How Do You Pay Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee Online and Qualify for Official Waivers?

What Are the Official Online Payment Channels for Bhutan’s SDF, and Who Qualifies for Exemption Waivers?

Official Online Payment Channels for Bhutan’s SDF

Official Department of Immigration e-Visa Portal

The digital portal is an online platform maintained by the Department of Immigration of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan: Hong Kong Bhutan Immigration Services Portal (visit.doi.gov.bt/immi.gov.bt)

This portal allows international tourists and regional visitors to apply for and receive their visa processing directly, without going through travel agents.

• Primary Function: Generates the applicant's eligibility, collects the documents and computes the Sustainable Development Fee, collects electronic visa fees, and generates the digital Clearance Letter of the e-Visa.
• Applicable Users: Free independent travelers and tourists from the region (including citizens of India having either a passport or Voter ID) together with authorized group representatives.
• Processing Time: The visas are processed from the moment of payment for regular applications, which takes 3-5 working days. You can expect fast processing of your applications (within 24 hours) after paying the additional fees.

Step-by-Step Portal Execution Guide

Step 1: Access Platform and Create Account: Official Portal Registration.

Visit.doi.gov.bt or immi.gov.bt. Select Sign Up, register with a valid email ID, create a password and check your email.

Step 2: Start New Application and Accept Terms: Pledge of Friendship and Primary Application Setup.

Login to your dashboard, electronically "Sign the required 'Pledge of Friendship' for the application", and then click on Tourist Visa / Permit Application and choose whether you are applying as a single applicant or as a Group Leader.

Step 3: Upload Traveler Credentials: Document Scan Verification.

• You are required to submit these documents in a digital format which is legible.
• Passport Bio Page: Passport should be of 6 month valid on the exit date, or Indian Customers can have India passport Or Voter ID Card
• Recent passport-size photograph (on a white background)
• Travel Insurance: Present travel insurance document covering the entire schedule of your stay in Bhutan.
• Children proof of age: Birth certificates for children under the age of 12 years to apply for 50% (ages 6–12) or 100% (under six years) exemption

Step 4: Travel Dates and Border Information - Port of Entry and Duration Tracking

Decide upon your exact entry date and exit day (the system counts the sport nights for you). Select your specific entry port (all land entries can be made at Paro Airport)

Step 5: Check Billed Invoice: Calculate Fee Audit.

Rate: SDF $100 USD per day (All International Adults) USD x each SDF 5000 (Children 6 -12) Length of stay: Total Number of Nightstake

Visa Fee: Per applicant USD 40 non-refundable visa fee (No Charge for Indian Applicants)

Step 6: Digital checkout; (~3.5% Offcard charge)

Choose your card payment gateway and enter your credit card details (VISA, Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB or Discover). 3D Secure / OTP process.

Step 7: Obtain and Collect e-Visa Authorization Letter: Download Digitally Approved File

Once DIBP has issued an "Approved" status for the application form, log in to the portal dashboard again. Or go log in to see your email, where the document has been issued by DIBP already. You will then get to download the PDF document, which is actually your official e-visa / Entry Clearance Letter.

International Credit and Debit Card Gateways

The Royal Government of Bhutan allows online payment processing providers (Stripe, Bank of Bhutan, and the Bhutan National Bank) to connect with international partners to streamline SDF and e-Visa payments for consumers.

• Supported networks = VISA, Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB and Discover.
• Gateway Fees: While attempting to make an online payment, a processing charge of 3.5% to 4.99% will be levied on the payment automatically
• 3D Secure: All the listed mainstream credit cards utilise 3D Secure (Verified by Visa, Mastercard Identity Check, J/Secure, ProtectBuy.)

Brand-by-Brand Online Payment Execution Steps

Direct SWIFT Wire Transfer via Bhutanese Clearing Banks

International money transfers through SWIFT enable tourists, large groups of people, and delegations of tour groups to pay the daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and visa dues from their local bank accounts to the Royal Government’s clearing accounts. This option is available to avoid credit card limitations and processing fees, although transfers usually involve intermediary bank charges of around $30 to $50 USD.

The main authorized clearing banks in Thimphu are the Bank of Bhutan Limited (BoB) and the Bhutan National Bank Limited (BNBL).

