The Sustainable Development Fee, or SDF, is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s national development and long-term sustainability. According to the official Bhutan tourism FAQ, the SDF helps fund healthcare, education, training, infrastructure, environmental conservation, cultural preservation and support for local communities and businesses.

The FAQ currently lists the SDF as:

• USD 100 per night for most adult international visitors
• USD 50 per night for children aged 6 to under 12
• No SDF for children under 6
• Nu. 1,200 / INR equivalent per person per night for Indian nationals with valid documentation, with reduced rates for children aged 6 to under 12

The SDF is part of Bhutan’s distinctive tourism model, which aims to preserve the country’s environment, culture and visitor experience while ensuring tourism benefits the nation in the long term.