Bhutan to levy Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) on Indian tourists
Bhutan has made it mandatory for tourists visiting from neighboring countries including India, Bangladesh and Maldives to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of INR 1000. According to the news reports, the fee has been levied considering instances of some tourists disobeying the local law and order and also showing disrespect towards local customs and traditions.
Meanwhile, the Bhutanese kingdom wants to control the flow of travelers from India and more such South Asian countries. Up till now, tourists from three countries did not have to pay a visa or any entry fee to enter Bhutan. On the other hand, tourists from other nations have to pay a USD 250 charge per day to the Bhutanese government, which also includes a USD 65 sustainable development fee.
