Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. The SDF is collected by the national exchequer for onward use in various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, free education, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The biggest benefit from the SDF is that Bhutan is a high end tourist destination and this levy ensures there is no mass overcrowding and backpackers ultimately providing visiting guests with a tranquil, quiet and intimate experience with nature.

  The SDF will be refunded by the Department of Immigration for any cancelled or shortened trips; any bank charges will be deducted from the total refunded. Requests for SDF refunds should be submitted online using the visa portal. The refund will be processed after visitors leave Bhutan in the case of shortened trips. This will be taken care of the guest books through a travel agent