“Regional Tourist” in Bhutan means tourist from India. Before the outbreak of covid-19 regional tourists were from Bangladesh, India, and Maldives passport holders. Now the Indian tourists are exempted from the SDF US$200 per person per night rate, which is applied to the rest of the tourists traveling to Bhutan.

Regional tourists from India visiting Bhutan beyond the first interior checkpoint of the border towns of Phuntsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Gelephu were effective from 1st July 2020.

The objective of the policy to levy SDF for regional tourists and an International tourist is to implement a uniform national tourism policy of High Value, Low impact. , which will mitigate the negative impact of tourism on the cultural landscape and natural environment of the country. Secondly is to Improve the safety, and service delivery to regional tourists. Thirdly is to enhance Bhutan’s image as an exclusive tourist destination. Lastly is to reduce the crime rate, cultural insensitivity, littering, and motor vehicle accidents.

Tourist Tariff for Indian

Tourist Tariff for Indian passport holders or with Ahdar card is charged ₹1,200, which is fixed after the opening of the Bhutan border from 23rd September 2022. The fee is called a ‘Sustainable Development Fee(SDF). The was fixed in the year 2019 but was effective after the opening of the border due to covid-19. SDF goes directly to the Bhutan government revenue. “Sustainable Development Fees (SDF)” refers to the government levy on all leisure tourists from India per person per night and is applicable throughout the year.

The Tourist tariff for India is meant to help the government tackle the sharp rise in the number of tourists in terms of traffic control. It also contributes to the government’s initiatives regarding the social welfare of Bhutanese citizens, according to the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

According to the Tourism Council of Bhutan’s Annual Report, India is the main source of visitors to the country. India’s share of visitors to Bhutan is more than 69 percent with more than 19 lakh tourists visiting the country. Tourist Tariff in Bhutan was implemented through a series of discussions in both houses of Parliament. Tourist Tariff in Bhutan is different from other nationalities.

No more minimum daily tariffs imposed further after the opening of the border on 23rd September 2022(after 2 and half years). Under the new Tourism levy act of 2020, implemented in 2022. SDF has been increased from $65 to US$200 per person per night for international tourists. For Indian Tourist SDF of US$16(₹1200.00).

Rest expenditures like Hotels, all meals, entrance fees for all places of visit, internal transport, Flight fares, guide charges, and insurance are applicable for all tourists. All tourists need to stay in 3 stars hotels, which are recognized by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.