Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) in Bhutan

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily Bhutan tourist tax levied by the Royal Government of Bhutan to promote the country’s unique “High-Value, Low-Impact” Bhutan tourism policy. The fee directly supports Bhutan’s sustainable development goals, including funding for education, healthcare, infrastructure, environmental conservation, and the preservation of Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage.

Current Bhutan SDF Rates (Effective Until August 31, 2027) are as follows:

• International Visitors: USD 100 per person, per night
• Indian Nationals: INR 1,200 per person, per night
• Children aged 6–12: 50% discount on the applicable rate
• Children aged 5 and below: Exempt from the SDF

The SDF is applicable for each night spent in Bhutan and must be paid in advance as part of your Bhutan travel package.

Purpose of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

The funds collected through Bhutan’s SDF are allocated to support the country’s Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• Free healthcare and education for all citizens
• Preservation and promotion of Bhutan’s cultural heritage
• Infrastructure development to enhance the quality of life for Bhutanese people and improve the visitor experience
• Nationwide environmental conservation initiatives
• Strengthening climate change resilience, reinforcing Bhutan’s position as one of the few carbon-negative countries in the world

Bhutan SDF Waiver and Exemptions for Familiarization (FAM) & Media Trips

To promote Bhutan as a unique travel destination under its “High-Value, Low-Impact” tourism policy, the Royal Government of Bhutan offers a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) waiver for select individuals visiting Bhutan on Familiarization (FAM) and Press/Media/Influencer trips.

This waiver significantly reduces the cost of Bhutan travel packages for international travel operators engaged in promoting and selling Bhutan as a tourism destination.

Purpose of the SDF Waiver for Familiarization (FAM) & Media Trips

The waiver is designed to:

• Support international travel agents in experiencing Bhutan firsthand
• Enable the overseas travel operators to market and promote Bhutan more effectively to their clients or audiences
• Encourage extensive media exposure and content creation that aligns with Bhutan’s tourism values

Eligibility Criteria for Bhutan SDF Waiver

The SDF waiver is available to:

• International travel agents participating in FAM trips to Bhutan
• Media representatives, journalists, and influencers engaged in tourism promotion through Press/Media/Influencer trips

To be eligible, participants must:

• Be invited by a licensed Bhutanese tours operator
• Comply with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Department ofTourism (DoT),Royal Government of Bhutan
• Clearly indicate plans to promote Bhutan Tourism via recognized professional networks or marketing channels

Bhutan SDF Waiver Application Process

To apply for the SDF waiver:

1.     Application Submission

• Submit a formal application through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator
•  Include supporting documents such as proof of professional status (e.g., agency affiliation, publication links, influencer profiles)

2.     Department of Tourism (DoT) Review

o   The DoT will review the application to ensure compliance with eligibility and SOPs

3.     Approval & Waiver Issuance

 Upon approval, the SDF waiver will be granted for the approved duration of the FAM or media trip

Note: Applications must be submitted well in advance of the intended travel date to allow for timely processing.

For more information on Bhutan SDF,  please contact us on +975-17110720 WhatsApp /Viber/Telegram or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.