BHUTAN
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Bhutan Latest Travel Updates as at November 2025
Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
What is the SDF?
The Sustainable Development Fee, or SDF, is a nightly levy introduced by the Royal Government of Bhutan to uphold the country’s “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy. It ensures that tourism benefits Bhutan’s environment, culture, and communities while maintaining exclusivity and quality. Revenue from the SDF directly supports conservation projects, healthcare, infrastructure, and cultural preservation.
Current SDF Rates
- International tourists: USD 100 per person per night
- Children aged 6–11: USD 50 per person per night (50% discount)
- Children aged 5 and below: Exempt from SDF
- Indian nationals: INR 1,200 per adult per night (approximately USD 15–16); INR 600 for children aged 6–12
These rates are confirmed to remain effective until 31 August 2027, unless revised by the Government of Bhutan.
Key Points to Remember
- The SDF is separate from your tour package, hotel, and transport costs.
- The fee is applied per night of stay in Bhutan.
- The SDF applies nationwide, regardless of your accommodation type or travel style.
- Your Bhutanese tour operator will typically collect and remit this fee when applying for your visa.
- Keep your payment receipt — immigration officers may request to see it upon arrival.
- Always confirm the SDF rate and inclusions with your licensed Bhutan tour operator before finalising your booking.
Tips
When planning your trip, factor the SDF into your budget early. For instance, a 7-night trip will include USD 700 in SDF charges. Families with children will find Bhutan’s discount and exemption policy quite generous
Bhutan Visa Application Requirements
Who Needs a Visa?
All international visitors, except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, must obtain a visa clearance before travelling to Bhutan. The visa process is managed online and facilitated by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or their international partner.
For International Visitors
- Submit Documents: Your tour operator will request a scanned passport copy (valid for at least six months), a passport-style photo, and your proposed itinerary.
- Pay the Fees: The visa fee is USD 40 per person per trip, paid together with the Sustainable Development Fee.
- Receive Visa Clearance: Once approved, you’ll receive a visa clearance letter (or e-visa), which you must present at check-in and upon arrival in Bhutan.
- Visa on Arrival: The actual visa stamp is issued at Paro International Airport or at the designated land border points upon entry.
For Indian Nationals
- Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Bhutan. Instead, they receive an Entry Permit upon arrival at Paro International Airport or the border entry points.
- The Entry Permit typically allows travel within Thimphu and Paro. Travel beyond these districts requires a Special Area Permit from the Department of Immigration in Thimphu.
- Acceptable identification documents include a valid passport (with at least six months’ validity) or an original Voter ID card.
Important Notes
- Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
- Airlines such as Drukair will require your visa clearance number before allowing you to board the flight to Paro.
- Visa processing time typically ranges from 5 to 14 days, so apply well in advance.
- For land entry via Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, or Gelephu, travellers must complete immigration formalities at the border.
| Category | Age Group | Visa / Permit Requirement | SDF (per person per night) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Visitors | Adults (12 years & above) | Visa clearance required via licensed tour operator | USD 100 | Must apply in advance. Paid with SDF. |
| Children (6–11 years) | Visa clearance required | USD 50 (50% discount) |
Discount automatically applied when applying | |
| Children (0–5 years) | Visa clearance required | Exempt | Visa fee still applies, but SDF waived. | |
| Indian Nationals | Adults (12 years & above) | Entry Permit on arrival (no visa needed) | INR 1,200 | Passport or Voter ID required. |
| Children (6–11 years) | Entry Permit on arrival | INR 600 | Must be accompanied by parent/guardian. | |
| Children (0–5 years) | Entry Permit on arrival | Exempt | SDF waived for children below 6 years old. | |
| Bangladeshi & Maldivian Nationals | All age groups | Can obtain visa on arrival | Same as international travellers. | Same rules as international travellers. |
Drukair Routes
International Routes
Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines – operates flights to and from Bhutan’s Paro International Airport (PBH) connecting the Kingdom with key Asian gateways:
- Bangkok (Thailand) – daily
- Delhi (India) – daily
- Kathmandu (Nepal) – daily
- Singapore – twice weekly (via Guwahati)
- Kolkata (India) – four times weekly
- Dhaka (Bangladesh) – twice weekly
- Bagdogra (India) – twice weekly
- Guwahati (India) – twice weekly
- Bodh Gaya (India) – seasonal (December–February)
- Dubai (UAE) – twice weekly
Domestic Routes
- Paro ↔ Bumthang (Bathpalathang) – several times a week
- Paro ↔ Yonphula (Trashigang) – multiple weekly flights
- Paro ↔ Gelephu – weekly
Travel Advice
- Flights to and from Paro operate only during daylight hours due to terrain restrictions.
- Weather can affect schedules, so keep a flexible buffer when planning your international connections.
- Domestic flights are highly recommended for travellers heading to central or eastern Bhutan, cutting down long road journeys.
Keep In Mind
Flights during Bhutan’s festival seasons (March–May and September–November) fill up quickly — early booking is essential. Check out the full upcoming Bhutan festival calendar.
Do I Need a Tour Operator to Visit Bhutan?
The short answer
Yes, you can visit Bhutan without booking through a tour operator. However, a licensed Bhutanese guide is mandatory whenever you enter monuments, temples, dzongs, museums, and other sacred or protected sites. Because you’ll need a guide for most meaningful sightseeing, it’s still best to book with a licensed tour operator who can package your guide, permits, and logistics smoothly.
How independent travel works
- You may arrange hotels and transport yourself. You’ll still need a licensed guide to enter cultural and sacred sites (e.g., Paro Taktsang/Tiger’s Nest, Paro Dzong, Memorial Chorten), and for any museum or monastery visits.
- You can travel without an operator, but practicalities increase—guides are required for sites, special permits may be needed, and road/flight changes are common. Most travellers find an operator invaluable here.
- Trekking & special interests: A licensed guide is compulsory for treks and strongly advised for birding, photography, or spiritual itineraries due to safety, permits, and local protocols.
- SDF & visa/permit: You must pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and secure your visa clearance (or entry permit for eligible nationals). An operator can bundle these with your guide arrangements.
Pro Tip
Booking through a licensed operator such as Druk Asia makes your trip completely seamless. As the official representative of Drukair, they can handle everything—from your flights and visa to guides, permits, and personalised itineraries. All you need to do is arrive, unwind, and let Bhutan’s magic unfold around you.
Why booking a tour operator still makes sense
- Guaranteed access: They secure a licensed guide matched to your interests and language.
- Effortless permits: They handle site permissions, route clearances, and any special-area paperwork.
- Flight & timing: They juggle Drukair seats, weather buffers, and festival calendars.
- Issue management: If roads close or plans shift, they rework your day swiftly without you losing prepaid entries or timing.
- Better experiences: From butter-lamp offerings to farmhouse lunches and hot-stone baths, a good operator unlocks authentic, respectful moments.