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Official Bhutan SDF Exemption Rules, Discounts, and Concession Matrix

Age-Based Waivers and Minor Discounts

• Children Under 6: Are exempted from the SDF. They will be charged $0.00 per night. Visa/entry permit or administrative fees, if any, may be applicable.
• Children Aged 6 to 12: Children aged six to twelve years: Will be charged a fifty percent (50%) concession fee on the effective adult rate. The concession amount for the tourist paying in USD is USD 50 per night, whereas for Indian nationals, it is INR 600 per night.
• Age Cutoff: The concession applies until the day before their 13th birthday. You may be required to present a valid passport and/or a birth certificate to claim the concession at the time of visa application.

Border Zone Exceptions (24-Hour Rule)

• Designated Municipalities: The towns of Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Samtse, along the southern border, are under the border zone rule.
• 24-Hour Window: Day-trippers and overnight stayers who enter the country through the land borders are exempt from the SDF for a period of 24 hours. This exemption is on the condition that these tourists do not go beyond the municipal border boundaries.
• Overstay / Travel Inward: In case of overstay, or travel beyond the municipal border control point toward the central and northern parts of Bhutan, the daily SDF will be levied from day one.

Institutional Waivers: MICE, Diplomats, and State Guests

MICE Delegations (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions):

• Participants in approved MICE events qualify for an SDF exemption for five nights.
• Conditions: Only if there are at least 7 of you. The waiver is only available to official delegates - second delegates and family are not covered. The application for SDF exemption is sent to the licensed operator/ hotel one month ahead of the event, and a post-event report must be sent.

Diplomats and Resident Professionals:

• Foreign diplomats posted to Bhutanese missions, employees of foreign organizations and their family members (parents and adult children) are exempt from the SDF fee.
• Diplomatic and official passport holders on a mission are not liable for SDF (e.g. Embassy of Thailand in Bhutan).

State Guests, Pilgrims, and Invited Media:

• Foreign guests of government and foreign journalists/ media participate in national events, subject to approval by the Foreign Secretary. No SDF for religious pilgrims. For example, in cases of special events in border areas.

What Is the Daily Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) by Nationality?

US Citizens: Daily SDF Rates and Payment Channels

Holders of United States passports fall under a worldwide non-regional tariff category and are charged in USD.

• Rate chart: $100 for adults (13+ years), $50 for children (6-12 years), and $0 for kids under 6 years of age. This fee is determined along with a non-refundable visa application fee of $40.
• Payment options for online use: Use a credit or debit card at visit.doi.gov.bt with either a VISA, Mastercard, Discover, Diners Club, or American Express card (note that US credit and debit cards need to be authenticated through the use of either 3D Secure or OTP).
• SWIFT wire transfer: Large groups can wire USD to the Bank of Bhutan (SWIFT: BHUBBTBT) or to the Bhutan National Bank (SWIFT: BNBTBTBT) directly from their online banks like Chase, BoA or Wells Fargo. Always ensure you check the OUR fee option if you want to avoid incurring fees on the bank transaction.

Mandatory Documents Required:

US passport holders are charged based on the global non-regional category in US Dollars (USD).

• Daily Rate Breakdown: $100 USD/night for adults (ages 13+), $50 USD/night for children (6-12 years of age), and $0 USD for infants under 6. Plus a one-time $40 USD non-refundable visa processing fee.
• Online Credit / Debit Card Gateways: Payment can be made directly on visit.doi.gov.bt using VISA, Mastercard, Discover, Diners Club or American Express cards. Cards issued in the US require 3D Secure / One-Time Password (OTP) authorization through either the card issuing bank’s official mobile application or by SMS text.
• SWIFT Wire Transfer: For large groups, organizations can make direct wire transfers in USD from the US through any major bank such as Chase, Bank of America or Wells Fargo, to either the Bank of Bhutan (SWIFT: BHUBBTBT) or Bhutan National Bank (SWIFT: BNBTBTBT). Make sure to specify “OUR” as the fee code so that the payment is not deducted by any intermediary banks in the US.

