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:

Visa Required: All visitors, except those from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, need a visa before traveling to Bhutan.
SDF: A Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily fee collected by the Bhutanese government to support conservation, cultural preservation, and infrastructure.
Current Rate (as of September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2027): US$100 per person, per night for most international tourists.
Concessionary Rates: Children aged 6-12 get a 50% discount, while those 5 and under are exempt. Indian nationals pay 1200 Ngultrums (approx. US$15) or the equivalent in Indian rupees per person, per night.
Payment: The SDF is paid in advance as part of your visa or permit application, either via secure wire transfer or credit card.
Visa Application Fee: A non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of US$40 is also payable.
Application Process: Your Local Travel company will arrange for you.
Documents needed: A digital copy of a valid passport (valid for at least six months from the intended departure date), a recent digital passport photo, and arrival/departure dates.
Processing Time: It may take up to 5 days to process a correctly filed visa application. You cannot buy airplane tickets to Bhutan without visa clearance.
Length of Stay: Visas are typically issued for a maximum of 90 days. Extensions can be processed by the Department of Immigration before expiry.