For processing visa we need to have clear passport photocopy (photo should be very clear) of the clients 15-20 days prior to the travel date.
All tourists (excluding Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders) who wish to travel to Bhutan require a visa and must book their holiday through a Bhutan tour Operator Company or one of their international partners. The tour operator will take care of Visa arrangements for visitors.
Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 month validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)).
All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior to travel to Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by your Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent.
You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours.
At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a mandatory daily fee imposed by the Royal Government of Bhutan on all international travelers visiting the country. This fee is part of Bhutan’s “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy, aimed at preserving its unique culture, pristine environment, and spiritual heritage while generating income that supports national development.
Current Cost of Bhutan SDF
As of 2025, the standard SDF rates are:
Note: Children below a certain age may be eligible for discounts or exemptions.
The Sustainable Development Fee is reinvested by the government into various sectors to improve the lives of Bhutanese citizens and maintain the country’s ecological and cultural integrity. The funds are used for:
Since the Department of Tourism issues visa only upon receipt of full payment in advance, tour payment has to be transferred to our account at least 3 weeks before the travel date. Airfare needs to be sent at the time of issuing tickets.
We need complete names (as in the Passport) of the clients to book seats. Without names it is not possible to book seats. Ticketing Time Limit (TTL) is given & we need to issue the ticket within TTL expires.
Once visa is processed & tour programes booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to the following charges:
a) within 30 days of start of program |
- No charge ( Except flight ticket Cancellation) |
b) within 21 days |
- 10% of the rate |
c) within 14 days |
- 15% of the rate |
d) within 7 days |
- 30% of the rate |
e) less than 7 days or cancellation |
- 50% of the rate |
f) Less than 2 days or Cancellation without Notice |
- 100% of the rate |
a) Before 30days: no cancellation charge but have to pay US$ 25 per person as documentation charge.
b) 11-30days: 50% cancellation on airfare + US$ 25 per person as documentation charge.
c) 10-04 days: 75% cancellation + US$ 25 per person as documentation charge.
d) Below 03days: 100% cancellation
Note: The above given rates are based on the present Govt. rates. If there is any change in the Govt. rates, we have to revise our costs accordingly.
