TOURISM POLICY

Bhutan is a green, sustainable, inclusive, and high-value tourism destination guided by the “high value, low volume” policy, aiming to contribute to the country’s socioeconomic development. The country’s rich culture and identity are preserved, and tourism is limited to maintain a manageable number of visitors. The Royal Government of Bhutan advises accompanied by a certified tour operator for safety and well-being. Alluring Bhutan Travels offers a unique opportunity to explore Bhutan and advance intercultural understanding, forging stronger friendships based on admiration and respect for diverse cultures and lifestyles.

HOW TO REACH BHUTAN

BY AIR: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines are the two official airlines of the kingdom. Direct flights from and to our international airport in Paro (Bhutan) to India (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Gaya, Bagdogra, Gawahati), Nepal (Kathmandu), Thailand (Bangkok), Bangladesh (Dhaka), and Singapore. it’s advisable to book your air tickets in advance to avoid a visitor’s rush. The Kingdom also has Domestic airports (Yonphula, Bumthang and Gelephu).

BY SURFACE: Phuentsholing, the kingdom’s (south-western Bhutan), is a popular place of entrance for surface travel into Bhutan. We offer pick-up and drop-off facilities from Bagdogra Airport (IXB) and Railway Stations (New Alipurdaur, Hashimara, and Japaiguri). Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and the states of Sikkim.

BHUTAN VISA

Acquiring a Bhutan visa is a simple process once you comprehend the procedure. Visitors can apply for visas online through the visa portal. Alternatively, in behalf of visitors, Alluring Bhutan Travels will submit your visa application and obtain visa clearance. After the full trip cost, including a $40 visa charge, is wired over and deposited in the Department of Tourism (DoT) bank account, the Department of Immigration and DoT only approve visas. The visa application must be submitted at least one month before the trip date for timely processing. Bhutan offers flight-specific visa clearance letters, and visitors must present a visa clearance copy at the immigration counter. The visa is stamped in the passport upon arrival in Bhutan, either by air or road.

Visitors from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives can apply for a permit (for Indian nationals) or a visa (for Bangladeshi or Maldivian nationals) before traveling. However, can obtain an instant visa or entry permit at the port of entry by presenting a valid passport with six-month international validity.

Swiss and Thai nationals holding diplomatic or official government passports are eligible to apply for a visa at their port of arrival.

Bhutan Visa requirement

• A digital copy of a valid passport
• A recent digital passport photo
• Arrival and departure dates
• Valid travel insurance for the duration of your travel
• Payment details 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FEE (SDF) 

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development (free healthcare, education, training, tourism and hospitality upskilling, improved infrastructure, environmental and cultural preservation, and more).

• $100 USD per night per adult.
• 50% of SDF is waived off for children between the ages of 6 and 12
• Full SDF is waived off for children under the age of 5

BHUTAN MINIMUM DAILY TARIFF PER PERSON

WHAT’S INCLUSIVE

• Premium 3-star accommodation/Farmhouse
• All meals, including buffet set Breakfast and dinner, and lunch at restaurants
• All internal transfers are done in imported luxury and comfortable cars
• Full time English language speaking tour guide
• Daily complimentary bottle water
• Arrangement for visa process and Permits
• Bhutan Govt. Taxes per night

WHAT’S EXCLUSIVE

• Bhutan royalties (Sustainable Development Fee)
• Bhutan Visa fee
• Entrance fees
• Airfare for domestic and international
• Travel, medical, and evacuation insurance
• Property upgrade (4 and 5-star) and a supplemental room
• Unanticipated COVID/healthcare expenses.
• Cost associated with natural calamities
• Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Personal-related expenses
• Gratuities to the guide and driver

TRAVEL INCURANCE

Acquiring travel insurance is mandatory for Bhutan visitors, protecting you and your families from unexpected occurrences. It only exists for the duration of the visit, and it’s essential to obtain insurance prior applying for a Bhutan visa.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD

We’ve chosen the most well-known Bhutan government-certified premium hotels, resorts, and farmhouses in the country to suit visitor values of convenience, comfort, and services, and have chosen top-tier government-certified eateries and hotels that serve delectable vegetarian and non-vegetarian Chinese, Indian, Continental, and Bhutanese cuisine.

TRANSPORTATION

We offer luxury, comfortable, and well-maintained Japanese Toyota (land cushier Pardo, Innova, HiAce bus, and coaster bus) and Korean Hyundai cars (Santa Fe, Creta, and Tucson) with well-experienced drivers holding professional driving licenses (PD), for an entire tour.

TOUR GUIDE

All our tours are accompanied by Bhutan’s government-certified English-speaking tour guides, who are well-trained, knowledgeable, and experienced. We offer a language guide for non-English-speaking visitors.

DOS & DON’TS

• It is strictly forbidden to smoke in public places.
• keep voices down in public spaces, shrines, fortresses, and more.
• Negotiating repeatedly is not appreciated.
• Not to leave room keys, or self-belonging at vehicles
• Strictly follow guide’s timing for smooth sightseeing and activities.
• Finger pointing idols, alters, monks, or any person is not treated wise, pointing with four finger’s is treated kind.

DRESS CODE while visiting SHRINES/FORTRESS

• Colored shirt
• All sorts of shoes are permitted, but slippers are not.
• Half-and-quarter pants are not permitted
• Traditional attire must be worn to the fullest
• No headwear and sunglasses, unless absolutely necessary
• Photography is prohibited within the alters.

CURRENCY & BANKING

Bhutan’s currency (ngultrum) is equivalent to Indian rupees at 1:1. It’s entitled to bring in cash equivalents of $10,000 in total. Cash in US dollars and Indian rupees is also widely accepted. Moreover, Bhutanese ATMs accept Visa, MasterCard, or MaestroCard. can also avail POS (point of sale) at hotels, restaurants, handicrafts, shopping, and more using international cards. where 3.5% of the transaction value is the service fee rate.

COMMUNICATION

Bhutan’s telecommunications infrastructure is excellent. In hotels and cafes, Wi-Fi is accessible for free. A month’s worth of valid tourist SIM cards are readily available. The country code is +975.

Time, Climate & Clothes

Bhutan is ahead of IST (Indian Standard Time) by 30 minutes. The weather in Bhutan is reportedly pleasant, with slight variations from region to region; at night, it will be a little chilly. May to September can be worn in cotton, but a thin wool sweater or light jacket is also desirable. From the beginning of November until the end of April, we need to be dressed in warm clothing and cozy, warm shoes.

SECURITY AND CUSTOMS

One of the world’s safest and most tranquil travel destinations is Bhutan. The people of Bhutan are incredibly kind, helpful, and spiritual. Upon arrival, all visitors must fill out a customs form and submit it to the appropriate authorities. Personal electronics are allowed with an inspection by the authorities. Maximum personal consumption is permitted for visitors as follows:

• Cigarettes: 1 carton of 800 cigarettes or 150 cigars.
• Other tobacco products: 750 grams.

Import and Export of following goods are strictly prohibited:

• Arms, ammunitions, explosives and military stores
• All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs
• Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
• Antiques

Visitors are cautioned against buying any Bhutanese products without a clearance certificate since it is legally prohibited. Before making such purchases, the guests may ask the tour company or tour guide for guidance and assistance.