Traveller Guide

Bhutan Visa Policy

(Updated 25th August 2023)
The Royal Government of Bhutan is pleased to announce additional incentives and policy measures to boost the tourism sector. This is in view of the important role of the tourism sector in generating employment; earning foreign exchange; realizing the potential for spillover benefits for ancillary industries; and in boosting overall economic growth.

The incentives and measures shall consist of the following:

1. A fifty percent discount shall be granted on the prevailing SDF of USD 200 for US Dollar paying tourists visiting Bhutan. The effective SDF with the discount shall be USD 100 per person per day for US Dollar paying tourists.

2. In addition, fifty percent discount on the SDF shall be granted on the rates applied to children aged between 6 to 11 years for US Dollar paying children visiting as tourists.

3. The 24 hours SDF waiver for tourists staying in the border towns shall continue.

The above incentives will come into effect from 1 September 2023 and shall remain effective for four years till 31 August 2027.

The Royal Government shall conduct periodic assessments of the domestic and international tourism scenarios and may discontinue the above incentives to uphold and promote High Value Low Volume Tourism Policy of Bhutan after 31 August 2027.

Check detailed information here

How Much is Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?
The current Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for all tourists is at USD100 per adult per night.

USD50 for children aged 6 to below 12 years old. For children aged 5 and below, the SDF is waived.

Bhutan SDF for Regional Tourists from India
Regional tourists from India are required to apply for a permit and pay 1200 INR/night.

Bhutan SDF for Regional Tourists from Maldives
Tourists from Maldives are required to pay USD100 per adult per night but they are able to apply for a visa upon arrival.

Bhutan SDF Special Scheme for Bangladeshis
The Royal Government of Bhutan has announced that the first 15,000 Bangladeshi tourists visiting Bhutan each year can pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 15 per night starting June 2.

This special scheme will be valid until 2027.

Bhutan Post

Customs & Excise:

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Visitors may import personal effects and articles required for the visit, provided that the items are re-exported on their leaving Bhutan

Import and Re-export of Article(s) of High value

Visitors shall be allowed to import articles of high value provided that on arrival:

• Declare dutiable goods in the Customs Declaration Form
• Hand over the Customs copy of the declaration form to the customs official at the customs counter
• Produce their passenger copy of the Custom Declaration Form at the time of departure
• Produce the article(s) for the customs inspection at the time of arrival and departure
• If any of the items are found to be missing from the declared form, such article shall attract Customs duty and taxes on the prevailing market value of such goods in Bhutan

Prohibited Goods:

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Goods that are banned completely

• Antiques
• Dzee beads
• Endangered species
• Narcotics & psychotropic drugs and substances
• Pornographic materials
• Any other goods prohibited by LAW or international conventions or treaties to which Bhutan is a signatory

Restricted Goods:

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Goods that require a license/permit from relevant authorities

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Immigration:

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Arriving passengers are requested to produce following documents at the Immigration Counter:

• Valid Identification Document (Passport/CID/Voter Card)
• Valid Immigration Card (if issued)
• Any other documents when demanded by Immigration Officials

Please have the following information ready as you proceed to the Immigration Counter:

• Correct address in Bhutan (Hotel name for tourist)
• Purpose of visit
• Exact date of return journey