At BodhiTrail Journeys, we believe that travel should be a force for good. Bhutan is the world’s first carbon-negative country, and your visit plays a direct role in keeping it that way.

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

As of 2026, the Royal Government of Bhutan maintains an SDF of $100 per person, per night for international guests. This fee is the cornerstone of our “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy, ensuring that our kingdom remains pristine, exclusive, and culturally intact.

Where Does Your $100 Go?

Your contribution is deposited into a National Consolidated Fund and is transparently reinvested into four key pillars:

• • Carbon Neutrality & Conservation: Funding the maintenance of Bhutan’s 70% forest cover, which sequesters over 9 million tons of $CO_2$ annually—triple what the nation emits.
  • Free Healthcare & Education: Providing every Bhutanese citizen with access to modern medical care and education, a core tenet of our Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy.
  • Infrastructure & Innovation: Upgrading mountain trails, restoring ancient Dzongs (fortresses), and expanding our Electric Vehicle (EV) network to reduce fossil fuel reliance.
  • Youth Skilling: Funding vocational training and digital literacy programs to empower the next generation of Bhutanese “Cultural Guardians.”

Visa Logistics Made Simple

We handle the entire application process for you. To secure your visa, we require

• • A Digital Passport Copy (must be valid for at least 6 months).
  • A Recent Passport-Sized Photo.
  • Full Payment of the SDF & Visa Fee ($40): This must be settled via wire transfer to the Bhutan National Bank to trigger the visa approval.

Note for 2026 Travelers: A 5% GST now applies to local services (hotels, transport, and guides). However, the SDF remains tax-exempt, ensuring your direct contribution to our environment is maximized.