Bhutanese visa resources
Understanding Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Bhutan's distinctive tourism model charges most visitors a daily Sustainable Development Fee instead of a mass-tourism approach.
Important
The Sustainable Development Fee is central to Bhutan's 'High Value, Low Volume' tourism policy. It is a daily levy collected under the Tourism Act from most visitors and reinvested by the government in areas such as free healthcare, education, environmental conservation and infrastructure, in line with the country's Gross National Happiness philosophy.
The SDF is separate from the cost of accommodation, meals, guides and transport, which are arranged and paid for on top of the fee. It is charged per person for each night of the stay, generally from the night of arrival up to the night before departure.
The standard rate for most international visitors is USD 100 per person per night for the period running to 31 August 2027, with a concessional rate for nationals of India, Bangladesh and the Maldives and discounts or exemptions for children. Certain short border-area visits by regional nationals may be exempt.
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.