Bhutan Visa Guide

Bhutan Visa Policy Update

The Royal Government of Bhutan is pleased to unveil additional incentives and policy measures to invigorate the tourism sector, recognizing its crucial role in employment generation, foreign exchange earnings, and overall economic growth. These measures will be in effect from September 1, 2023, and will continue for four years until August 31, 2027. Periodic assessments of the domestic and international tourism landscape will guide the decision-making process, and the government reserves the right to discontinue these incentives post this period.

The outlined Incentives Include:

1. Fifty Percent SDF Discount: US Dollar paying tourists visiting Bhutan will enjoy a fifty percent discount on the prevailing Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), resulting in an effective SDF of USD 100 per person per day.
2. Child Rate Discount: Children aged between 6 to 12 years, visiting as US Dollar paying tourists, will receive a fifty percent discount on SDF rates.
3. 24-Hour SDF Waiver: The 24-hour SDF waiver for tourists staying in border towns will be sustained.

These measures are a testament to Bhutan’s commitment to promoting High-Value Low-Volume Tourism and fostering sustainable growth in the sector.”

Bhutan Visa Requirements

Children under 5 are SDF-exempt, but the USD 40 visa fee applies. For 5 to under 12 years, the SDF is USD 50 per person per night, excluding accommodation, meals, transport, and guides.