What is Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?
The SDF is a daily fee that international tourists visiting Bhutan are required to pay in addition to the cost of their visa, accommodation, and other expenses. Bhutan introduced the SDF in 2004 as part of an overall strategy to promote high-value, low-volume tourism.
The SDF is a visionary way to ensure that visitors to Bhutan truly appreciate the country’s cultural and natural treasures and are willing to contribute to their preservation. The revenue generated by the SDF is used to support developmental efforts in areas including environmental and cultural conservation, sustainable tourism, education, infrastructure, and healthcare. A portion of the funds is also used to offset visitors’ carbon footprints through an extensive tree planting program.
The SDF manifests Bhutan’s dual commitment to sustaining its cultural heritage and natural environment and to using tourism to uplift the well-being of all its citizens. This enlightened commitment preserves the vitality of the very riches that travelers journey there to appreciate, and ensures that the visitor’s experience in Bhutan is not only an enlarging adventure but also an ethically and culturally mindful journey that leaves a positive impact.
How much is Bhutan’s 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.
Bhutan SDF for Indian nationals
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.