencholing Palace in Thimphu bore witness to a majestic confluence of tradition, nobility, and eternal vows as His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck entered into sacred matrimony with the venerable Ugen Choden Namgyel. The prince, scion of the illustrious lineage of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck and Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, united in holy wedlock with the graceful daughter of Mr. Singye Namgyel and Mrs. Tshering Lhamo, an alliance destined to be etched in the annals of Bhutanese history. This regal nuptial ceremony, adorned with the highest sanctity, flourished under the benevolent blessings of His Majesty The King, the august Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and His Holiness the Je Khenpo, whose spiritual guidance and majestic presence rendered the occasion sublime and eternal. The palette of this royal tableau was painted with devotion, grandeur, and solemnity befitting the exalted stature of the royal houses intertwined through this sacred bond. His Royal Highness, a paragon of scholarly excellence and princely virtue, is an esteemed alumnus of St Peter’s College at the venerable University of Oxford, where he attained his distinguished degree with laudable merit. Further exemplifying his relentless pursuit of excellence, he earned an Executive MBA from the prestigious INSEAD, fortifying his acumen and leadership prowess. His unwavering dedication to the Kingdom’s glory is epitomized by his distinguished stewardship as President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee since 2009, his influential role as Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia, and his esteemed membership in the International Olympic Committee, where he champions the spirit of unity, perseverance, and athletic greatness on the world stage.

This enchanting royal union not only symbolizes the sublime fusion of two noble lineages but also embodies the enduring legacy of Bhutan’s heritage, leadership, and commitment to the world. The profound resonance of this day’s celebrations shall echo through generations, illuminating the path of prosperity, harmony, and majestic tradition for the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Dos and Don’t while in Bhutan.

 Dos and Don’t while in Bhutan. 

Bhutan is peace loving country and the people are very sensitive, therefore it’s vital to understand the culture and people’s sentiment before traveling to Bhutan. Dos and Don’t while in Bhutan and some of the useful information one should know before traveling to Land of Happiness BHUTAN. 

👉Enter temples and monasteries only if you have permission.

👉Dress modestly, singlet and miniskirts are not well accepted norms.

👉Remove your shoes before entering the temple. Leave your camera at a safe place, if photography is prohibited.

👉Refrain from using hats and sunglasses inside religious places.

👉Pass clockwise at all chorten, temples or any religious structure.

👉Smoking in public places is not allowed in Bhutan, you will be fined if you are seen smoking.

👉Do not misbehave within the premises of the monasteries, temples and dzongs. It shows disrespect to the religious artifacts & antiques.

👉Do be prepared with enough cash for yourself.  US dollars and other currencies can be exchanged at the Airport or major banks in larger towns.

👉Do not throw garbage anywhere except designated places.

👉Don’t point your fingers at people or art, it is seen as rude.

👉Don’t offer any sort of sweets, toys or money to the children in Bhutan.

👉Do not forget to register all your electronic gadgets such as camera, laptops and mobile phones under the custom authorities upon arrival in Bhutan

👉Follow the instructions given by your tour guide strictly.

👉Do not climb or step on any religious artifacts or temples.

👉Although Bhutan is safe, we advise you to keep your valuable items like wallets, cameras, passport etc in safe place.

👉Always follow traffic rules and regulations while on roads.

👉Be careful with dogs in Bhutan, they are not friendly and can be nuisance at night.

👉Leaving a donation at the temple is at personal discretion. Normally all Bhutanese do.

👉Public displays of affection between men and women, men and men and women and women are not common. Please refrain from doing this in public places.

👉Do not throw anything into lakes, swim in the river and disturb nature by throwing stones. All these are considered holy with deities living in their depths.

Can I re-use an older photo for DV lottery 2025?

 The government requirements for the photo which I have explained below, is essential for you to click photos that will not cause your application to be rejected. So take these tips correctly.

First, a few common questions about the photo.

• Can I re-use an older photo, or one from a previous entry? NO – you must not do that!
• Can I edit the photo? It may be possible to edit the background of a photo as long as it does not change your appearance in any way. So – I would rather you do NOT edit the photo unless really necessary.

What is an acceptable photo?

It meets the requirements as described in the ofFIcIAL instructions.The main features that I want you all to notice is with a head and shoulders photo, on a white background, with a neutral expression and no editions that have changed the appearance in any way. It is of the correct dimension (2 inch by 2 inch 600 pixels by 600 pixels).

Your photos or digital images must be: 

• In color 
• In focus 
• Sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm
  and 35 mm) or 50 percent and 69 percent of the image’s total height from
  the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.  View the Photo Composition
  Template for more size requirement details. 
• Taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance 
• Taken in front of a plain white for reflection or off-white background 
• Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera 
• With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open 
• Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis or preferably with national dress (gho and Kira)
• Uniforms should not be worn in your photo, except religious clothings that is worn daily. 
• Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline,
  unless worn daily for a religious purpose.  Your full face must be visible,
  and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face. 
• Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not
  acceptable in your photo. 
• Do not wear eyeglasses. 
• If you normally wear a hearing device or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo.

You will need a photo as explained above, and for each person on the entry, including your spouse and each children. Remember, you will have to include every child that is under 21 and unmarried at the time of the DV entry. That includes your own biological children, adopted children and step children (acquired through marriage). These children must be included whether they live with you or not, and whether you intend to take them to the USA or not. So – make sure you can obtain a photo of each child, ready to do your application., and I advise you to name the digital files clearly so you don’t mix up one photo for another.

How to get a good photo. What is the best method?

The best way to get a perfect photo is by going to a professional photographer (Photo studio). Such photographer will have a white background and have good studio lighting that will allow photo to be used with NO manipulation or retouching in any way. However, this may not be possible for everyone, it might be inconvenient or expensive to get a professional photo. So, there are some other options.

