What is the SDF and how is it used?
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.
The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.
How much is the SDF?
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
Can guests combine the SDF incentives with the 24-hour border-town SDF waiver?
No. This incentive is not combinable with the SDF waiver for border towns.
What is the 24 hour SDF border town waiver?
Tourists visiting Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrupjongkhar towns for 24 hours need not pay Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) beginning April 14, 2023. The waiver will be enforced for a year. The SDF waiver will only apply for tourists who do not travel beyond the designated zones of border towns. However, SDF will apply for visitors who travel beyond the designated zone of border towns.
Tourists will be charged SDF if they go beyond Gurung Basti in Samtse, and beyond Rinchending Checkpost in Phuentsholing. The designated zone in Gelephu is at Aipoli Bridge and Pinchinna checkpost in Samdrupjongkhar.
If guests who are already in Bhutan wish to extend their stay, what is the process?
Extensions must be made in person at the Department of Immigration and must be paid in US Dollars.
For Indian Nationals, extensions can be made in person at the Department of Immigration and must be paid in INR.
What happens if a guest wants to take advantage of the SDF revision before they have arrived in Bhutan?
The guests should cancel their visa application and apply again. Please allow at least five working days to process the visa application. The SDF that they have already paid can be used when applying again and any excess will be refunded. SDF payments cannot be refunded after guests have either arrived in Bhutan or have departed Bhutan.
Can guests who have already obtained a visa take advantage of the new SDF incentives?
Yes, guests who have already obtained a visa and booked trips to Bhutan can take advantage of the new SDF incentive. They will need to cancel their existing visa application and re-apply. Please note that DoI will forfeit their original visa fee (USD 40) and guest will be required to pay the USD 40 visa fee again when they process their new visa application. The SDF that they have already paid can be used when applying again.
Are guests from Bangladesh and Maldives eligible to pay the reduced SDF?
Only guests from India are eligible to pay the rate of Nu. 1,200 (or equivalent in Indian Rupees) per day.
If I cancel my trip will my SDF be refunded?
Yes, the SDF will be refunded by the Department of Immigration for any cancelled or shortened trips; any bank charges will be deducted from the total refunded. Requests for SDF refunds should be submitted online using the
visa portal. The refund will be processed after visitors leave Bhutan.
If a guest decides to leave Bhutan earlier than planned, are they eligible for an SDF refund?
Yes, the SDF will be refunded for any nights that are not spent in the kingdom.
What are my transport options for travelling around Bhutan?
The most convenient way to travel in Bhutan is to hire a vehicle and driver from a car rental company or a tourism service provider. It is not possible to hire a self-drive vehicle in Bhutan.
You can also book a local driver or transport service provider (as well as airline tickets and tour operators) using the
Druk Ride app. Your hotel may also be able to provide or arrange transport for you.
If you are travelling with a tour operator, your transport will be arranged for you.
Domestic flights are often the fastest way to travel longer distances within Bhutan. Domestic airports operate flights to and from Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan.
For special itineraries, helicopter services can be arranged. For more information about helicopter services, visit the
Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services page or contact your travel partner.
Who can I speak to about general SDF questions, how the SDF is calculated or how much it is going to cost to visit?
