TRAVELLING TO BHUTAN

Bhutan welcomes the world differently. Guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, the kingdom follows a "High Value, Low Volume" tourism policy designed to protect its pristine environment, living culture, and the wellbeing of its people. Rather than mass tourism, Bhutan invites mindful, responsible travellers to experience a country where forests cover more than two thirds of the land, ancient dzongs still serve as centres of governance and faith, and tradition is woven into everyday life. Visiting Bhutan is not just a holiday — it is a contribution to the preservation of one of the world's last great Himalayan kingdoms.

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

Every visitor to Bhutan contributes a Sustainable Development Fee, a daily levy that directly funds the kingdom's preservation and progress. The SDF is best understood as a "pay it forward" gesture: your contribution helps provide free healthcare and education for the Bhutanese people, plants trees and maintains forests and wildlife, upgrades trails and infrastructure, renovates historic dzongs and temples, and creates training and opportunities for Bhutan's young people — ensuring that future visitors enjoy an experience as good as, or better than, your own.

Visitor	SDF (per person, per night)
International visitors (adults)	US$ 100
International children aged 6–11	US$ 50
Children under 6	Free
Indian nationals (adults)	Nu./INR 1,200
Indian nationals, children aged 6–11	Nu./INR 600

The SDF is paid at the time of your visa or permit application and is managed transparently by the Royal Government of Bhutan, with all public expenditure documents published online.

Visa & Entry Requirements

All international visitors require a visa, which must be approved before travelling to Bhutan. The process is simple and fully online:

• Apply online through the official immigration portal (immi.gov.bt), or let a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or your hotel handle it for you.
• A one-time, non-refundable visa application fee of US$ 40 applies, paid together with your SDF.
• Applications are typically processed within five working days.
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.
• Valid travel insurance covering the full duration of your stay is required.
• Indian nationals do not require a visa; instead, an entry permit is issued using a valid Indian passport or voter ID card.

Getting to Bhutan

By air: Paro International Airport is Bhutan's only international airport — and Metta Resort & Spa is just a short drive away. The national carriers, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines, operate direct flights from Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Singapore, Dhaka, Kolkata, and other regional cities. The descent into the Paro Valley, between forested Himalayan ridges, is widely considered one of the most spectacular landings in the world.

By land: Visitors may also enter overland from India through the border towns of Phuentsholing, Gelephu, or Samdrup Jongkhar, where immigration formalities are completed on arrival.

Good to Know

• Currency: The Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu.) is pegged to the Indian Rupee, which is also widely accepted.
• Best seasons: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer clear skies and vibrant festivals, including the famous Paro Tshechu held minutes from our resort.
• Dress code: Dress modestly when visiting dzongs, temples, and monasteries — shoulders and knees covered, hats removed.
• Altitude: The Paro Valley sits at around 2,200 m. Take your first day gently and stay hydrated.
• Smoking: The sale of tobacco is restricted in Bhutan, and smoking is only permitted in designated areas.

How We Can Help

Our team at Metta Resort & Spa is happy to guide you through every step of planning your journey — from visa guidance and airport transfers to curated itineraries around the Paro Valley, including Kyichu Lhakhang and the Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang). Contact our team or book your stay online, and we will take care of the rest.

Note: Visa rules and SDF rates are set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and may change. Please verify the latest requirements on the official Department of Tourism website before travelling.