Step-by-Step Submission Process:

• Register on the official immigration website (see visit.doi.gov.bt) and create your own account using a working email.
• Select a "Tourist Visa Application" and complete the applicant’s bio-data accurately as shown in the US passport.
• Upload the passport's bio-page scan, passport photo, travel insurance document, and a copy of the birth certificate (if any)
• Choose the arrival/departure dates, and the system will calculate the $100 USD/night SDF plus the $40 USD non-refundable visa application fee.
• Make the payment online with an international credit/debit card (VISA, Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover) or SWIFT wire transfer.
• After submission, the application goes through an immigration screening process (which takes 3-5 business days). The e-Visa Clearance Letter has to be downloaded and printed from the immigration portal to be presented at the Drukair/Bhutan Airlines counter during check-in.

European Union and UK Citizens: Daily SDF Rates and Payment Channels

Passengers holding UK (GBP) or European Union (EUR) passports shall be charged a standard international rate for all applicable services, which is denominated in US Dollars (USD).

• The daily rate breakdown is: $100 USD/night for adults (ages 13+), $50 USD/night for children (ages 6-12), and $0 USD for infants under 6. Plus a one-time $40 USD non-refundable visa processing fee.
• You may pay by online Credit/Debit cards atvisit.doi.gov.bt with VISA, Mastercard or Diners Club. Note that European card issuing banks have enabled Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) as of June 2021, as per the Revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2). Ensure that your banking application is open during checkout so that you can see and authorize the pop-up window which will appear.
• The system will automatically convert EUR/GBP and add a ~3.5% gateway fee in USD.
• You may make SWIFT wire transfers in USD from your European or UK-based accounts (Barclays, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas, etc.) to the central clearing accounts with Bank of Bhutan or Bhutan National Bank.

European Union Citizens (All EU Member States)

Mandatory Documents Required:

• EU Member State Passport: A color photo of the passport bio-data page must be submitted (passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the exit date).
• Digital Passport Photo: A standard biometric passport photo must be submitted.
• Travel Insurance Policy: There must be valid travel/health insurance for the full trip.
• Birth Certificate for Minors: Any child aged less than 12 years must provide a birth certificate (which has to be accompanied by a translation in English if the form is not issued in English).

Step-by-Step Submission Process:

1. Sign up on visit.doi.gov.bt, choose the type of application you want to submit: “Individual Application” or “Group Leader”.
2. Fill in the personal detail profile and give the necessary information about the trip and the entry point (Paro International Airport or land borders).
3. Upload all of the needed documents in PDF or JPEG format in the applicant profile.
4. Verify the invoice for which the money paid to stay in Bhutan is given double. Night US$ 100 for adults and US$ 50 for children from 6 to 12 years. The visa fee is also a one-time fee of USD 40.
5. Use your European Union credit/debit card with 3D Secure/OTP (Mastercard Identity Check or Verified by Visa) to pay.
6. Within 3-5 working days, you shall get the e-Visa approval along with the downloading of e-Visa Clearance Letter. 

United Kingdom Citizens

Mandatory Documents Required

• UK British Citizen Passport: digital scan of the main pages with a minimum of 6 months' validity.
• Digital Passport Picture: A picture of recent date that complies with each of the UK Passport Photograph Guidelines.
• International Medical Evacuation and Travel Insurance Certificate: Travel insurance for Bhutan.
• Small Proof of Age: UK birth certificate for children under 12 years old.

Step-by-Step Submission Process

• Step 1: The applicant has to visit the official website visit.doi.gov.bt to complete the registration process. The applicant has to fill out the registration form to create an account.
• The user will click on a new tourist application button, and all empty fields on the online form will be filled in.
• The applicant must upload the following documents: passport scan, passport photo, and a copy of the international travel insurance policy for Bhutan. In case of traveling with minors, their birth certificate will also need to be attached to the application.
• The user should review the invoice generated by the system in US dollars ($100/night adult SDF, $50/night child SDF, $40 visa fee). The payment can be made by credit card or SWIFT transfer from a UK bank account, but in the latter case, it is necessary to specify the “OUR” fee code in the message.
• Next, tracking the online status of the application is essential, and once the immigration department approves the visa, the visa permission letter will be sent via e-mail.

Indian Nationals: Daily SDF Rates and Payment Channels

Holding an Indian passport and voter ID or passport is charged according to the rules of tourism set in the area and can either make payments in Rupees or Ngultrums.

