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BhutanVisit & tourismLast checked October 17, 2026

Tourist visa with Sustainable Development Fee

SDF

All visitors need a visa before travelling to Bhutan, except Indian nationals (who need a permit) and the separate processes for Bangladesh and the Maldives. You apply online, sign the Pledge of Friendship, and pay a one-off USD 40 visa fee plus the Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per adult per night. Applications are reviewed within five working days. You can book independently, but a Department of Tourism-certified guide is mandatory at all times outside border towns.

See requirements ↓

Visiting Bhutan

Add your passport to your profile, or check it here, to see exactly what you need to visit.

Life in Bhutan

Money

3

Currency

Bhutanese Ngultrum

BTN

Bhutanese Ngultrum

Cost of living

24

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

5–30%

Income tax (national)

GST 5%

Income Tax Act of Bhutan 2025, from income year 2026: nil up to Nu. 300,000, then 5%/10%/15%/20%/25%, with 30% above Nu. 3,500,000.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

5.1

#2 of 3 countries

World Happiness Report 2018

Your edge here Members

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Who it’s for

International tourists visiting Bhutan.

Eligibility

  • Visa before travel

    Get a visa before you travel, unless you are from India, Bangladesh or the Maldives.

    • India, Bangladesh and the Maldives have separate processes
    Official wording

    All visitors require a visa before travelling, except those from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives, for whom separate processes apply.

  • SDF

    Pay the Sustainable Development Fee for each night of your stay; the amount depends on age (all countries except India).

    SDF per night (all countries except India)

    Adult
    USD 100
    Child 6 to under 12
    USD 50
    Child under 6
    free
    Official wording

    USD 100 per night per adult (all countries except India). Children 6 to under 12: USD 50 per night; under 6: free.

  • Indian nationals

    Indian nationals need a permit and pay the SDF in Nu. or INR instead.

    SDF per night for Indian nationals

    Adultor INR equivalent
    Nu. 1,200
    Child 6 to under 12
    Nu./INR 600
    • Permit can be obtained online or at the point of entry
    Official wording

    Need a permit (online or at the point of entry); SDF is Nu. 1,200 (or INR equivalent) per person per night; children 6 to under 12 pay Nu./INR 600.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementGuide
  • Document checklistDigital copy of a valid passport
  • FeesVisa application fee (one-off, non-refundable)

The full requirements are for members

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  • 1 more requirement
  • 4 documents
  • 3 fees
  • 5 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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