Latest Bhutan SDF Discounts & Incentives
Discover the Latest Bhutan SDF Discounts and Incentives: The revised SDF of USD 200/night per person for all the tourist visiting Bhutan except Indian National had been pressing and had discouraged tourist visiting Bhutan. However to entice visitors to Bhutan to stay for an extended period of time, the government offered 50% discount on SDF till 31st August 2027 to the dollar paying guest visiting Bhutan.
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Exploring the Latest Tourism Incentives: A Breakdown of Bhutan’s Press Release from August 25, 2023
The Royal Government of Bhutan took additional measures and incentives aimed at enhancing the tourism sector. These steps are being taken recognizing the pivotal role played by the tourism industry in job creation, foreign exchange earnings, potential positive effects on related sectors, and the overall advancement of the economy.
The introduced incentives and measures encompass the following key points:
- A generous fifty percent reduction will be applied to the current Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 200 for tourists using US Dollars when visiting Bhutan. This reduction effectively sets the SDF at USD 100 per person per night for such tourists.
- Furthermore, a fifty percent discount on the SDF will be extended to children aged between 6 and 12 years who are visiting Bhutan as paying tourists.
- The exemption from the 24-hour SDF for tourists staying in border towns will remain unchanged.
These outlined incentives will take effect from the 1st of September, 2023, and will remain in force for a duration of four years, until the 31st of August, 2027. It should be noted that the Royal Government will conduct regular evaluations of both domestic and international tourism trends. After the 31st of August, 2027, the aforementioned incentives may be discontinued to maintain and uphold Bhutan’s policy of prioritizing High Value Low Volume Tourism.
FAQ on newly introduced Bhutan SDF Discounts
Here’s a comprehensive FAQ to help you grasp the details without any confusion.
Q1: What’s the scoop on the 50% SDF discount? Is it a straight reduction in the SDF rate?
A1: Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) remains unchanged at USD 200 per person per night. However, with the newly introduced 50% discount, this SDF transforms into a favorable USD 100 per person per night for US Dollar-paying tourists. It’s essential to note that this discount comes with a time limit, set to thrill travelers until the year 2027.
Combining SDF with boarder waiver
CHILDRENT DISCOUNT
Q2: Let’s talk about the 50% SDF discount for children aged between 6 to 12 years visiting as tourists using US Dollars. How does it work?
A2: The 50% discount applies to the USD 100 rate. Consequently, the effective SDF, after the discount, for children falls to an attractive USD 50 per person per night for US Dollar-paying tourists. Worth mentioning is the fact that children under the age of six can revel in the Bhutan experience sans any SDF payments.
Q5: What is the regular SDF without any discounts?
A5: For all visitors, the standard SDF remains fixed at USD 200 per person per night. However, if you’re an Indian guest wielding an Indian passport or voter ID, you’ll part with 1200 Ngultrum or its equivalent in Indian Rupees per person per night. Young Indian adventurers aged 6 to 12 benefit from a 50% discount, while those below six years old are exempt from SDF charges.
Q6: What’s the maximum duration for a Bhutan escapade on a tourist visa?
A6: The sands of time allow you to savor Bhutan for a grand total of 90 nights from your entry date. So go ahead and soak in the magic at your own pace.
Other Freebies
Additionally, tourists now get a second chance to make an impact on Bhutan’s development. To keep the kingdom’s carbon-negative status and remarkable forest cover, every tourist will be given the opportunity to plant a tree toward the goal of one million new trees.
Click on our most sold packages & enjoy the 50% discount offer set by the government till 2027
- Bhutan Cultural Tour (4-4)
- Festival of Bhutan
- Jomolhari Loop Trek
- Eastern Bhutan Tour
- Central Bhutan Tour
- Trans Bhutan Trail
- Off Beaten Tours
For more information on SDF discounts & incentives Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q1: What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) in Bhutan?
- A1: The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a mandatory fee imposed on tourists visiting Bhutan, excluding Indian nationals. It is a per-night fee that helps fund Bhutan’s sustainable development initiatives.
- Q2: What is the latest SDF discount offered by the Royal Government of Bhutan?
- A2: As of August 25, 2023, the Royal Government of Bhutan announced a 50% flat discount on the SDF, reducing it to USD 100 per person per night for tourists using US Dollars. This discount applies for a duration of four years, until August 31, 2027..
- Q4: How does the 50% SDF discount for children aged 6 to 12 years work?
- A4: The 50% discount applies to the reduced rate of USD 100. This means that children aged 6 to 12 years, visiting as paying tourists in US Dollars, will have an effective SDF of USD 50 per person per night.
- Q5: What is the maximum duration for a Bhutan escapade on a tourist visa?
- A5: Tourists can stay in Bhutan for a maximum of 90 nights from their entry date. This allows visitors to explore Bhutan at their own pace and savor the experience.
