Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee

Are you excited about exploring the fascinating kingdom of Bhutan? As you prepare for your tour to Bhutan, you will undoubtedly come across the term "Sustainable Development Fee" (SDF). So, what exactly is it, and why is it relevant to your Bhutanese adventure? Let's dig into some specifics you might want to be aware of.

What is SDF?

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily fee collected by the Bhutanese government from all tourists. Essentially, it serves as a financial contribution to support the country's sustainable development efforts, such as the preservation of its pristine environment, rich culture and heritage.

Why Does Bhutan Have an SDF?

Bhutan has a unique approach to tourism. They want to ensure that tourism benefits the country while minimizing its negative effects. The SDF plays a crucial role by funding projects related to environmental protection, cultural preservation and infrastructure development. It is a way of striking a balance between opening up to the world and preserving Bhutan's heritage.

Tiger's Nest, One of Bhutan's Heritages

How Much is the SDF?

A new SDF incentive for visitors has been implemented by the government of Bhutan, and its current price is $100 per person, per night from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2027. It should be noted that the policy applies to payments made in US dollars.

Concessionary rates apply for those:

1) Children between the ages of six and twelve are eligible for a 50 percent discount on the SDF, while those aged five or younger are exempt from paying this fee.

2) The SDF only for guests from India is subject to 1200 Ngultrums (about $15), or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees, per person, per night.

When and How Will the SDF be Paid for?

The SDF payments are made in advance as part of your visa or permit application which you should complete before your Bhutan trip. You have two convenient payment methods for the SDF. You can choose to settle it via a secure wire transfer or by using your credit card. The necessary personal and payment information needs to be provided during the permit process. Once the SDF payment is successfully completed, the Tourism Council of Bhutan will issue your tourist permit, enabling you to embark on your Bhutanese adventure.

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What Happens to SDF if My Trip Changes?

While the SDF is initially calculated based on your pre-arranged travel plan before entering Bhutan. However, if your plans need to change for any reason, the SDF is also subject to change:

1) If you wish to extend your stay in Bhutan, the extensions must be made in person at the Department of Immigration before your initial permit expires. The SDF for the extra nights will be charged on a per-night basis.

2) If you have to cancel or shorten your trip, SDF can be refunded by the Department of Immigration. To request an SDF refund, you should submit your request online via the visa portal. Refunds will be processed after your departure from Bhutan. If you decide to leave Bhutan earlier than initially planned, the SDF will be refunded for any nights any unused nights.

Can I Refund the Difference for a Prior $200 SDF Payment?

Certainly! If you've previously paid the $200 SDF as part of your visa application and your trip hasn't started before September 1, 2023, you're eligible for a refund of the difference. To do this, first cancel your existing approved visa or pending visa application through the online visa portal and then re-apply a new visa. The original visa fee of USD 40 will not be credited, so you need to pay it again. However, the amount of SDF you have already paid also can be used when processing the new visa application.

With the favorable policies and proactive measures taken by the Bhutanese government, there's never been a better time to embark on a journey to this fascinating kingdom. A visit to Bhutan allows you to create cherished memories and become an active advocate for sustainable tourism among these fascinating people. If you have any further inquires regarding the SDF or any other aspects of your Bhutan trip, please feel free to reach out at your convenience. We eagerly await your arrival in Bhutan to share this unique adventure with you.