Bhutan's Tourism Tax (SDF) Explained
Bhutan’s ‘Sustainable Development Fee’ (SDF – aka Tourism Tax) Has Been Reduced!
- Effective 01JUN23 to 31DEC24 the SDF has been reduced.
- Many travellers to Bhutan will now pay only half the previous tax on their Bhutan journey.
- 2024 will therefore be a very busy year for Bhutan tourism.
- Please plan now and book early! Talk with James & Nicola at Bhutan & Beyond. We are the Bhutan experts.
- Our Bhutan private tours, group tours & luxury experiences.
Bhutan Tourism Tax Q&A:
Q: What is Bhutan’s Tourism Tax called?
A: Bhutan’s tourism tax is known as the ‘Sustainable Development Fee’ and commonly referred to as the SDF.
Q: What is the purpose of the SDF?
A: The SDF provides valuable income for the Bhutan Government to implement social programs for Bhutan’s citizens. These include free health care, free education and especially towards protection of the environment.
Q: What is the SDF Fee for Tourist Travellers to Bhutan?
A: Effective from 22JUN22 , the SDF was increased to USD200 per adult per night (less for children U 18). This fee was extra to travellers touring, accommodation, sightseeing and meal costs etc.
Q: Has the Bhutan SDF tax been reduced?
A: Yes, Bhutan’s SDF tax was reduced in the form of 3 special incentives effective from 01JUN23 and valid for travel to 31DEC24.
Q: What is the reduced formula for Bhutan’s SDF tax?
A: For travel to Butan between 01JUN23 and 31DEC24 the SDF has 3 special offers. Firstly a ‘4+4’ offer. This means travellers pay the full SDF of USD200 per adult per night for their first 4 nights in Bhutan. After that they can stay up to an additional 4 nights in Bhutan SDF free. They still must pay their touring and accom package costs but not the SDF costs.
Q: Are there any other Bhutan SDF reduction offers?
A: Yes, a second SDF tier reduction of ‘7+7′ and a third of ’12+18’ are on offer. This means pay the full SDF on your first 7 nights stay and get up to another 7 nights stay SDF free; or pay the full SDF on your first 12 nights stay and receive up to 18 extra nights stay SDF free.
 | James Irving – Bhutan Travel Expert. James has worked in the travel industry for over 40 years & has been involved in the leisure, corporate, group, sport, incentive & wholesale travel genres. James loves rugby union, and keenly supports the Queensland Reds and the Australian Wallabies. |