• Rates are 1200 INR per night for adults/minors and 600 INR per night for children. Children up to 6 years old do not pay. Indian passport holders also do not pay the USD 40 visa processing fee.
• Indian passport holders can apply for an online entry permit by submitting the application form on the official website immi.gov.bt/. The permit fee can be paid in INR online using your Indian credit/debit card (Visa/ Master card/ RuPay) or in INR through net-banking on the online visa portal.
• Alternatively, you could also make NEFT/RTGS/Bank Wire transfers to our INR clearing account with the rupee correspondent banks here in India. This can be facilitated with the assistance of your Indian Bank (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, etc.)

Mandatory Documents Required:

• Entry Permit Document for Travel: The individual who is traveling should submit for himself the original Indian passport possessing the validity of a minimum of 6 months OR a voter id card issued by the ECI. (Aadhaar card and PAN card are not accepted for entry permit).
• Digital Passport Photo: The individual has to provide his or her most current passport photo.
• Travel Insurance documentation: The individual is required to provide travel insurance at the border entry points such as Phuentsholing or obtain one.
• Documents for Under 18 Years: The Minor must have a birth certificate in English and an adult with them (parent/guardian) or a valid passport.

Step-by-Step Submission Process:

• Option A entails applying for an Online Entry Permit through the website visit.gov.bt. You will have to choose the Indian National Entry Permit option and upload your passport or Voter ID, photographs, proof of your insurance and the birth certificate of minors traveling with you. You will also have to pay the SDF fee of ₹1,200 INR (₹600 INR for children between 6 and 12 years) and download the e-Permit afterwards.
• Choice B provides the option to obtain the On-Arrival Entry Permit at Pedestrian terminals. You can get this status when you arrive at the land border ports (e.g., Phuentsholing Pedestrian Terminal) or Paro Airport. All you have to do is present your passport or Voter ID, passport photographs and the birth certificate of any minors at the immigration counter and pay the SDF fee in INR for entry.
• One important fact is that Indian nationals should not pay their visa application fee of $40 USD.

Australian, Canadian, and Other International Travelers: Daily SDF Rates and Payment Channels

International dollar rates are applicable to the original rate for New Zealand, as well as for documents of national passports from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Asian non-regional countries and all foreign countries.

• The daily rates would be $100 USD/night for each adult 13 and over. $50 USD/night for each child 6-12 years old. Zero USD/night for each infant under age 6, or as much as your donation! Then add the $40 USD non-refundable visa application fee.
• Online Credit / Debit Card Gateways (immi.gov.bt): Pay online at the time of purchase using a VISA, Mastercard, JCB or Diners Club credit/debit card. Australian Dollars (AUD), Canadian Dollars (CAD) or Japanese Yen (JPY) credit cards acquired through the gateway will be converted to USD. (Ensure your bank knows you are crossing borders to avoid security restrictions.)
• SWIFT Wire Transfer: Initiate an international telegraphic transfer (TT) in US Dollars to the above-mentioned SWIFT accounts with Bank of Bhutan or Bhutan National Bank through your home bank and upload the official MT 103 receipt to the portal.

Mandatory Documents Required

• Original(s) of passport Validity International Passport Original passport should be valid for minimum of 6 months from the date of arrival to Bhutan, the pages with the passport data.
• Digital photo copy of passport size photograph. Business Plan: A detailed plan of business proposal. Form 21: In the event of having a previous venture.
• All financial statements of the venture.
• Now, fill the form mentioned below For every form, you must provide a supporting document as defined above.
• Travel Insurance: A travel and medical insurance policy.
• Birth Certificate of Minor: Birth certificate for a child (12 years or younger) – with translation into English by a certified translator (if the official language of the documents is not English).

Step-by-Step Submission Process

• Register on the government portal (visit.doi.gov.bt).
• Enter your personal information, travel dates, and port of entry.
• Upload a copy of your passport, a passport-sized photograph, your insurance policy, and either your or your child's (if applicable) papers.
• Peruse the total owing: $100 every grown-up, every night, $50 every kid every night (from 6-12); no expense for children age under 6, and a Visa handling charge of $40 per individual.
• Pay can be made online by using an international credit / debit card or by wire transfer.
• Get an eVisa letter within 3-5 business days.

