Current Sustainable Development Fees
The Royal Government of Bhutan has changed the tariffs charged to tourists. When the country reopened its borders to international tourists after COVID-19, the government introduced a new Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
Bhutan has updated its SDF from US$65 to US$200 per night, and has removed the the minimum daily package rate. The US$200 per night fee is levied on tourists to help the country maintain and achieve its “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy. The high-value, low-volume policy aims to protect Bhutan’s cultural heritage and natural environment. The government of Bhutan has made significant efforts to maintain the balance between keeping the country environmentally and economically sustainable throughout the years.
The SDF, however, does not cover the total cost of traveling within Bhutan. Other fees, such as accommodation, transportation, food, and additional fees associated with visiting sacred and monumental sites, are to be borne separately by the visitors.
The Royal Government of Bhutan Is Offering New Incentives!
The Royal Government of Bhutan has announced new incentives that will be effective from the 1st of September 2023 till the 31st of August 2027.
The new incentives include:
- While the current SDF will remain at US$ 200 per person per night, a fifty percent discount will be applied. With the discount, the SDF fee will be US$ 100 per person per night for US dollar paying tourists.
- Children between the ages of 6 and 12 years old will receive a fifty percent discount on the rates applied to them, therefore making the discounted SDF rate for children US$ 50 per person per night for US dollar paying tourists. The SDF rate will not be applied to children below the age of six years old.
- SDF waiver for border towns will continue to be applied.
**KINDLY NOTE THAT FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THESE INCENTIVES POST-2027 WILL BE UPDATED AN YEAR BEFORE THE VALIDITY ENDS.**
The Process
1. Obtain a Visa – A Simple and Straightforward Process.
All visitors are required to obtain a visa prior to travelling to Bhutan with the exception of Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals. Furthermore, a US$200 Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per day (adult rate; children will be charged concessionary rates) needs to be paid while applying for the visa.
Indian nationals are required to obtain a permit.
Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa at the port of entry. It is advisable to acquire one before travelling.
You can apply for a visa by yourselves either online, or get in touch with a travel advisor, such as Benevolent Bhutan, to assist with planning your trip and applying for your visa.
A copy of your passport, passport-sized photograph, and travel insurance for the duration of your stay are required in order to apply for the visa. Please note that your passport must have a minimum validity of six months from the date of intended departure from Bhutan.
2. Select Your Tour Package.
Based on the itinerary, we will calculate the amount you must pay (tour payment) in advance.
3. Tour Package Payment.
Once you have selected your travel itinerary, you are required to wire transfer the tour payment calculated by us along with your visa fee of US$40. Please note that you are required to e-mail a copy of the bank wire receipt to us.
4. Submit and Process Visa Application.
Once your payment has been received, the visa application will be submitted and processed within a maximum of one week’s time.
5. Upon Successful Processing of Visa, Travel to Bhutan!
Once STEP 4 has been completed, all you need to do is produce your visa clearance letter, which will be e-mailed to you by us, to the immigration officer, who will then proceed to stamp the visa into your passport.