Bhutan visa and Sustainable Development Fee
Every international visitor to Bhutan pays a daily Sustainable Development Fee and, except for Indian nationals, needs a visa. Here is how both work, and what we do on your behalf.
At a glance: the SDF is US$100 per adult per night, and the visa fee is a one-time US$40. Both are paid before you travel, and both are included in our quotes. Government rates can change, so we always confirm them in writing when you book.
What is the Sustainable Development Fee?
The SDF is a daily fee charged by the Royal Government of Bhutan to visitors. It funds free healthcare and education, conservation, infrastructure and carbon-neutral development. It reflects the country's long-standing "high value, low volume" approach to tourism.
The SDF is paid to the government. It is separate from the cost of your hotels, guide, transport and meals.
Current SDF rates
| Traveller | SDF per night |
|---|---|
| Adults (international visitors) | US$100 |
| Children aged 6 to 12 | 50% concession (US$50) |
| Children aged 5 and under | Exempt |
| Indian nationals | ₹1,200 (children 6–12 pay half) |
The US$100 rate was set by the Tourism Levy (Amendment) Act of 2023 and applies until 31 August 2027. The fee is charged per night spent in Bhutan. Nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives should ask us for the rate that currently applies to them.
Do I need a visa for Bhutan?
Yes, unless you are a citizen of India. All other nationalities need a Bhutan tourist visa, which costs US$40 and is issued electronically before you travel. You will need:
- A passport valid for at least six months from your date of arrival
- A recent passport-style photograph
- Travel dates, and evidence of your hotel bookings
- Payment of the visa fee and the SDF for your nights in Bhutan
Once the visa is approved, you receive an approval letter. You show it on arrival at Paro International Airport or at a land border, and the visa is stamped into your passport there.
Travellers from India
Indian nationals do not need a visa, but they do need an entry permit, which is issued against a valid passport or voter ID card. The permit covers Thimphu and Paro. Travel beyond them needs a route permit, which we arrange as part of your trip. Indian visitors pay the SDF at the rupee rate shown above.
Do I need a guide?
Visitors may now plan their own trips. However, a licensed Bhutanese guide is required for travel beyond Thimphu and Paro and for visiting most dzongs, temples and monuments. Treks are run with a licensed guide and crew. In practice, almost every visitor travels with a guide, and every one of our trips includes a guide from arrival to departure.
How we handle it for you
- You confirm your itinerary and send scans of your passports and photos.
- We submit your visa applications and pay the visa fee and SDF on your behalf, as part of your trip price.
- We email you the visa approval letters, usually within a few working days.
- You need the approval letter to board your flight to Paro.
Common questions
Is the SDF included in your tour prices?
Yes. Our quotes include the SDF and the visa fee, so the price covers your whole time in Bhutan.
Is the SDF refundable if I cancel?
SDF refunds follow the government's rules. If you cancel before travelling, the SDF for the nights you do not stay can generally be refunded. The details depend on timing, and we explain them in your booking confirmation.
Do I pay SDF for my departure day?
No. The SDF is charged per night, so a 5-day, 4-night trip carries four nights of SDF.
How long does the visa take?
Usually a few working days once your documents and payment are complete. We recommend sending documents at least three weeks before travel, and earlier for festivals.
This page was last reviewed in 2026. Fees and rules are set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and may change. The official tourism website is bhutan.travel.
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