Bangladeshi Nationals: Concessional Rates and Payment Channels

Under bilateral agreements, Bangladeshis are entitled to a special concessional regional rate.

• Daily rate: $15 USD/night for adults and children (for up to 15,000 visitors per calendar year). Children under 6 remain $0 USD / fully exempt.
• Payment option through Online Credit / Debit card gateways: Pay online at visit.doi.gov.bt with International Credit/Debit Cards authorized for foreign transaction purchase limits in USD.
• Payment option through SWIFT Wire Transfer: Transfer money in USD through SWIFT from Authorized Bangladeshi Commercial Banks to Bhutan’s central clearing accounts with the portal application reference ID on the transfer advice.

Mandatory Documents Required

• Passport: Scan of passport bio-data page with a validity of at least 6 (six) months.
• Digital passport-size photograph: latest
• Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering the applicant’s travel to Bhutan.
• Child’s Birth Certificate: Required for children under 12 years to confirm age.

Step-by-Step Submission Process

1. You may apply for the visa by filing through the visit.doi.gov.bt portal of the Bureau of Immigration.
2. Required to upload a scan of your Bangladeshi passport, along with a photo, insurance, and documentation that indicate you are a minor (where applicable).
3. The portal will verify your application against the 15,000 Bangladeshi tourist quota for the concessional visa rate of $15 per night.
4. The payment should be processed online, using international credit cards or wire transfers.
5. After that, download the approved Visa Clearance / On-Arrival Visa Letter and present it at Paro Airport or land borders.

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Hidden SDF Surcharges, and Payment Traps

There's a detailed guide to how to book your Bhutan SDF properly. The various processing surcharges, nasty intermediary fees and rigorous non-refundable policy can all add a bump or two to your final bill. Independent travelers, in particular, may be subject to sudden 'inflation' of their invoice or protracted bureaucratic processes.

Credit Card Processing Fees vs. Intermediary Bank Wire Costs

Choosing to pay online through a card or to pay through international SWIFT wire transfer, there is a different pricing structure that has nothing to do with the external government daily rate (which is $100 USD / night or 1,200 INR / night).

Hidden Traps and Third-Party Agent Markups

• Agent Markup Charges: Several non-official online visa brokers and intermediaries often charge a "service fee" of $20 to $100 USD, which is over and above official charges. To avoid third-party agency markup, make your bookings through visit.doi.gov.bt.
• The "OUR" Wire Instruction Requirement: Those sending payment through international SWIFT wire transfer must choose the wire transfer application option "OUR". If both the shared and beneficiary fee options ("SHA" and "BEN", respectively) are selected by the sender, intermediate banks that are involved in processing the payment will become entitled to deduct relevant processing fees from the wire remittance amount. This means that there will be an outstanding amount in the visa portal, and the clearance and issuance of the electronic visa will be postponed until that amount is paid.
• Transaction Blocks from Abroad: Credit card companies in Europe, North America, and Australia often block automatic payments made via merchant accounts in South Asian countries. Before proceeding with the payment process, contact your bank to confirm if they approve payments to Bhutanese merchant accounts.

How to Recover Unused SDF Days?

Understanding how governmental refund rules work is essential for making any amendment to a scheduled trip.

Official Government Refund Terms

• Refund Regulations: Cancellation before Arrival (SDF nights not used) – The Sustainable Development Fee of $100 is refunded if the individual cancels their travel plan before entering Bhutan. If they shortened their trip in the country, then the refund for unused nights will be calculated by the Immigration Department.
• Non-Refundable Visa Processing Fee: Irrespective of visa approval or denial, a $40 USD processing charge will remain non-refundable when you submit your application to the government.
• Rule on Departure: No refund claims will be processed for SDF payments after the completion of your travel. Any modifications should be requested before arrival.

Steps

• Step 1: Cancellation Request Submission – The traveler is required to submit a formal cancellation request by email to your booking agent or [email protected] if they have booked through the independent portal with the bio-data of the traveler's passport, application reference ID number and purpose of the cancellation.
• Step 2: Confirmation with the Department of Immigration Treasury – The Department of Immigration is required to check the declaration of entry/exit logs or cancellation applications with the central treasury. The payment of government refunds can take approximately 2-6 weeks.
• Step 3: Refund Transfer – Approved Sustainable Development Fees will only be refunded to the source of the initial payment (i.e. The credit card or the bank account used to make the payment). Intermediate bank wire transfer fees associated with the outbound refunds will be deducted from your refund.

