The Kingdom of Bhutan, one of the most unique and still undiscovered countries of the world is situated in the Eastern Himalayas between China in the north and India in the south.
A country rich in culture, united in compassion and hospitality, where heritage and progress are valued, creativity is used to preserve traditions, and the environment is protected by law.
Bhutan opened its borders for foreign visitors 50 years ago. From the beginning the Government implemented a unique tourism policy of ‘High-value, Low-volume’, to prevent mass tourism and protect the environment of the Kingdom. As a consequence, visitors of Bhutan need to comply with several regulations: obtain a visa or travel permit, and pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
The mandatory SDF is levied by the Government of Bhutan to all tourists visiting Bhutan. The funds collected by this fee go towards various initiatives in the country, including preserving the country’s pristine environment, maintaining its cultural heritage, providing free healthcare and education, and supporting sustainable development projects that benefit local communities.
The SDF is US$100 per person per night and is paid directly to the Bhutanese Government during the visa application process.