Bhutan Visa Policy - Asia Valleys Tours & Travels

(Updated 25th August 2023)

The Royal Government of Bhutan has announced additional incentives and policy measures to strengthen the tourism sector. These initiatives highlight the significant role of tourism in creating jobs, earning foreign exchange, and supporting related industries, ultimately driving overall economic growth.

Key Incentives for Tourists

Starting from 1 September 2023, several incentives will be available for tourists visiting Bhutan:

SDF Discount: US Dollar-paying tourists will receive a 50% discount on the current Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 200, reducing the effective SDF to USD 100 per person per day.
Children’s Discount: Children aged 6 to 12 years will also benefit from a 50% discount on the SDF.
Border Towns: The existing 24-hour SDF waiver for tourists staying in border towns will continue.

These incentives will remain in effect until 31 August 2027. However, the Royal Government will periodically assess tourism trends and may adjust these incentives to maintain Bhutan’s High Value, Low Volume Tourism Policy after this period.

Bhutan Visa Requirements

When planning a trip to Bhutan, it’s essential to be aware of the visa requirements:

Visa Requirement: All visitors need a visa to enter Bhutan, except for Indian nationals who require a permit.
Visa on Arrival: Nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives are eligible for a visa on arrival at the port of entry.
Visa Processing: Visitors can apply for a visa or permit online through the Department of Immigration’s website. Additionally, through travel compaly, like Asia Valleys Tours & Travels, who can assist with processing travel documents and trip planning.
Further, you can check the visa detail at TCB

Required Documents for Visa Application

To apply for a Bhutan visa, visitors need the following:

Passport: A copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least six months from the intended departure date from Bhutan.
Photograph: A recent passport-size photograph.

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for Children

Children Under 5 Years: Exempt from the SDF, but the visa application fee of USD 40 still applies.
Children Aged 5 to 11 Years: Required to pay USD 50 per night as the SDF.

Please note that the SDF does not cover accommodation, meals, transport, or guides.

These updates to Bhutan’s visa process and tourism incentives aim to make the country more accessible while preserving its commitment to sustainable tourism. Plan your trip to Bhutan today and take advantage of these new benefits!

Frequently Asked Questions

How and where do I apply for Visa?

Your Visa to Bhutan can be processed online from the website of the Department of Immigration. Or it can be processed by an authorized and registered travel agent such as Asia Valleys Tours & Travels.

My Bhutan travel visa is issued on my old passport which was close to expiring. Will there be any problems when I reach the immigration in Bhutan?

If your Bhutan travel visa is issued on your old passport, you will have to bring along your old passport with you to Bhutan. The Department of Immigration will need to verify your details on your old passport too. A fine of up to Nu. 10,000 will be imposed if traveller fail to present both the traveller’s old and new passport. Alternatively, please inform your Bhutan travel agent to update your visa if there’s still a week to go before your trip.

How much is the visa fee and how long does it take to issue?

The visa fee is USD 40 per person and it is non-refundable. While the process to issue the visa is usually quick, the visa can take up to five working days to process.

I travel frequently and I can't send my passport for Visa application. How can I get the Visa?

We don’t need your physical passport to apply for tourist Visa. We simply need a color scanned copy of your passport to make the Visa application

When is the best time to travel to Bhutan?

You can travel to Bhutan all year round, but the best months are March to May and September to November. For more information please visit Best Time To Visit Bhutan

Is the 50% SDF discount a reduction in the SDF rate?

Bhutan’s SDF remains at USD 200 per person per night. The effective SDF with the 50% discount is USD 100 per person per night for US Dollar paying tourists. This is a time-limited incentive until 2027.

Will previous duration incentives (4+4, 7+7, 12+18 nights packages) still be available?

No, the incentives introduced in June 2023 (4+4, the 7+7 and the 12+18 have been revoked and are no longer applicable). However, the 24 hour SDF waiver for border towns in Bhutan remains valid.

Can the 50% discount be combined with the SDF waiver for border towns?

No, it cannot be combined. Visitors wishing to explore border towns before or after the SDF discount must apply for another visa.

Explain the 50 % SDF discount for children aged between 6 to 12 years for US Dollar paying children visiting as tourists?

The 50% discount shall be on the USD 100 rate. Therefore, the effective SDF with the 50% discount for children will be USD 50 per person per night for US Dollar paying tourists. Children who have not yet turned six years old are eligible to visit Bhutan without paying any SDF.

When does the 50% SDF discount take effect?

It starts on September 1, 2023. Until then, the existing system remains in place.

How long is the 50% SDF discount valid?

It’s valid until September 2027. Further details post-2027 will be announced one year before the validity ends.

Is the 50% SDF incentive calculated on a per day or per night basis?

It’s calculated on a per night basis.