SDF (Sustainable Development Fund)

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a mandatory fee imposed on tourists visiting Bhutan, akin to a royalty, required to obtain a visa. Here’s how it works and its significance:

1.    SDF AMOUNT:        The SDF is set at USD 100 per person per night. It’s important to note that this fee is separate from the actual travel expenses incurred by tourists.

2.    USAGE OF SDF:     The SDF is directly transferred to the government’s revenue account and serves as a crucial source of income for public infrastructure development in Bhutan. Funds generated from tourism, including the SDF, are allocated to various sectors such as education, healthcare, transportation, environmental conservation, waste management, and tourism development.

3.    PAYMENT PROCESS:       Tourists are required to pay the SDF when applying for a visa to enter Bhutan. 

Overall, the SDF not only supports the sustainable growth of tourism in Bhutan but also contributes directly to the welfare of its citizens and the development of essential infrastructure across the country.