Bhutan welcomes responsible tourists from all over the world while maintaining a strictly regulated visa and entry system to safeguard its environment, culture, and way of life. Bhutan's "High Value, Low Volume" tourism policy dictates that access is not entirely unrestricted; travelers must fulfill certain prerequisites for visas, permits, and fees either before to or upon arrival.
These regulations support sustainable development, control visitor numbers, and preserve the nation's distinct social and biological equilibrium. In addition to obtaining a visa or entrance permit, visitors must pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which directly supports Bhutan's infrastructure, healthcare, education, and environmental preservation.
Visitors entering Bhutan are required to pay a daily cost known as the Sustainable Development cost (SDF). It is a fundamental component of Bhutan's tourism policy and helps the nation achieve its objective of welcoming conscientious tourists while safeguarding its culture, environment, and standard of living. Bhutan employs the SDF to make sure tourism stays responsible, low-impact, and advantageous to its residents rather than encouraging mass travel.
Bhutan charges a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 per person per night for foreign visitors. This required amount, which is determined by the total number of nights spent in the nation, must be paid during the visa application procedure. However, children from age 6-12 are exempted 50% of the SDF fee and no SDF is charged for children below 6 years.
As compared to other nations, citizens from India needs to pay sum of ₹1200 as an SDF fee. Also, they do not need to apply for visa, instead they can get an entry permit at the border by presenting the government certified identity proof. This not only allows easy entry to the country but helps in promoting the commerce industry of both the countries.
Citizens of both the country need to pay $100 as a part of SDF fee but can apply for visa on arrival with the help of a valid passport. However, the amount of fee may vary based on the currency exchange rates in the market.
