tips & info · 05
International Travel
This guide provides essential, up-to-date information for international travellers planning a visit to the Kingdom of
Bhutan.
Travel Information for International Visitors
This guide provides essential, up-to-date information for international travellers planning a visit to the Kingdom of
Bhutan. All fees and policies are based on official Royal Government of Bhutan sources and are confirmed accurate as
of June 2026.
Bhutan's Tourism Philosophy
Bhutan follows a “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy guided by the national philosophy of Gross National
Happiness (GNH). This ensures tourism benefits Bhutan’s people, preserves its environment, and protects its Buddhist
heritage — rather than maximising visitor numbers.
Visa Requirements
All international visitors require a visa, processed exclusively through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator such as Acho
Travels. There is no walk-in visa, no visa on arrival, and no independent travel.
Visa Process
1. Confirm your tour itinerary and travel dates with Acho Travels.
2. Pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and visa fee in full.
3. Acho Travels submits your application to the Department of Immigration.
4. Receive your Visa Clearance Letter by email (typically 5–7 working days).
5. Present the letter at departure and at Paro Airport; the visa stamp is issued on arrival.
Visa fee: USD 40 per person (one-time, non-refundable). Extensions: USD 40, applied for in Thimphu before expiry.
Begin your application at least 3–4 weeks before travel.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
The SDF is a mandatory nightly levy funding free healthcare and education, environmental conservation, and
infrastructure. It helps Bhutan maintain its status as a carbon-negative country. Current rates are valid until 31 August
2027:
| Adult (12+) | Children (6–12) | Children (under 6) |
|---|---|---|
| USD 100 per person per night | USD 50 per night (50% discount) | Free (fully exempt) |
Key Rules
● SDF applies to every night in Bhutan, including the arrival night.
● Paid in advance as part of the visa application, before the visa is issued.
● Separate from your tour package cost, which covers accommodation, meals, guide, and transport.
● Generally non-refundable, though unused nights may be refunded if a trip is cancelled or shortened after
arrival.
● No group or duration-based discounts — the rate is fixed per person, per night.
The SDF covers free entry to temples, monasteries, dzongs, and museums; road and infrastructure upkeep; and
Bhutan’s free healthcare and education systems. It does not cover accommodation, meals, guides, transport,
international airfare, personal expenses, or travel insurance.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Effective 1 January 2026, a 5% GST applies to tour packages, accommodation, and other tourism services. It does not
apply to the SDF. Acho Travels includes GST in all quoted prices — there are no hidden charges.
Getting to Bhutan
Paro International Airport (PBH)
Bhutan’s only international airport, served by Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines, with connections
from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Singapore, and other regional hubs. Seats are limited — book 3–6
months ahead, especially in peak season (March–May, September–November).
Practical Travel Information
● Currency — The Ngultrum (BTN) is pegged to the Indian Rupee; INR is widely accepted. USD/EUR can be
exchanged at major banks. Carry sufficient USD cash, as international ATMs can be unreliable.
● Best time to visit — Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sep–Nov) offer the clearest skies and major festivals.
Summer is monsoon season; winter is cold but quiet with lower rates.
● Dress & etiquette — Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites, remove shoes before entering, ask before
photographing inside temples, and walk clockwise around stupas and mani wheels.
● Health — No mandatory vaccinations, but routine travel vaccines are recommended. Altitude sickness is a risk
above 3,000m. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended and mandatory for
trekkers.
● Communications — Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell offer prepaid SIMs with good 4G in major towns; WhatsApp
and calling apps work normally.
● Safety — Bhutan is among the world’s safest countries for travellers. Emergency numbers: Police 113 |
Ambulance 112 | Fire 110. Acho Travels provides a 24/7 emergency contact.
What's Included in Your Acho Travels Package
| Included in Your Package | Not Included |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | International airfare to/from Paro |
| All meals | Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) — paid separately |
| Licensed guide | Visa fee — USD 40 (Department of Immigration) |
| Private vehicle & driver | Applicable 5% GST on tour services |
| All entry fees to monuments, dzongs, temples & museums | Travel insurance (strongly recommended) |
| SDF facilitation and visa application assistance | Personal expenses, tips, optional add-ons & alcohol |