Post-2027 Bhutan SDF Rate Structure and Policy Forecasts

The 50% Incentive Rate Expiration Timeline

What You Pay Now (Active Incentive Period)

For all travel through August 31, 2027, visitors pay under the 50% Discounted Incentive Rate:

• Adults (Ages 13+): $100 USD per night (50% off the $200 baseline rate).
• Minors (Ages 6–12): $50 USD per night (50% off the $100 minor rate).
• Young Children (Under 6): $0 / Fully Exempt.
• Indian Nationals: ₹1,200 INR/Nu per night.

What You Pay After (Post-Expiration Policy Reversion)

From 1 September 2027, the 50% incentive shall lapse, and thereafter rates will be as per the statutory tariff unless further extended by the government:

• Adults (Ages 13+): $200 USD per night.
• Minors (Ages 6–12): $100 USD per night.
• Young Children (Under 6): $0 / Fully Exempt.
• Indian Nationals: Subject to government policy review.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) and the Department of Tourism undergo regular reviews. Official policy regarding the extension of the USD100 rate or reverting to normal rates is made public at least 6 to 12 months before the due date.

How Lock-in Rates Work for Long-Term Advanced Travel Planning

Tourists who plan to traverse during or after the transition window ending on August 31, 2027 should acquaint themselves with the government regulations to secure the official fee of $100 USD for accommodations.

The Visa Issuance Lock-In Mechanism

SDF rate will be applicable on the date of payment of e-Visa and not from the date when the application for e-visa has been submitted.

• Paid and Confirmed Applications: Accommodation confirms and pays in full on the official website (immi.gov.bt) will be paid and confirmed at the initial rate.
• Dual Itinerary Pricing: If the booking is before 31-Aug-2027 and ends in September 2027 then the system will double the official rate of $100 till 31-Aug-2027 and price of other nights will be charged on actual tariff basis.

Strategic Protocol for Advanced Bookings

Illustrated below are guidelines for safeguarding long-term travel plans against future price hikes.

1. Make Early Applications: As soon as the website starts accepting e-Visa applications on immi.gov.bt, apply there for your travel window.
2. Pay Completely: Use your credit card or SWIFT to make your payments in full (full payment amounts indicated in the invoice) and you will receive the following items; cleared invoice and e-Visa Clearance Letter (an official document indicating the full SDF collected).
3. Steer Clear of Extension Requests: Any variation in the plan requested and implemented for a new rate that is perceived to extend the trip will be charged in terms of the additional nights at the prevailing rate.

What Is Included in the SDF and What Extra Fees Must You Pay?

The SDF is solely a direct government royalty tax. This does not include the cost of your daily travel, the cost of accommodations or tour operations, which need to be purchased separately.

How Do Entry Route Differences Affect Your Total SDF Bill?

You will pay the same base daily SDF rate whether you enter Bhutan through at Paro International Airport or via a land border. However, your point of entry will make a big difference to your logistics, surcharges and waiver options. 

Entry Route Financial and Logistics Comparison

24-Hour Land Border Exemption Limits vs. Inward Travel

Multi-Port Entry and Exit Logistics

FAQS

What is the Bhutan fee for Indians?

For citizens of India, the SDF is ₹1,200 INR (or Bhutanese Ngultrum) per adult per night (13 years and older). The fee for children aged between 6 and 12 is 50% less than the rate for adults, i.e. ₹600 per night, while children below 6 are exempted from charges. Holders of an Indian passport or Voter ID are not required to pay the visa application processing fee ($40 USD non-refundable).

What is the Bhutan fee per day?

Fees that is to be paid per day in order to stay in the country is called the Sustainable Development Fee, which is priced at $200 USD per night per person. But under the current promotion of government, which is valid till 31st August, 2027, the fee decreases to $100 USD per day.

What is the Bhutan tourist fee for foreigners?

All international foreign passport holders (excluding regional visitors from India) are billed under the standard international tariff:

• Adults (Ages 13+): $100 USD per night (50% discounted promotional rate).
• Children (Ages 6 to 12): $50 USD per night (50% minor discount).
• Young Children (Under 6): $0 / Fully Exempt.
• Visa Application Fee: A single, non-refundable $40 USD processing fee per applicant.

