The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Indian tourists to retain Nu 1,200 SDF until September 2028, while Phuentsholing tourism waiver remains unchanged
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) has completed a comprehensive review of the 50 percent Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) concession of USD 100, which is due to expire in August 2027. The ministry said during the 31st Meet-the- Press that its recommendation is being prepared for submission to the Lhengye Zhungtshog in the coming week.
For Indian nationals, the SDF of INR 1,200 was due for review this month. However, the Lhengye Zhungtshog has decided to maintain the existing rate until 21st September 2028. The ministry also clarified that the existing 24-hour SDF waiver boundary in Phuentsholing has not been changed.
What has been approved is a one-year regulatory sandbox under the Managed Tourism Framework. This will allow tourists to visit Milarepa Lhakhang and the Paachu community during the Paachu Harvest Festival under specified conditions.
Tourists will have to travel on a packaged tour through a registered Bhutanese tour operator and be accompanied by a licensed guide. Necessary documentation must be processed after crossing the first designated checkpoints. On the proposal to extend access towards Dewathang from Samdrup Jongkhar, the ministry said it will first review the experience and effectiveness of the Phuentsholing experiment.
Based on the outcome, the ministry may consider proposing similar arrangements in Samdrup Jongkhar and other appropriate locations.
