New SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) Calculations matrix
How to Calculate SDF Incentives, FAQs and Support
FAQs
Q1. How can I calculate the cost per night for longer trips?
A. The table below will help you calculate the SDF cost per night, per person.
While these are the lowest SDF calculations, the price in the SDF calculators on the Department of Immigration website will show you various price options based on which option you choose. So, we recommend you try all three calculators before proceeding to select the best option for your guests.
Q2. Can the incentives be repeated or combined for long stays?
A. The incentives can be repeated but not combined. For instance, guests staying for 16 nights can select the 4+4 option, which will be repeated to make 16 nights. But guests cannot select a 4+4 and a 7+7 for stays of 22 nights.
The same incentive can be repeated several times if required.
Q3. If guests select the 4+4 (or any other option), are they obliged to stay for the full 8 nights?
A. No, they do not need to stay for the full 8 nights. For instance, guests can choose the 4 + 4 option and just decide to stay in Bhutan for 5, 6 or 7 nights should they wish. They will still pay USD 800 and that will allow them to stay in Bhutan for between 4 to 8 nights, as per their convenience.
Q4. Can guests choose the lowest SDF calculation that the SDF calculators on the Department of Immigration’s website (https://visit.doi.gov.bt/) provide?
A. Yes. Guests can use any of the calculators provided on the DoI’s website and choose the best option for their trip.
Q5. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 4 – 8 nights?
A. The best option to select would be the 4 + 4 option which entitles them to stay for 8 nights.
Q6. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 9 – 10 nights?
A. The best option would be the 4 + 4 option, and then add on additional nights at USD 200. So it would cost USD 1,000 for 9 nights, and USD 1,200 for 10 nights.
Q7. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 11 – 14 nights?
A. The best option would be the 7 + 7 option.
For all options, guests also have the choice to select one of the three incentive options and add an extra few days by paying the full SDF after the chosen SDF incentive option expires / finishes.
Q8. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 15 – 16 nights?
- The best option for 15 nights would be 7 + 7 (USD 1400) plus another night at USD 200 = USD 1600
- The best option for 16 nights would be to take the 4 + 4 incentive and repeat it (USD 1600).
Q9. If I have guests who have a pre-approved visa visiting after June 01, will I need to reapply for them to avail the new incentives?
A. Yes. You will need to cancel their visas and reapply should you wish to avail the new incentives for them. The system will not automatically do this for you.
Q10. What happens if guests choose one of the SDF incentives and then leave earlier than planned? Are they entitled to any refund?
A. Any complimentary nights issued as part of the SDF incentive will not be refunded. However, if a guest pays the SDF for four nights (for example), and leaves after staying for three nights, they will be refunded the SDF for one night. If the guest pays the SDF for four nights and originally plans to stay for eight nights, but leaves after five nights, they will not be entitled to any refund.
SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) Incentives
Reminder – How to Calculate SDF Incentives, FAQs and Support
FAQs
Q1. How can I calculate the cost per night for longer trips?
A. The table below will help you calculate the SDF cost per night, per person.
While these are the lowest SDF calculations, the price in the SDF calculators on the Department of Immigration website will show you various price options based on which option you choose. So, we recommend you try all three calculators before proceeding to select the best option for your guests.
Q2. Can the incentives be repeated or combined for long stays?
A. The incentives can be repeated but not combined. For instance, guests staying for 16 nights can select the 4+4 option, which will be repeated to make 16 nights. But guests cannot select a 4+4 and a 7+7 for stays of 22 nights.
The same incentive can be repeated several times if required.
Q3. If guests select the 4+4 (or any other option), are they obliged to stay for the full 8 nights?
A. No, they do not need to stay for the full 8 nights. For instance, guests can choose the 4 + 4 option and just decide to stay in Bhutan for 5, 6 or 7 nights should they wish. They will still pay USD 800 and that will allow them to stay in Bhutan for between 4 to 8 nights, as per their convenience.
Q4. Can guests choose the lowest SDF calculation that the SDF calculators on the Department of Immigration’s website (https://visit.doi.gov.bt/) provide?
A. Yes. Guests can use any of the calculators provided on the DoI’s website and choose the best option for their trip.
Q5. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 4 – 8 nights?
A. The best option to select would be the 4 + 4 option which entitles them to stay for 8 nights.
Q6. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 9 – 10 nights?
A. The best option would be the 4 + 4 option, and then add on additional nights at USD 200. So it would cost USD 1,000 for 9 nights, and USD 1,200 for 10 nights.