What is the Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee?

Sustainable Development Fee is a type of daily charge and environmental fee imposed by the Bhutan Royal Government on travelers coming to the country. The fees cover various state social programs, including free health services, education, maintenance of infrastructure, preservation of cultural heritage, and all carbon-neutral projects.

What is the Bhutan fee for US citizens?

United States citizens pay the standard international foreign visitor rate:

• $100 USD per night per adult (ages 13+).
• $50 USD per night per child (ages 6–12).
• $40 USD one-time entry visa application fee.

Make a direct online payment in USD using a major US credit/debit card gateway (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Diners Club) or make an international wire transfer through SWIFT.

What is the Bhutan SDF exemption?

An SDF Exemption is a permanent $0 annual tax status under the standard immigration statutes based upon the following criteria checked/verified at checkout:

• Children under 6 years of age (fully exempt from SDF taxes).
• Resident foreign diplomats and their direct dependents.
• Guests and delegates of foreign states on official missions.

Unlike waivers, exemptions do not need special government event approval. Upload proof of age (passport/birth certificate) or diplomatic documents to get the $0 rate.

What happens to the Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee in 2027?

The current incentive rate of $100 US Dollars per night will expire on the 31st of August 2027. Following this date, the SDF will become $200 US dollars per night for adults and $100 US dollars per night for children aged 6-12 unless any other decision is made. Thus, trips that were booked and paid for in full before the stated date will be protected by this incentive rate.

Can I pay the Bhutan SDF fee online?

Independent tourists and groups of tourists may pay the established fee for visiting and applying for visas through the application developed by the Department of Immigration of Bhutan (DOI) (doi.gov.bt). The system allows for the following 2 types of electronic payments to be made:

• All sorts of credit and debit cards, including Visa, Master’s card, Diners Club, JCB, and Discover, but the payment will be charged a 3.5-4.99 per cent commission.
• Payment by means of the transfer of money via a certain bank account in the Bank of Bhutan or Bhutan National Bank Ltd.

What is a Bhutan sustainable development fee waiver?

The SDF Waiver is a form of temporary, voluntary relief that is obtained by virtue of certain economic, institutional or geographic conditions.

• MICE Delegations: Specific groups of 7 or more that are pre-approved for corporate travel for business-related events are entitled to a 100% waiver of the SDF for 5 nights.
• 24-Hour Border Special Exception: Day visitors entering through land border towns (Phuentsholing and Gelephu) are exempted from the SDF entirely for under a 24-hour duration, provided they do not leave the boundaries of the municipal area.
• Invited Media and Official Guests: The waiver is issued to journalists and other official guests who have been welcomed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their visit to specific functions.

What is the Bhutan sustainable development fee per day?

The nightly rates by visitor category are as follows:

• International Foreign Tourists: $100 USD / day (under active incentive).
• International Minors (6–12 years): $50 USD / day.
• Indian Passport / Voter ID Holders: ₹1,200 INR / day.
• Indian Minors (6–12 years): ₹600 INR / day.
• Bangladeshi Nationals (First 15,000/yr): $15 USD / day.

How to pay SDF in Bhutan step-by-step?

To pay your SDF directly without third-party agent markups, follow these steps:

1. immi.gov.bt to sign in to the government app portal.
2. Application Information Enter travel dates, entry / exit point and passport information.
3. Submit the Required Documents. Print out a color scan of the personal information page of the passport, passport pictures, travel insurance policy and the birth certificates of children (if they are travelling).
4. Choose Your Payment Channel. You can settle your deposit with Credit/Debit Card – which gets you instant digital approval - or Bank Wire Transfer- which is settled via SWIFT remittance.
5. Execute Payment: Card: Respond for the correct sum stated on the invoice and confirm OTP SMS or 3D Secure pop-up window./ Bank transfer: Pay the sum from the invoice to the Bank account provided using the fee code OUR when sending the invoice. In the message, indicate the Application Reference Number
6. Download e-Visa: Having made the payment to the State, on the home page of the portal, from the dashboard, download the e-Visa Clearance Letter.