Bhutan to charge tourists from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives

Thursday, December 5, 2019

The Royal Kingdom of Bhutan has recently announced that it would be levying charges on tourists from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. Previously, entry was free for all of them.

Tourism levies are not new for Buddhist Bhutan, which charges other countries a minimum of $250 per person per day to enter the country. The new fee for these three countries includes a $65 daily Sustainable Development Fee along with a $40 visa fee.

These might seem expensive for tourists who are unused to them, but Bhutan sees them as necessary for maintaining its sustainability efforts. With its growing economy, the Kingdom remains concerned about reducing carbon emissions for residents and visitors from all countries.

While Bhutan is expecting tourism from India to remain high, newly imposed fees are a risky move, considering that around 65% of tourists in Bhutan are from India alone. Indian tourists might decide to vacation elsewhere, Bhutan is hopeful that the new fees will recompense for potentially lost tourism.

Bhutan is aiming for a sustainable tourist business as well as a sustainable, eco-friendly environment at all costs.

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