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 a number of different SDF discounts and incentives to the dollar paying guest visiting Bhutan.
Starting on June 01, 2023, guests have several options to choose from depending on their travel plans like the 4+4, 7+7, and 12+18 nights packages. But this too has been revoked from 25th August 2023. And the government came up with more attractive SDF discount package. And in a recent press release (25th August 2023), the country announced 50% flat discount offer on SDF to entice tourist ; thereby presenting a golden opportunity for globetrotters
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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.
Q2: Can I still enjoy the previously offered duration incentives, like the 4+4, 7+7, and 12+18 nights packages?
A2: Unfortunately, no. The incentives that took the spotlight back in June 2023, including the 4+4, 7+7, and 12+18 nights packages, have been officially revoked. These exciting deals are no longer on the table. Nevertheless, there’s a silver lining: the 24-hour SDF waiver for border towns within Bhutan still holds its ground.
Combining SDF with boarder waiver
Q3: Is it possible to combine the 50% SDF discount with the SDF waiver for border towns?
A3: Regrettably, no. If you’re planning to make the most of both the 50% SDF discount and the SDF waiver for border towns, you’ll need to take an extra step. Visitors aiming to explore border towns before or after enjoying the SDF discount must apply for an additional visa.
CHILDRENT DISCOUNT
Q4: 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?
A4: 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.
Q7.Do visitors who have already got valid visa still qualify for the new Bhutan SDF Discounts?
A7.The new SDF incentives can still be used by guests who have already booked and secured a visa for a trip to Bhutan.
If they have already applied for a visa, they must withdraw it and reapply. DoI will not refund the original visa application fee of USD40/person, and the guest will be charged the same fee again when they reapply for a visa. They can use their pre-paid SDF when they process their new visa application.
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.
- Q3: Can I combine the 50% SDF discount with the SDF waiver for border towns?
- A3: No, visitors planning to enjoy both the 50% SDF discount and the SDF waiver for border towns must apply for an additional visa if they wish to explore border towns before or after availing the SDF discount.
- 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.
