Overview

Travelling to Bhutan offers a unique blend of ancient tradition and forward-thinking sustainability. To help you plan your journey to the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” here is an essential overview of the current travel requirements, costs, and logistics.

How to Get Into Bhutan

By Air:

Paro International Airport (PBH) is the only international airport, famous for its dramatic mountain landing.

  • Airlines: Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines.
  • Hubs: Direct flights are available from Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata, and Singapore.
  • Note: As of May 2026, Drukair has increased Singapore-Paro frequency to three times weekly.

By Land:

If you prefer a scenic entry from India, there are four official border crossings:

  1. Phuentsholing: The most popular gateway (Southwest).
  2. Gelephu: Central Southern border.
  3. Samdrup Jongkhar: Southeast, ideal for those heading to Eastern Bhutan.
  4. Samtse: West.

Visa & Permit Requirements

All visitors (except those from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) require a visa before arrival.

  • Application: You can apply online via the official Bhutan Travel portal or have a registered Bhutanese tour operator handle it for you.
  • Visa Fee: A one-time, non-refundable fee of $40 USD.
  • Documents Needed: A digital copy of your passport (valid for 6 months), a passport-sized photo, and travel insurance for the duration of your stay.

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

Bhutan operates on a “High Value, Low Volume” tourism model. Central to this is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which funds national infrastructure, free healthcare, education, and environmental conservation.

  • Current Rate (2026): $100 USD per adult per night. This reflects a 50% discount from the original $200 rate, valid until August 31, 2027.
  • Children: * Ages 6–11: $50 USD per night.
    • Under 6: Exempt (Free).
  • Indian Nationals: Pay a lower rate of 1,200 INR per person per night.

Tour Payments & GST

Starting January 1, 2026, Bhutan introduced a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most tourism services.

  • What is taxed: Hotels, meals, transport, and guide services within your tour package.
  • What is NOT taxed: The $100 SDF and the $40 Visa Fee remain exempt from GST.
  • Payment Methods: Payments are typically made via international wire transfer to the Bhutan National Bank. Some modern operators now also accept cryptocurrency (BTC/ETH) or credit cards through the official visa portal