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Planning your dream trip to Bhutan? One of the unique aspects of traveling to Bhutan is the visa requirement and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), a policy designed to ensure that tourism in Bhutan is sustainable, responsible, and contributes to the well-being of the country. Here’s everything you need to know about obtaining your Bhutan visa and the SDF to make your travel experience smooth and hassle-free.
To travel to Bhutan, all international tourists (except for nationals of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) must obtain a visa before entering the country. Bhutan’s government has strict regulations regarding tourist visas, and the application process is unique compared to other countries.
All foreign nationals, except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals, must apply for a visa to enter Bhutan. The visa is processed through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator like Bhutan Red Robes Destination. Individual visa applications cannot be made directly with the government of Bhutan.
To obtain your Bhutan visa, you’ll need to book a tour package through an authorized Bhutanese tour operator. When you book your tour, the operator will take care of your visa application. All visa applications must be submitted through the tour operator, who will process the paperwork with the Bhutanese government.
Typically, your visa will be processed within 2 to 3 days after booking your tour, but it’s recommended to apply at least 2-3 weeks before your intended travel date to avoid any delays. Once approved, the visa will be sent to you via email, and you’ll receive a visa clearance letter, which you must present upon arrival in Bhutan.
Bhutan does not offer visas on arrival for tourists. However, the visa clearance letter issued by the Bhutanese government will allow you to board your flight or enter Bhutan by land.
The Bhutan visa is typically valid for the duration of your trip, which will depend on the tour package you've booked. Tourist visas are usually valid for up to 14 days and can be extended in certain cases with permission from Bhutan’s immigration office.
As part of Bhutan's efforts to maintain its "high-value, low-impact" tourism model, the government has implemented a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). This fee is a critical component in promoting sustainable tourism and supporting the country’s infrastructure, environment, and cultural preservation.
The SDF is a daily fee that foreign tourists must pay when visiting Bhutan. The fee was introduced to ensure that the tourism sector contributes positively to Bhutan’s environment, community, and culture. The SDF helps support Bhutan’s development, infrastructure, and conservation efforts, making sure tourism remains responsible and beneficial for both visitors and locals.
SDF Fee Structure: The SDF is part of the overall travel cost for tourists visiting Bhutan, and it is collected directly by your Bhutanese tour operator as part of your booking package.
When you book a tour with Bhutan Red Robes Destination, we handle all aspects of your visa application and SDF payment process to make your travel as stress-free as possible. Here’s how we can assist you:
Visa Application: Once you book your tour with us, we will submit all the necessary documentation for your visa application and ensure timely processing. We will also send you your visa clearance letter in advance, so you can board your flight or cross the border into Bhutan without any hassle.
SDF Payment: As part of your package, we will take care of the SDF payment, ensuring that your contributions to Bhutan’s sustainability initiatives are processed correctly and smoothly.
Customized Travel Packages: Our team will work with you to design a customized travel itinerary that includes all the must-see sites, cultural experiences, trekking adventures, and festivals in Bhutan while adhering to all visa and SDF guidelines.
It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance when visiting Bhutan. While your visa and SDF fees will be handled by your tour operator, travel insurance can help protect against unforeseen events, including trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and other unexpected situations.
The local currency in Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), but Indian Rupees (INR) are also widely accepted. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most cities, but it’s always a good idea to carry cash when traveling to rural areas.
Navigating the visa application and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) process for Bhutan might seem complex at first, but with the right assistance from a licensed Bhutanese tour operator like Bhutan Red Robes Destination, your journey to Bhutan will be seamless and unforgettable.
Whether you're traveling to explore Bhutan’s beautiful landscapes, rich culture, or Buddhist heritage, understanding the visa process and SDF ensures you can focus on what matters most - experiencing the beauty of Bhutan while supporting its commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.
Q1. Who are the regional tourists?
Regional tourists are the citizens of Bangladesh, India, and Maldives visiting Bhutan for the purpose of leisure tourism including those visiting Bhutan or pilgrimage.
Q2. What is the valid travel document required for regional tourist to visit Bhutan?
Passport is the valid travel document and it must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
Q3. What is the valid travel permit for regional tourists to visit Bhutan?
The valid travel permit for the regional tourist is an e-permit that is approved in advance.
Q4. How can e-permit be processed?
Q5. Where can information on the licensed Bhutanese tour operator, hotels and tour guides be found?
Q6. What are the prerequisites for obtaining the e-permit?
In order to be eligible for the e-permit the regional tourist, through the licensed Bhutanese tour operator, should furnish the following:
Q7. What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?
SDF is a fee levied by the Royal Government of Bhutan to all tourists visiting Bhutan. This is levied to promote sustainable and responsible tourism under the overall principle of "High value, Low volume" tourism.
SDF contributes to social welfare, developmental activities, conservation of environment, promotion of culture, and enhancement of infrastructure and facilities for tourists.
Q8. How much is SDF?
The standard SDF of USD 65 per person per night is levied to international tourists. However, the tourists from Bangladesh, India and Maldives shall be levied a concessional SDF of Nu. 1200 per person per night, equivalent to approximately USD 16.
Q9. What are the benefts for regional tourist for paying SDF?
The following are some of the benefts of paying SDF:
1. Contribute to the overall sustainable management of tourism in Bhutan.
2. Contribute to theenhancement of infrastructure and facilities, in particular tourism infrastructure and facilities.
3. Process permit in advance to visit places in Bhutan without having to wait at the border gates.
4. Guarantee safe and secure personal attention during the stay in Bhutan.
5. Preferential exemptions granted to all tourists from paying of entry fees for state owned tourist attraction sites.
6. Provide good experiences to all tourists through quality services.
Q10. What will be the currency for SDF payment?
Q11. Do regional tourists have to pay SDF for a day excursion trip to Bhutan?
They have to pay SDF if they cross the frst interior check point in Bhutan and also process e-permit through a Bhutanese tour operator for entry into Bhutan.
Q12. How can regional tourists make SDF payment?
SDF payment can be made by wire-transferring or by using payment gateways through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Q13. How long does it take to approve the e-permit?
It will take at least 5 working days to approve the e-permit.
Q14. Can a regional tourist postpone or cancel the tour?
Yes, he or she can postpone or cancel the tour through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. However, you must understand and agree to the policy of the Bhutanese tour operator and other service providers with regard to cancellation and postponement.
Q15. Is a regional tourist eligible for SDF refund in case of tour cancellation? If so, what is the refund process?
Q16. Can the stay be extended? What are the conditions for applying for permit extension?
Yes, tour can be extended by depositing the required SDF with the help of a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Q17. What is the maximum duration for tourist permit?
A tourist permit shall be initially granted for maximum duration of 30 days or for actual duration of stay whichever is less. However, the permit may be extended further by depositing the required SDF with the help of a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Q18. What are the benefts for regional tourist for booking the tour through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator?
The following are some of the benefts of booking the tour through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator:
1. Guaranteed services from a dedicated Bhutanese tour operator in arranging the trip to Bhutan in a desired manner to enrich the experience.
2. Process permit in advance for visiting places and sites in Bhutan.
3. Safe and secure personal attention during stay in Bhutan.
4. Licensed Bhutanese tour operators taking accountability for the entire duration of the tour in Bhutan.
5. Ensure hassle free and reliable services in Bhutan.
6. Ease of making tour arrangement with the help of the professional licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
7. Get best deals with the help of a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
8. Help plan your trip and enter Bhutan even during weekend and holidays.
Q19. Other information that may be useful.
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