Q7. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 11 – 14 nights?
A. The best option would be the 7 + 7 option.
For all options, guests also have the choice to select one of the three incentive options and add an extra few days by paying the full SDF after the chosen SDF incentive option expires / finishes.
Q8. What would be the best option for guests who wish to stay in Bhutan for between 15 – 16 nights?
- The best option for 15 nights would be 7 + 7 (USD 1400) plus another night at USD 200 = USD 1600
- The best option for 16 nights would be to take the 4 + 4 incentive and repeat it (USD 1600).
Q9. If I have guests who have a pre-approved visa visiting after June 01, will I need to reapply for them to avail the new incentives?
A. Yes. You will need to cancel their visas and reapply should you wish to avail the new incentives for them. The system will not automatically do this for you.
Q10. What happens if guests choose one of the SDF incentives and then leave earlier than planned? Are they entitled to any refund?
A. Any complimentary nights issued as part of the SDF incentive will not be refunded. However, if a guest pays the SDF for four nights (for example), and leaves after staying for three nights, they will be refunded the SDF for one night. If the guest pays the SDF for four nights and originally plans to stay for eight nights, but leaves after five nights, they will not be entitled to any refund.
Bumthang Owl Trek
Trekking in Bhutan
What makes Bhutan a tourist attraction?
Bhutan bids countless attractions in series. It is made of diverse altitudes, pleasant climate and untouched green vegetation. Bhutan has amazing culture and traditions that will remain etched in your heart once you know its essence coming.Bhutanese are warm, loving and hospitable. Active Buddhist temples,monasteries, historic Dzongs and monuments add to the nation’s treasure, many of which date prior to 17th century which are still very interesting to see.The architecture of Bhutan is so irreplaceable with colorful and well-maintained arts and paintings. The beautiful and colorful attire Bhutanese wear is certainly eye catching. Interesting and lively festivals wait for you in rows.Bhutan, the land of spirit and dream, is always mysterious for trekkers.Climbing the hills and enjoying the views of the untouched mountains will provide you a cleansing experiencing. The routes through the remote villages,Circling around the holy lakes and the sacred sites has something for you. There are so many attractions in Bhutan that make the place worth visiting.
Some words in Dzongkha
Kuzuzangpo La – Greetings and well wishes/Hello
Tashi Delek – May all good things come to you. (Use this as a farewell)
Kardenche La – Thank you.
Lasla, Laso la – Roger/Signing off
Ong,ong – Yes, yes
Log Jay Gay – Goodbye (We will meet again)
What is the road condition like in Bhutan?
Bhutan is a mountainous country; hence the roads are like any other road in Himalayas.All roads are in good condition. Lot of road widening projects is going on to lift the road conditions. Of course there are times when roadblocks in account of natural hazards or there pairing work.
Are there any restrictions to photography in Bhutan
Some sacred places like alter rooms of Dzongs and Lhakhangs are not open for photography by any one. Even visits by tourists are prohibited around here so that the monks can continue their practices without interruption. Parts of many monasteries and temples do not allow photography. Generally Bhutanese people do not mind their photos to be taken, yet it will be always appropriate to take their consent.
How safe is it for a solo traveler (lady traveler) to travel in Bhutan?
Bhutan is a place where the people do not face any discrimination on gender, race,class etc. Bhutanese women are offered the equal rights as men for education, voting and holding positions in government. Women are always given the first preferences over all the opportunities. Any lady from anywhere can travel here without worrying about any kind of harassment. Bhutanese are very helpful to come to aid to anyone in trouble or distress. Women are respected. Young men have a reasonably liberal attitude towards their relations with women. Nevertheless several misunderstandings can yield if you don’t make your purposes pure from the very beginning. As with any countries you have been to, you cannot be silly and do all the things you won’t do otherwise in your home. It is always safer to exercise general caution.
What about the Personal Security Issues in Bhutan?
Bhutan is considered as one of the safest destinations for tourists. You can totally rely on the tour operator here for trouble free stay. We assure you an extremely low menace of theft or any kind of harassment. Foreign tourists are usually held in high esteem. However, it is always safer to be cautious with your cash and other valuables. You can either keep on your person or in your vehicle where your driver whom you can have full trust on will safeguard them.
What is the electricity status in Bhutan?
Bhutan has clean and green energy generated by hydro power in the country. It supplies 230 volts, 50 cycles AC system, which is very reliable. Almost all corners of the country have the connectivity to electricity. The standard socket is the Indian-style round pin socket.