tips & info · 06
Regional Travel
Travel Information for Regional Visitors
Bhutan offers a special regional travel policy for visitors from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, with simplified entry
and a significantly reduced Sustainable Development Fee compared to other international visitors.
Entry Requirements — Indian Nationals
Indian nationals do not require a visa. All visitors must obtain a free Entry Permit, issued at the official ports of entry or
through a registered travel agent.
Accepted Identity Documents
● Valid Indian Passport
● Voter Identity Card (Election Commission of India)
Aadhaar Card, Driving Licence, and PAN Card are not accepted. Children travelling with parents must carry their own
valid document.
Entry Permit Process
● Overland via Phuentsholing — Permit issued same-day at the Bhutan Immigration office on presentation of
valid ID.
● Air via Paro — A valid passport is required; the permit can be processed in advance through a licensed
operator.
● Beyond Thimphu & Paro — An Inner Line Permit (free) is required for Punakha, Trongsa, Bumthang, Haa, and
other regions, issued in Thimphu or arranged by Acho Travels.
Entry Requirements — Bangladeshi & Maldivian Nationals
A valid national passport and a tourist visa are required, arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator such as
Acho Travels (visa fee USD 40). The process mirrors the standard international visa process, with the key benefit of the
reduced regional SDF rate.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for Regional Visitors
| Rate | Approx. USD Equivalent | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| INR 1,200 per person per night | ~USD 14 per night | Indian, Bangladeshi & Maldivian nationals |
Indian nationals visiting the border towns of Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar, or Samtse for 24 hours or less
are exempt from the SDF. This exemption applies only within the designated border town areas — travel into the
interior requires a full Entry Permit and SDF payment.
Why Visit Bhutan from India
● No visa required — permit issued at the border or through Acho Travels.
● Indian Rupee accepted throughout Bhutan — no currency exchange needed.
● Direct overland access from Siliguri, Kolkata, Guwahati, and other Indian cities via Phuentsholing.
● A fraction of the international SDF rate — INR 1,200 per night.
● Direct flights to Paro from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bagdogra, and other Indian cities.
● Ideal for a short break — a minimum stay of 4–5 nights is recommended.
Sample Package — Western Bhutan Classic
A 4-night / 5-day package for Indian travellers entering overland via Phuentsholing, covering the Phuentsholing–
Thimphu–Paro–Punakha circuit. Costed per person, based on 2 travellers sharing.
| Cost Component | Your Cost | Markup | Tourist Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (4 nights × 3★) | $260 | 35% | $351 | Breakfast included |
| All meals (lunch & dinner × 4 days) | $140 | 30% | $182 | Bhutanese & Indian |
| Licensed guide (4 days) | $120 | 40% | $168 | Hindi & English speaking |
| Vehicle & driver (4 days) | $160 | 35% | $216 | All transfers included |
| Entry fees & sightseeing | $35 | 20% | $42 | All monuments |
| Inner Line Permit (beyond Thimphu) | $0 | — | $0 | Free for Indian nationals |
| Entry Permit (Indian nationals) | $0 | — | $0 | Free of charge |
| 5% GST on tour services | $36 | — | $48 | Applicable Jan 2026+ |
| Acho Travels service fee | $0 | — | $65 | Operator coordination |
| Subtotal (tour package, per person) | $751 | — | $1,072 | Excludes SDF below |
| Sustainable Development Fee (4 nights × INR 1,200) | INR 5,760 | 0% | INR 5,760 | ~USD 68, paid to government |
| TOTAL PACKAGE COST (per person) | ~$819 | — | ~$1,140 | 4 nights, all-inclusive |
Note: The Sustainable Development Fee is a separate government levy paid in INR and is not subject to markup or GST.
Acho Travels issues a single consolidated invoice showing both currencies.