Bhutan Reduces SDF for the First 15,000 Bangladeshi tourists

This special scheme will be valid until 2027.

Bhutan Reduces SDF for the First 15,000 Bangladeshi tourists

The Royal Government of Bhutan has announced that the first 15,000 Bangladeshi tourists visiting Bhutan each year can pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 15 per day starting June 2. This amount is equivalent to the Rs 1,200 currently levied on Indian tourists. If the number of Bangladeshi tourists exceeds 15,000 in a year, the remaining tourists will have to pay the usual USD 100 SDF per day.

Following the implementation of the new tourism policy in September 2022, Bangladeshi tourists visiting Bhutan have had to pay the SDF of USD 200 per day.

According to an official from the Department of Tourism (DoT), Bangladeshi tourists can apply for a visa online or obtain it upon arrival. “The same rules, such as the requirement of guides and hotel bookings, will apply to Bangladeshi tourists,” he said.

In 2019, 315,599 tourists visited Bhutan, of which 13,016 were from Bangladesh, making it the second-highest number from any country. However, only 15 tourists from Bangladesh have visited the country since the reopening of the borders to tourists, with 14 of them visiting this year.

The government of Bangladesh has requested the government of Bhutan to reduce the SDF for Bangladeshi tourists in several bilateral meetings.

The two governments have signed an agreement on the movement of traffic-in-transit and its protocol, which provides Bhutan with greater connectivity and necessary transit facilities for the movement of goods using multi-modal transport arrangements.

Bhutan and Bangladesh have also signed an agreement to establish a special economic zone in the Kurigram district in Bangladesh’s northern region. Bangladesh has agreed to allocate 190 acres of land in Kurigram for the establishment of this special economic zone for Bhutanese investors.

Additionally, Bhutan and Bangladesh have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the health sector, which includes the establishment of a burn, plastic, and reconstructive surgery unit in Thimphu. Another MoU has been signed between the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority of Bhutan and the Directorate of National Consumers Rights Protection of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has extended its support to Bhutan by offering special training opportunities to Bhutanese officials at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council. This initiative aims to enhance knowledge and expertise in agriculture-related fields.

Furthermore, Bangladesh has offered to increase the number of annual MBBS seats for Bhutanese students from 22 to 30.

Bhutan and Bangladesh established diplomatic relations in 1973, two years after Bangladesh’s independence.



Related Posts

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future: Bhutan's Tourism Turns...

Bhutan is set to commemorate the golden jubilee of its tourism industry, marking 50 years since the nation first...

Jun 03, 2024 20:34

Is Bhutan Ready for Crypto Tourism? What the GMC Talks Revealed

Discover how Bhutan is embracing Binance Pay to boost crypto tourism, making travel payments easier, faster, and more...

Jul 02, 2025 17:38

Bhutan’s Bhutan Believe Film Wins Silver at 2025 US International...

Discover how Bhutan’s national brand film Bhutan Believe captured the silver award at the 2025 US International Awards,...

Jun 27, 2025 17:26

Bhutan Unveils Its Most Advanced Integrated Check Post at Gelephu

Bhutan’s largest and most advanced Integrated Check Post in Gelephu nears completion, promising smarter border control,...

Jun 17, 2025 13:08

Bhutan Launches ‘Bhutan for Wellbeing’ Initiative to Cement Its...

Bhutan launches its 'Bhutan for Wellbeing' tourism initiative in Haa, blending traditional practices and modern...

Jun 16, 2025 10:20

Heli Bhutan Takes Flight: Private Helicopter Service Boosts...

Heli Bhutan, the first private helicopter service in Bhutan, offers high-altitude flights to remote destinations with a...

May 23, 2025 15:59

Latest

News

First 2025 Gyalsung Cohort Completes National Service Training

Bhutan’s first 2025 Gyalsung cohort has completed their three-month National Service training with a grand Passing Out Parade attended by...

Jul 01, 2025 15:33

Gyalsung Skilling Programme Prepares 493 Gyalsups for National Service and Future Careers

Bhutan’s Gyalsung Skilling Programme equips 493 Gyalsups with hands-on training in traditional arts and modern technologies, preparing them...

Jun 12, 2025 15:52

Features

Passion and Purpose: A Bhutanese Woman’s 14-Year Journey in Tourism

Meet Chencho Lham, a seasoned Bhutanese tour guide from Paro, as she shares her 14-year journey of leading travellers through sacred...

Jun 18, 2025 15:20

Passion and Purpose: A Bhutanese's Guide Perspective on Happiness

Chencho Tshering, a seasoned Druk Asia tour guide with nearly a decade of experience, shares his journey, personal passions, and heartfelt...

May 28, 2025 16:38

Business

High Altitude, Higher Ambitions: Bhutan Enters the Wine World

Bhutan has officially stepped onto the global wine stage with the debut of The Himalayan, a record-breaking 7.57-litre bottle auctioned by...

May 23, 2025 16:38

Most Popular Bars in Thimphu

Discover Thimphu’s vibrant nightlife, where traditional Bhutanese drinks meet modern cocktails in the city’s top bars and lounges. Unwind...

Feb 10, 2025 16:14

Sports

Zimbiri Makes History as First Bhutanese Woman Elected to SAFF Executive Committee

Zimbiri has made history as the first Bhutanese woman elected to the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Executive Committee, a landmark...

May 28, 2025 10:49

Bhutan Cricket's New Milestone: The Inaugural Indoor Cricket Academy

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) inaugurated its inaugural indoor cricket academy on 20th December, with the objective of ensuring...

Dec 21, 2023 14:57

Travel

Is Bhutan Ready for Crypto Tourism? What the GMC Talks Revealed

Discover how Bhutan is embracing Binance Pay to boost crypto tourism, making travel payments easier, faster, and more secure for...

Jul 02, 2025 17:38

Bhutan’s Bhutan Believe Film Wins Silver at 2025 US International Awards

Discover how Bhutan’s national brand film Bhutan Believe captured the silver award at the 2025 US International Awards, celebrating a fresh...

Jun 27, 2025 17:26

Lifestyle

Bhutan Celebrates World Music Day with a Soulful Gathering in Thimphu

Bhutan marked World Music Day with a vibrant concert in Thimphu, featuring over 90 artists despite the rain. Discover how music is shaping...

Jun 23, 2025 16:37

What's in a Name? Discover Bhutan's Unique Naming Tradition

In Bhutan, names are traditionally given by monks and not tied to family lineage. Visitors can experience a traditional naming ceremony at...

Jun 03, 2025 14:04
Bhutan Reduces SDF for the First 15,000 Bangladeshi tourists
0:00 0:00

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app