Bhutan – Tourism Fees

In Sep 2022, Bhutan fully re-opened its borders to foreign tourists,
and with it, a vastly revised  fee system.

Make use of the 50% fee reduction – it expires 30 Aug 2027

Bhutan has always been globally unique in how it manages tourism. The covid pandemic presented an opportunity to revise their tourism system, and they took it with both hands!

Pre-covid pandemic (access) – tourists could only access Bhutan using the services of an authorised Agent (a tour operator). The Agent would organise everything for the client; itinerary, and visa, and subsequently, escort them throughout Bhutan. It was not possible for anyone to access Bhutan on their own or travel inside Bhutan without a guide.

Pre-covid pandemic (pricing/fees) – there was a single fixed tourism fee per person per night based on two specific variables: the number of people in the group, and when you travelled (the month of the year). For that fee (a tour price) just about everything was included within the country: guide, vehicle, and driver, all standard hotel accommodation (and camping equipment if trekking), 3 meals a day, visa, and entry to all monasteries/temples and other sightseeing venues. Having paid your fee, you could effectively visit Bhutan and not spend another penny.

Access – Tourists can access Bhutan, on their own, through the designated entry points (airports and road access). There is no requirement to be escorted by a guide or have a pre-planned itinerary, or have a visa before you arrive. The visa can be obtained at the border crossing.

Pricing and fees – The Bhutanese Govt levies a tourism Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) (see below), set at US$200 per person per night that you are in the country (pre-pandemic this was US$65). They charge per night as they don’t count your departure day (no facilities used other than going to the airport). It buys you nothing other than access to the country.

As of 1 Sep 2023, that US$200 has been discounted to US$100 in what can only be seen as an acknowledgment that tourism has not returned to Bhutan after the pandemic as they would have hoped. The discount period lasts for 4 years, after which it is assumed it will return to the US$200 figure. All other discounts previously offered will be revoked.

In addition, if you employ the services of a tour operator prior to arrival, they will charge their fees for the services they provide. Those services include the guide, vehicle, driver, standard hotel accommodation based on a twin share B&B basis (and trekking services if appropriate), a visa fee, and entry to all monasteries/temples and other sightseeing venues. This fee will vary between operators but will be in the region of US$200 – US$250 per person per day.

Note that what meals are included will vary between tour operators. Breakfasts will be provided at an absolute minimum. Make sure you check what meals are provided. All fees are paid as one, to the tour operator, and they will pay the Govt the Sustainable Development Fee.

If you do not use the services of a tour operator, you simply pay for those as you go. Payments for tourism fees are in US$ so the exchange rate can have a huge impact on the cost of your stay.

If you use the services of a tour operator, the hotels will be chosen for you; they are all classed as ‘tourist standard’ and are around 3-star given the economic standard of the country. You can opt to stay in ‘luxury resorts’ but you will pay a hefty supplement. How to get to Bhutan from the UK.

Visas are done for you, through the tour operator you book with. It is issued by the Govt in Thimphu to the tour operator who will in turn deliver it to you by email a week or so prior to travel. You should check up-to-date entry requirements for Bhutan through the UK’s FCDO webpage.

The major world currencies (US$, Euro, GB£) are accepted.

Travel with us to Bhutan for the Paro Festival, or a Tour of Bhutan, or try combining the Druk Path too.

Is This A Backpackers’ Destination?

Most definitely not, purely on a cost basis but in practice, there is nothing to stop a backpacker from entering the country.