TaggedBhutan SDFBhutan SDF DisountsNew Bhutan Incentives
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Jenny Chua
In Nov 24, we had the privilege of exploring Bhutan with the guidance of an exceptional tour guide, Kinlay Dorji & Jigme Tshering from Bhutan Best Inbound Tour agency and I couldn’t be more impressed with the experience. From the moment we arrived, they ensured every detail of our trip was perfectly planned and executed, making it truly stress-free and enjoyable. Their deep knowledge of Bhutan’s history, culture, and traditions was remarkable, and they shared stories and insights that brought the country’s rich heritage to life. Whether we were visiting iconic landmarks like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or strolling through serene villages, their passion for Bhutan was evident and contagious. What truly stood out was their dedication to providing personalized service. They were always attentive to our needs, ensuring we were comfortable, well-fed, and immersed in the beauty of Bhutan. Their warm hospitality, patience, and ability to adapt to our preferences made the journey unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip to Bhutan, I cannot recommend this tour guide enough. They truly go above and beyond to ensure you experience the heart and soul of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. An absolute five-star experience!
Reviewed on: 1/14/2025
Terri KimOur first time in Bhutan couldn’t have been as amazing & memorable as it was without the wonderful team behind Bhutan Best Inbound Tour who were with us every step of the way. We decided (very last minute) to go to Bhutan with only weeks to spare. I decided to go with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour based on online reviews, responsiveness (via WhatsApp), and reasonable pricing. Because our trip was short (5 days/4 nights) and we already rushed to book our flights/accommodations, we were mainly looking for a dedicated tour guide/driver to explore Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Deki, who planned our itinerary, was responsive and accommodating to all my inquiries and requests. She answered my questions, and put my mind at ease when it came to our visas. She was lovely to work with, and made us feel prepared before our trip. But what she couldn’t have prepared us for was how amazing Bhutan would be and how much we would love our trip. We arrived at Paro International Airport early in the morning, and were greeted outside with white scarves by our guide and our driver who were patiently waiting for us. Our guide, Phub, was fantastic. Not only was he like a walking encyclopedia about his country, the culture, and Buddhism, he was personable and so funny. He was also quite the photographer, capturing the best angles and even directing us on how to pose. Phub was also very flexible with our daily schedule, and accommodating to our requests, which we appreciated immensely. He also shared tips & tricks that only locals would be privy to, which made this trip much more intimate and fulfilling than if we decided to go without a tour guide. I HIGHLY recommend a tour guide if you are thinking of going to Bhutan for the first time. We had two drivers, both very humble and excellent drivers. I felt very safe in the car despite impatient drivers, the occasional cow and dog, and landslides. On our day trip to Punakha from Thimphu, a landslide extended our trip by an hour each way, but our driver was patient and made sure we were comfortable. The breathtaking views (and company) made the delays worth it. We were so fortunate to have such wonderful drivers who prioritized our safety. From the kindness of the people to the delicious food, from the beautiful weather to the rich culture, and of course, Tiger’s Nest (which left us breathless, both figuratively and literally), Bhutan is truly a special country that left us with so many beautiful memories. We plan to visit Bhutan again, and when we do, we can’t wait to work with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for all our needs. If you’re looking for a tour guide, I highly recommend reaching out to Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for a seamless experience
Reviewed on: 12/24/2024
Suresh KaruI had an amazing 7 nights 8 day trip to Bhutan, Phub my guide and driver Nima made it a memorable vacation. They were professional , kind and always helpful , also their local knowledge made it an experience unforgettable to me. The hotels they choose had excellent service, the cook made my favourite dish Idli. The home stay hostess was always smiling and kind. They also had the best price for the tour package.If I ever return to Bhutan I would choose them again Hands down .
Reviewed on: 9/30/2024
Charles VrtisEverything about my experience in Bhutan was outstanding from start to finish! It is very serene, stunningly beautiful, and its people are exceptionally kind and welcoming! Of course, had I not chosen the right tour operator, I might have left with different feelings. Fortunately, I selected Bhutan Best Inbound Tour. From the start, my experience with them was smooth and seamless. Deki, my contact in arranging the logistics, could not have been more responsive and helpful. She made everything so easy, including arranging for a visa. And, I cannot say enough good things about my guide and driver. They really made my experience in Bhutan so wonderfully memorable. I felt completely comfortable and safe with the driver, Jigme. Not only that, he always had a smile on his face. My guide, Tenzin (“Tax”] Loday was great. He was prompt, reliable, and very engaging. He is now my Bhutanese brother! His love for his country shows, and his clear and helpful explanations about its history and sites could not have been better. Thank you Bhutan Inbound Tour!
Reviewed on: 3/30/2024
Brian NYCHuge thanks to Bhutan Best Inbound Tours for an amazing experience in magical Bhutan! My guide Phub is a true expert who taught me so much about the history and culture of Bhutan, and he took perfect care of me each and every place we visited. Our driver Lobzang got us to all of our destinations safely and on time, and they made a great team, always keeping me smiling and in awe of the beauty of bucket list Bhutan. Everything was smooth from start to finish, the hotels were all excellent and comfortable, and I highly recommend Bhutan Inbound and my friends Phub and Lobzang to anyone planning a trip to stunning Bhutan!
Reviewed on: 10/14/2023
