Travel Info
Travel Information
Bhutan offers a unique and highly regulated travel experience, prioritizing "high-value, low- impact" tourism. Here's a breakdown of essential information for general international tourists:
Regional Tourist:
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Bhutan defines "regional tourists" as citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. These regional tourists have different Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) structures compared to international tourists. Here's a breakdown of the SDF for regional tourists:
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​1. For Indian Nationals:
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​The SDF is Nu. 1,200 per person, per night, or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees.
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Children aged 6 to under 12 years are eligible for a 50% discount, paying Nu./INR 600 per night.
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Children under 6 years old are exempt from the SDF.
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Indian nationals need to show a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card.
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Payment is generally in INR.
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​​​​2. For Bangladeshi and Maldivian Nationals:
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The standard SDF is US$100 per person, per night.
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However, the Royal Government of Bhutan has introduced a special scheme for Bangladeshi tourists: the first 15,000 Bangladeshi tourists visiting Bhutan each year can pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$15 per night. This special scheme is valid until 2027.
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Children aged 6 to under 12 years are eligible for a 50% discount on the prevailing rate (US50 or US7.50 depending on the scheme).
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Children under 6 years old are exempt from the SDF.
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For Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders, the remittance should be in USD.
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​​​​Key points for Regional Tourists:
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Permit/Visa: Indian nationals require a permit. Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals require a visa, but the application process is similar to that for Indian nationals, and they can apply online or obtain it upon arrival.
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Payment: The SDF is payable when applying for your permit or visa, either online or in person.
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Purpose: The SDF contributes to various developmental projects in Bhutan, including environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and infrastructure development, aligning with Bhutan's "high-value, low-impact" tourism policy.
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Border Town Waiver: There is a 24-hour SDF waiver for tourists staying in the border towns (applicable to Indian nationals), provided they do not halt overnight or travel beyond the first designated checkpoint.
