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BHUTAN TOURISM POLICY 2022

Bhutan has recently implemented a new tourism policy which aims to promote sustainable and responsible tourism in the country. This policy places a strong emphasis on preserving Bhutan’s unique culture, environment, and heritage, while also promoting economic development and providing new opportunities for local communities. Some of the key features of the new policy include:

  1. Sustainable tourism development: The policy places a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism development, promoting practices that minimize the impact of tourism on Bhutan’s environment, culture, and heritage.

  2. High-value, low-impact tourism: Bhutan aims to attract high-value, low-impact tourists who are interested in experiencing Bhutan’s unique culture and environment, rather than mass tourism.

  3. Empowering local communities: The policy seeks to empower local communities by providing them with opportunities to participate in and benefit from the tourism industry.

  4. Quality over quantity: The new policy places a greater emphasis on quality over quantity, promoting tourism that is based on a deep appreciation of Bhutan’s culture, heritage, and environment.

The new tourism policy is an important step towards promoting sustainable and responsible tourism in Bhutan and preserving the country’s unique culture and environment for future generations.

A tourist shall be liable to pay a tourism levy known as the Sustainable Development Fee of USD 200 per night.

Exemption for child of 5 years and below; (3) Concessionary levy rate of 50% for child from 6-12 years;

The Tourism levy Act will apply to tourist visiting Bhutan for leisure and holiday. (As provided in the Tourism levy Act 2022)

PREFERENTIAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FEE

A daily SDF of NU 1200/- for nationals of India only, visiting Bhutan as a tourist.

NATIONAL MONUMENT ENTRY FEES

Revised existing monuments and sacred sites entry fee which will be applicable to all foreign visitors as follows:

  • Taktsang- Nu. 2,000.00
  • Tashichho Dzong – Nu. 1,000.00
  • Thimphu Memorial Chorten – Nu. 1,000.00
  • Changangkha Lhakhang – Nu. 1,000.00
  • Kyichu Lhakhang – Nu. 1,000.00
  • Rinpung Dzong – Nu. 1,000.00
  • Punakha Dzong – Nu. 1,000.00
  • Chimmi Lhakhang – Nu. 1,000.00

Children below 18 years will be granted 50% concession and children of 5 years of age and below will be exempted from payment of entry fees. Based on the itinerary, the applicable entry fees will be collected by TCB till 23rd
September 2022.

Entry fees of Nu. 1000 also be extended to the following monuments and sacred sites
(i) Jampa Lhakhang, Bumthang (il) Jangtsa Dumgtseg Lhakhang, Paro (ili) Dobji
Dzong, Paro (iv) Rinchending Goenpa, Phuntsholing (v) Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu
(vi). Simtokha Dzong, Thimphu (vii). Trongsa Dzong, (vili). Palden Tashi Choling
Shedra, Phuntsholing.

  • Tariff is calculated on nightly basis (per person/night)
  • For single room accommodation, additional hotel single supplement surcharge USD 30 per night/per person.

FAQ

A royalty of US$ 200 is charged per person per night, which is included in the tariff mentioned above, and it is applicable throughout the year.

Yes, Bhutan is open to visitors, however, there are certain restrictions and requirements that must be met in order to visit the country.

  1. Visa requirements: All visitors to Bhutan are required to have a valid visa, which must be obtained in advance. Visas can be obtained through a Bhutanese tour operator or through a Bhutanese embassy or consulate.

  2. Travel restrictions: Bhutan may impose travel restrictions in response to public health concerns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors may also be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before entering the country.

  3. Cost of travel: Bhutan requires all visitors to pay the daily SDF USD 200 fee per person, which covers the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and cultural activities. This fee is set by the Bhutanese government and is subject to change.

No, Bhutan does not offer visa-on-arrival for visitors. All visitors to Bhutan are required to obtain a visa in advance, either through a Bhutanese tour operator or through a Bhutanese embassy or consulate. The visa process typically involves submitting an application, paying a fee, and providing proof of travel arrangements, such as a confirmed booking with a Bhutanese tour operator.

Nationals of India are eligible for Entry Permit at the port of entry.

Bhutan does not limit tourist, as long as you follow the Tourism policy of Bhutan.

Bhutan doesn’t require any travel quarantine however you will be asked for vaccination status and travel insurance.