The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
All Indian tourists must pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to support Bhutan's 'High Value, Low Volume' tourism policy. As of September 2026, the fee for Indian nationals is ₹1,200 per person, per night. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 pay a reduced
rate of ₹600 per night, while children aged 5 and under are exempt from the fee. This fee is significantly lower than the USD 100 per night charged to other international tourists, reflecting the special relationship between India and Bhutan. The revenue generated from the SDF is invested in preserving Bhutan's pristine environment, maintaining its cultural heritage, and funding public services like healthcare and education.
Entry Permits: Your Key to the Kingdom
Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Bhutan but must obtain an 'Entry Permit'. This permit is your official authorisation to travel within the country. You can secure it in two ways: on arrival at Paro International Airport or at the land border crossing in Phuentsholing. Alternatively, to avoid potentially long queues, you can apply for the permit online in advance through Bhutan's Department of Immigration website. The initial Entry Permit allows travel within Thimphu, Paro, and Phuentsholing. It is typically granted for up to seven days and can be extended.
Essential Documents for Indian Travellers
To obtain your Entry Permit, you must present specific original documents. Photocopies or digital versions like Aadhaar cards are not accepted. For adults, a valid Indian Passport with at least six months of validity from the date of travel is required. As an alternative to a passport, an original Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India is also accepted. For children under 18 travelling without a passport, an original birth certificate (in English) is necessary, and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian. It is also wise to carry two recent passport-sized photographs, especially for permits processed on arrival.
Exploring Beyond Paro and Thimphu
If your itinerary includes destinations beyond the initial zone of Paro and Thimphu, such as the beautiful valleys of Punakha, Haa, or Bumthang, you will need an additional 'Route Permit'. This special permit must be applied for at the Immigration Office in Thimphu after you have arrived in the country. This is a separate step from the initial Entry Permit and is mandatory for travelling to the central and eastern regions of Bhutan. Checkpoints along major roads will verify your Route Permit before allowing you to proceed.
Entering Bhutan: Air and Land Routes
Indian travellers can enter Bhutan by air or by land. The only international airport is in Paro (PBH), with direct flights available from major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati. The most popular land entry point is through Phuentsholing, which borders Jaigaon in West Bengal. Other land border crossings are available at Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Samtse for those entering from Assam. If you plan to drive your own Indian-registered vehicle, you will need to obtain a separate vehicle permit and pay a 'Green Tax' of Nu 4,500 per day if travelling beyond the designated border town zone.
