BHUTAN
All visitors require a visa before traveling to Bhutan (except those from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, for whom the relevant processes and fees are outlined separately below.)
As part of the visa application process, you will be required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
A fifty percent discount shall be granted on the prevailing SDF of USD 200 for US Dollar paying tourists visiting Bhutan. The effective SDF with the discount shall be USD 100 per person per night for US Dollar paying tourists.
The SDF is exempt for children of 5 years and below. There is a concessionary levy rate of 50% for children between the ages of 6-12 years. Anyone aged 12 and above pays the full SDF rate.
The same long-stay SDF incentives outlined above can be applied to US-dollar SDF-paying children.
The above incentives will come into effect from 1 September 2023 and shall remain effective for four years till 31 August 2027.
The Royal Government shall conduct periodic assessments of the domestic and international tourism scenarios and may discontinue the above incentives to uphold and promote High Value Low Volume Tourism Policy of Bhutan after 31 August 2027.
More information about the SDF can be found here.
VISITORS FROM INDIA.
Visitors from India require a permit. You can also apply at your point of entry, but please be aware that there may be a long wait depending on the number of applicants at the time. If you are applying for a permit on arrival, you will need a passport-size photograph. You must also have insurance for the duration of your visit, which you can prearrange or purchase upon arrival. Your SDF is payable when applying for your permit.
We recommend arranging your permit or visa beforehand.