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.