Tariff Information

Tariff Information

Understanding the “tariff” for visiting Bhutan is crucial, as it’s quite different from most other countries. Bhutan operates on a unique tourism policy, shifting from a “Minimum Daily Package Rate” to a primary focus on the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).

Here’s the current tariff information for Bhutan as of June 2025:

1. Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

This is the most significant component of your travel cost and is a mandatory daily levy paid by almost all tourists. It’s a direct contribution to Bhutan’s sustainable development, funding free healthcare, education, infrastructure, and environmental conservation.

• For International Tourists (excluding India, Bangladesh, Maldives):
  • US$100 per person per night.
  • This rate is a 50% reduction from the previous US$200 and is in effect until August 31, 2027.
  • Children:
    • Children aged 6 to 12 years receive a 50% discount on the SDF (i.e., US$50 per person per night).
    • Children under 5 years old are exempt from the SDF.
• For Indian Nationals:
  • Nu. 1200 (Bhutanese Ngultrum) per person per night (approximately US$15, depending on the exchange rate).
  • This can be paid in Indian Rupees (INR).
  • Children:
    • Children aged 6 to 12 years receive a 50% discount (i.e., Nu. 600 per person per night).
    • Children under 5 years old are exempt from the SDF.
• For Bangladeshi and Maldivian Nationals:
  • US$15 per person per night. (This rate was recently adjusted for Bangladeshi nationals).

Important Notes on SDF:

• Mandatory: The SDF is mandatory for the entire duration of your stay.
• Paid in Advance: The SDF is paid in advance as part of your visa application process, usually through your tour operator or directly on the Bhutan Immigration Services Portal.
• What it DOES NOT Cover: The SDF does not cover your accommodation, meals, transportation, guide services, or entry fees to attractions. These are all separate costs.
• No Duration-Based Incentives: As of December 2023, the previous duration-based SDF incentives (e.g., stay 4 nights, get 4 nights free) are no longer in effect.
• Border Town Waiver: There is a 24-hour SDF waiver for tourists staying within designated border towns (Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar) if they do not travel beyond the first checkpoint.

2. Visa Application Fee

• A non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of US$40 is payable per person for all nationalities (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals who do not pay a separate visa fee but rather the relevant permit/SDF). This is paid in addition to the SDF.

3. Other Costs (Not Included in SDF)

Since the abolition of the “Minimum Daily Package Rate” (MDPR) in June 2022, tourists (and their tour operators) now have more flexibility in choosing services. However, this means you need to budget for these separately:

• Accommodation:
  • Standard (3-star) Hotels: Generally range from US$60 to US$100 per night for a double room.
  • 4-star Hotels: Can range from US$150 to US$250+ per night.
  • Luxury Resorts (5-star and above): Can range from US$300 to over US$1000 per night, depending on the brand and exclusivity.
• Meals:
  • Most tour packages include meals. If not, budget around US$12-20 per person per meal at typical tourist restaurants.
• Transportation:
  • A private vehicle with a driver is usually arranged by your tour operator. This cost is typically included in package tours.
• Licensed Tour Guide:
  • It is mandatory for tourists (excluding Indian nationals in certain areas, but highly recommended for all) to hire a certified local guide for visits to Dzongs and temples. Your tour operator will arrange this, and the cost is usually part of your package.
• Entrance Fees to Attractions:
  • These are now generally separate from the SDF.
  • Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang): Nu. 2000 (approx. US$25) per person.
  • Most other major Dzongs, Monasteries, and Museums (e.g., Tashichho Dzong, Punakha Dzong, National Textile Museum, Buddha Dordenma): Nu. 1000 (approx. US$12.50) per person.
• Flights:
  • International flights to and from Paro (PBH) are a significant cost, especially from outside Asia. Drukair and Bhutan Airlines are the only carriers.
• Personal Expenses:
  • Souvenirs, laundry, drinks, tips for guides and drivers (customary), and other personal incidentals.
• Travel Insurance:
  • Highly recommended to cover medical emergencies and evacuation.

Example Cost Calculation (for an international tourist, 1 adult, 7 nights, standard 3-star accommodation):

• SDF: 7 nights x US$100 = US$700
• Visa Fee: US$40
• Accommodation: 7 nights x US$80 (estimated) = US$560
• Guide, Transport, Meals, Entry Fees (estimated through a package): US$100-150 per day x 7 days = US$700-1050
• Total (excluding international flights & personal expenses): US$2000 – US$2350 (approx.)

This new tariff structure provides more transparency and flexibility for travelers to customize their trips to Bhutan while ensuring that tourism directly benefits the country’s development and sustainability goals.