Bhutan Reduces Tourist Fees Until 2027

Bhutan Has Reduced Its Tourist Fees by 50% for tourist visits from September 1, 2023 until August 31, 2027. Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) was increased to $200 per person per day when Bhutan reopened September 23, 2022, post-pandemic. That was more than triple the pre-pandemic amount of $65 per person per day, and meant that a couple paid $400 per day in addition to their accommodation, food, guide/driver costs, which is pricey.

Fortunately this has now been reduced to $100 per person per day, or $200 per couple per day. Here are the questions our Bhutan-bound clients are asking us:

FAQ

Bhutan Had Incentives for Longer Stays, Will These Be Applicable with the Reduced Fee?

No, the prior incentives won't be available in conjunction with the reduced fee.

If We've Already Paid the $200 per Person SDF Can We Be Refunded?

Yes; for those who will be arriving in Bhutan 9/1/23 or later, excess payments can be refunded to the original payment account. Those on longer stays with the prior 12 + 18 incentive will want to keep this, as it is less expensive than the reduced fee.

Is There a Lower Fee for Children?

Yes; children who are 5 years old or younger during their entire visit to Bhutan don't pay any fee. Children age 6-12 during their visit to Bhutan pay $50 per person per night. Children 13 and older pay the same fee as adults, $100 per person per night

Where to Stay in Bhutan

Both Amankora and Six Senses Bhutan are excellent choices, each of them with five lodges. We reserve both for TravelSort Clients, with Virtuoso benefits; for Six Senses, the benefit is a complimentary 90 minute massage for two, once during the journey. We recommend spending long enough in Bhutan to make it to Gangtey, which is often our clients' favorite lodge, both with Aman Resorts and with Six Senses.