On 20 June 2022, the Royal Government of Bhutan passed a new Tourism Levy Bill requiring tourists to pay a tourism levy known as the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$ 200 per person per night for a visa to be issued.
The tourism levy is paid separate to the costs of accommodation, meals, transportation, guides, entry to museums/monasteries/temples and other sightseeing attractions, visa fee ($40) and more.
SDF Exemption and Concessionary Levy
- Exemption for children 5 years and below – $40 visa fee still applies
- Concessionary levy rate of 50% for children between 6-12 years
Bhutan’s tourism model is undergoing a wider revamp with continued focus on sustainable development. The SDF fees will go towards the national exchequer to fund transformative programmes and projects from keeping the country carbon-negative and a green destination for tourists, upgrading infrastructure and services, preserving the cultural traditions, protecting the heritage and environment, planting trees, organic farming, upskilling workers in Bhutan’s tourism industry, creating opportunities and jobs for the young people, as well as funding free healthcare and education.
The country’s noble policy of “high value, low impact” tourism has been in place since the arrival of the first tourists in 1974. The country is one of the very few carbon-neutral countries in the world – it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it produces.
Hassle-free Bhutan Holidays
Our tour packages offer something suitable for everyone based on seasonal attractions with must see sites in every tour. They are fully escorted. Please get in touch with us for a customised tour with a quote to suit your budget. Let BGT arrange your unforgettable trip to Bhutan!
Early Booking Discount
Book early to receive a 10% discount.
Price Includes
- Pick ups and drops from airports and hotels
- Comfortable transport (private vehicle) throughout your trip
- Licensed English-speaking guide & driver
- Best accommodation in 3-star hotels with private bathrooms based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double bed (single supplements apply)
- Comfortable farmhouse/home stay/heritage house can also be arranged
- Camping facilities and haulage for trekking tours
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and bottled water daily
- All sightseeing & hiking (entrance fees to museums and other attractions)
- Baggage handling at all hotels and camps
- Sustainable development fee (SDF) USD $40
- Bhutan visa fee USD $40
- All applicable internal taxes and service fees
Price Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Discretionary tips for guides and drivers (see FAQs)
- Other personal expenses such as drinks & beverages, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
- Upgrade to 4 star and 5 star luxury hotels
- Single room supplement
Airfare (Flights into Bhutan)
Both the international and domestic airfares are charged in US dollars. We arrange only Drukair and Bhutan Airlines tickets in and out of Paro International Airport serving the nine cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Dhaka, Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra and Gaya including domestic flight at no extra fee. No other airlines fly into Bhutan.
Airfare Discounts for Children
Flights to and out of Paro International Airport offer some discounts for infants and children:
- Children under 2 years receive 90% discount
- Children under 12 years receive 33% discount