Understanding Bhutan’s Tourism Rules

Bhutan may have been open to tourism since the mid-1970s, but it remains to this day a destination shrouded in mystery. It isn’t one of the most frequently visited countries in the world despite its pristine landscapes and fascinating culture, and this is partly due to the high cost of visiting.

For years the government of Bhutan has controlled the number of tourists visiting through its High Cost, Low Impact policy, which required a high daily visa fee for tourists visiting the country. These fees skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic and, although they covered many things like accommodations and food, they made visiting Bhutan unaffordable for many traveling on a tight budget.

Thankfully, the fees have been reduced as of this fall. Visitors to this small country nestled in the Eastern Himalayas between China and India must still purchase a daily tourist visa, which includes a daily fee of $100 plus an initial non-refundable application fee of $40. Known as the Sustainable Development Fee, it was designed to help preserve the country’s beauty and culture as well as provide for its people and ensure the sustainability of its resources. Unfortunately, the fee no longer covers extras, so you must plan for accommodations, food and attraction entrance fees in your trip budget.

The philosophy behind this fee is known as “low volume, high quality,” and has helped to prevent overtourism, a problem plaguing many of today’s most popular destinations. By controlling the number of tourists through this fee, Bhutan, known locally as Drukyul, is able to not only maintain its cultural identity but also offer those who visit a more authentic experience.