(Thimphu, November 23, 2023): The Department of Tourism of Bhutan is pleased to announce that Bhutan’s two airlines, Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines, have officially confirmed a decrease in flight prices for citizens of SAARC member nations intending to visit Bhutan.

This promotion is to strengthen ties with neighbouring SAARC nations, and boost tourism and overall economic growth within Bhutan. The introduction of the SAARC fares came into effect on November 20, 2023, and the reduced fare is, on average, approximately 43 percent cheaper than other fares.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established in 1985, and comprises eight Member States: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines both currently fly to Bhutan from Singapore, Thailand, India, Bangladesh and Nepal. From January 2024, Bhutan Airlines will also operate a flight from Sharjah, UAE.

Guests who wish to take advantage of the reduced airline prices will need to have a valid passport from one of the SAARC member countries. Applicable Sustainable Development Fees (SDF) will also apply, which are USD 100 per night for all guests, and Rs. 1,200 per night for Indian nationals.

For more information about Druk Air, visit https://www.drukair.com.bt/

For more information about Bhutan Airlines visit https://www.bhutanairlines.bt/

For more information about Bhutan’s Department of Tourism, visit: www.bhutan.travel

About the Department of Tourism

The Department of Tourism of Bhutan is responsible for the development and promotion of sustainable tourism in Bhutan. It works to share the Kingdom’s remarkable places, people and experiences with conscious travellers, guided by the principles of high-value, low-volume tourism.

Bhutan Believe

Bhutan’s new national brand: “Bhutan Believe”, underscores our nation’s belief in a better future, led by wisdom from our past. The national tagline for Bhutan – Believe – is about believing in the future of Bhutan, as well as the potential, possibilities and opportunities that Bhutan offers in a rapidly evolving world. It’s also about believing in the values, the capabilities, the contributions and the potential of our citizens.

Our visitor manifesto sums up this optimism with the message:

“We see a bright future. And we believe in our ability and responsibility to realise it together, and shine as a

beacon of possibility in the world.”

The hope is we become what we believe in. We are asked to believe in ourselves, in our worth, and in Bhutan’s future, with hope and conviction.

Bhutan Visas and SDF

Applying for a visa (or permit) to Bhutan is simple. All visitors must have a visa and permit before traveling to Bhutan (except for tourists from India who can obtain a permit on arrival and those from Maldives and Bangladesh who can also obtain a visa on arrival). Visitors apply online for a visa or permit or via a Bhutanese Tour Operator.

It takes around five days to process a visa.

All guests must pay Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night (Concessionary rates apply for children) and a non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of USD 40. Indian guests pay SDF of Nu/INR. 1,200 per person per night.

The SDF funds important cultural, environmental, health and educational projects across Bhutan. More information is available at: www.bhutan.travel

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