Department of Protocol

Department’s mandates

The Department assists the Ministry in advancing Bhutan’s foreign policy goals by creating an enabling environment for successful diplomacy and plays a significant role in laying a strong foundation for foreign relations. 

Being at the forefront of diplomatic engagements, the Department enables effective management of relations by promoting cross-cultural understanding and enhancing network with peoples and governments around the globe. Further, DoP ensures that all diplomatic representatives receive immunities and privileges which they are entitled to. DoP also supports and facilitates the work of Missions and International Organizations and its members based in Bhutan through extension of consular and other protocol related services.

 DoP is mandated to: 

1. Extend protocol and hospitality services;
2. Provide consular services to Bhutanese traveling abroad and expatriates residing in Bhutan including delivery of diplomatic bags; and
3. Provide services related to passports and travel documents.

Divisions and their mandates

The Department of Protocol (DoP) comprises Program & Hospitality; Mission & Consular Services; and Passport Divisions.

Programme and Hospitality Division 

The Division is mandated to organize and facilitate the visits of the Head of State/Head of Government and official guests of the government. It oversees all protocol and ceremonial matters, executes and facilitates national and international events, and ensures that guests are accorded with privileges that they are entitled to.

The Raven State Guest House under the Programme and Hospitality Division arranges and provides hospitality services during important events such as Royal Audiences, Dhensa meetings and official meetings, ceremonies and occasions. 

Mission and Consular Services Division

Mission and Consular Services Division is mandated to facilitate and provide essential consular services to the members of diplomatic missions and foreigners in Bhutan and Bhutanese within the country and those travelling and residing abroad. The division deals with trade related grievances/complaints encountered by Bhutanese/foreign individuals when conducting business outside/in Bhutan.

Passport Division

The Passport Division is mandated to provide services related to passports and travel documents to facilitate the travel of Bhutanese citizens and residents abroad.

Support Staff