Create your own photo – step by step

To create your own photo you need a device with a good camera or a digital camera. Whilst it is possible to scan an image from a printed photo, I would not recommend that. Depending on whether you have access to a clean white background you have some options available to you.

1. Choose a location where to take the photo. It should have good natural light, if in sunlight, make sure the sun is not too strong. You might need to stand in shade to avoid squinting your eyes.
2. Ideally be in front of a white plain background. There are some options to edit a background to be plain white BUT you will save time and money if you can use a plain white (or off-white) background.
3. Ideally have someone else take the photo for you. Whilst you might be able to hold a camera yourself for a selfie. You probably can’t hold the camera far enough away to get a good photo with a relaxed face on pose.
4. Remove eyeglasses, hats and so on and be dresses in “normal” everyday clothes. No need to wear your tshechu customs and No uniforms. Head coverings that are worn for religious reasons are OK.
5. Look directly at the camera, no smiling, just be natural. If both your ears are showing then that means you have posed directly “face on” which is correct.
6. Take the photo of you and each person who will be on your entry.
7. Now, depending on whether you have a white background or not, your next step will vary:
8. If you do not have a plain white or off-white background you should use an online service to edit the photo. You can use tools such as photoshop.

Adobe will let you create an account for free and has a certain amount of functionality available. However, it takes some skill to use the tool, and unless you are expert you may get noticeable effects in the produced image when trying to remove the background. For instance, I found the image produced has some flattened area of my hair (as little as I have), which makes it noticeable that the photo has been edited. I would be concerned that this could be interpreted as an alteration of features, and therefore be a slight cause for concern. 

The problem with hair will be a larger problem for those with more hair – especially if the hair is curly. The background could show through the gaps in the hair, OR the hair could be edited out – and either way thise could give concern about the photo being edited. 

So, unless you have NO budget at all, or you are not an expert with the tool, I would suggest not using that option

Electronic diversity visa program for 2025

 Diversity visa Lottery application instructions. 

1) Name.

The first and last names must be written as they appear in the passport, Birth Certificate and Academic Certificates.

2) Gender.

3) Birth date.

In the next columns, you must enter your gender and date of birth. 4) City Where You Were Born.

Enter the information from your birth certificate. Find the official spelling of the city's name in English. If your hometown has changed its name, it is best to use both the old and new versions, hyphenated (for example- Tashi Gang to Trashi Gang)

If your place of birth is unknown and not listed on your birth certificate, indicate it in the form.

5) Country Where You Were Born.

Select your country of birth from the list.

6) Country of Eligibility for DV program.

If you were born in a country whose citizens are eligible to participate in the lottery, this section is exempt. If your country is not on the lottery eligibility list, there are 2 options:

• Assign yourself to either parent's country of birth,

• Assign yourself to your spouse's country of birth. If you win, both spouses must arrive for the visa interview.

7) Entrant Photograph

༼Digital image༽

In JPEG (.jpg) file format

Equal to or less than 240 kB (kilobytes) in file size In a square aspect ratio (height must equal width) 600x600 pixels in dimension

Digital image requirements

2x2inches(51x51mm) Resolution of 300 pixels per inch (12 pixels per millimeter)

Baby or toddler

-Lay your baby on his or her back on a plain white or off-white sheet.

Make certain there are no shadows on baby's face,

-Cover a seat with a plain white or off-white sheet and take a picture.

8) Mailing Address.

It is desirable to choose the address of your primary residence. If you do not have your own address at the moment, you can enter the data of your relative or friend (in this case, write your name in the In Care of field).

9) Country Where You Live Today.

Provide up-to-date information.

10) Phone number.

11) E-mail Address.

Enter your email address. Indicate a valid email address, which you are going to use for at least one more year. We recommend that you copy and paste this address.

12) Education.

You should indicate only your completed education and its level. If you have a secondary vocational or technical education, indicate how many grades you have completed. If you win, you will need to provide all diplomas and certificates.

13) Marital Status.

Provide a legally documented marital status at the time of application. Single/unmarried status is indicated only if there are no previous marriages.

14) Number of Children.

You must list all of your unmarried children under the age of 21, regardless of where they live or their intention to immigrate to the United States.

This is the end of the Green Card DV lottery application form for those who do not have a spouse or children.

If you indicated a spouse or children, then the second part of the application will open. You will need to consistently provide photos and data on each of the family members.

Photo Tips for DV lottery.

Acceptable Photo is clear and in color, reproduces skin tones accurately, and is properly exposed with no shadows.

1-Dimensions:

Your photo must be at least 600 x 600 pixels. If you have a friend or family member take your photo, make sure the image has large dimensions and there is ample space around your head and torso to allow room for automatic cropping by our photo tool. The dimensions can be rectangular.

2-Color:

Your photo must be in color (24 bits per pixel) in SRGB color space which is the common output for most digital cameras. 

3-Format:

Your photo must be in JPEG file format.

4-Size:

Your photo must be at least 54 kilobytes and no more than 10 megabytes.

5-Compression:

Your photo's compression ratio should be less than or equal to 20:1. Use the highest quality settings on your camera so your photo maintains clarity and resolution. When saving and emailing your photo, select the highest quality setting (large file size). Do not edit or digitally manipulate your photo. To avoid compressing your image, do not send the image via text message or save it to a cloud-based application.  

Photo Tips

1. Submit one color photo, taken in last 6 months.
2. Use a clear image of your face. Do not use filters commonly used on social media.
3. Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
4. Take off your eyeglasses for your photo.
5. Use a white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or lines.

Choose a Photo to Begin

Visit-https://tsg.phototool.state.gov/photo