Definition
A per-night fee Bhutan charges visitors to fund conservation, healthcare and education. At the time of review, Indian tourists pay ₹1,200 per person per night, children aged 6–12 pay half and under-6s are exempt. Most other nationalities pay USD 100.
How much Indians pay
| Traveller | SDF per night |
|---|---|
| Indian adult | ₹1,200 |
| Indian child, 6–12 | ₹600 |
| Child under 6 | Nil |
| Most other nationalities | USD 100 (about ₹8,800) |
The fee is paid when your entry permit is processed, for every night you plan to stay. Indians don't need a visa for Bhutan, but they do need this permit, and Bhutan introduced the SDF for Indian visitors in 2022.
Example
A Kolkata couple with a 10-year-old plans six nights: two each in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro.
- 2 adults × 6 nights × ₹1,200 = ₹14,400
- 1 child × 6 nights × ₹600 = ₹3,600
- Total SDF: ₹18,000
This comes on top of hotels, transport and the guide. A six-night Bhutan quote that looks ₹15,000–20,000 cheaper than others may simply leave the SDF out.
Practical advice
- Ask whether a Bhutan package includes the SDF.
- Carry a passport with at least six months' validity, or a voter ID. Aadhaar is not accepted as an entry document.
- Children without passports need a birth certificate.
- By road, the permit is issued at Phuentsholing; flying into Paro, it is processed on arrival or approved in advance online. Your port of entry decides where you queue.
- Because it is charged per night, budget the SDF as part of your daily costs rather than as a one-off.
Rates have been revised before, so confirm the current figure with Bhutan's Department of Immigration or tourism authority before paying. See our visa hub for entry rules by country.