BHUTAN- NEW TRAVEL POLICY
29 Jun 2022 Asia Experiences
Updated: June 28, 2023
Bhutan has introduced a revised SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) Incentives structure, making Bhutan travel more accessible and affordable. Effective from June 1, 2023, visitors to Bhutan can choose from the following options based on their planned itinerary:
4 + 4: Pay the SDF of USD 200 per night, per person, for four nights, and receive up to four additional nights without the daily levy.
7 + 7: Pay the SDF of USD 200 per night, per person, for seven nights, and receive up to seven additional nights without the daily levy.
12 + 18: Pay the SDF USD 200 per night per person, for twelve nights, and receive up to eighteen nights without the daily levy.
GOOD NEWS!!!
- Re-opens on September 23, 2022
- Raise Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to the USD 200 per person per night
- SDF for Indians is INR 1200 per person per night
- SDF charge is 50% for the age group 6-11
- No SDF charge below 6 years
- Permanent removal of Minimum Daily Package Rate (MDPR)
COVID-19 has made it impossible to travel to this magical Kingdom of “Bhutan”. After a long gap of almost 2.5 years, Bhutan is re-open to travelers around the world from September 23, 2022. With the of new policy, Bhutan focuses on creating high-value experiences for travelers. Priority to carbon-neutral tourism, Bhutan revamped its Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). Travelers must pay the USD 200 per person per night SDF fee. But, for Indians INR 1200 per person per night. SDF charge is USD 100 for the age group (6-11) whereas no charges below 6 years.
Firstly, one good news is the permanent removal of Minimum Daily Package Rate (MDPR) . Previously, it restricted tourist experiences. As tourists, they should only follow the tour package provided by tour operators. Now, tourists are flexible to customize their itinerary as well as accommodate their desired places and accordingly pay for their services. Travel Agency confirmation regarding hotel booking and VISA procedure is very essential while planning to travel to Bhutan.
With the concept of “High Value, Low Volume” Tourism, Bhutan’s new travel policy is effective from June 20, 2022. Especially, the low Carbon footprints boost Bhutan’s Tourism economically and socially. As a matter of fact, High Focus on the infrastructure and services, the travel experiences of tourists, and the sector’s environmental impact as tourism is Bhutan’s treasured national asset. In the long run, the new policy is practiced as Sustainable Tourism for the welfare of Bhutan’s future generations.
For any queries, leave here bhutan@asiaexperiences.com
Please find here full copy of the press release and frequently asked questions below:
Full Press Release Copy of TOURISM COUNCIL OF BHUTAN, ROYAL GOVERNMENT OF BHUTAN
Frequently Asked Question about the new changes.
