Bhutan: Tourists from India to now pay ₹1,000 as sustainable development tax

Bhutan has made it mandatory for tourists visiting from India, Bangladesh and Maldives to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of ₹1,000. At present, tourists from the three countries do not have to pay visa or any entry fee to cross into Bhutan while those from other countries pay $250 as a minimum charge per day which includes a $65 sustainable development fee. According to the news reports, the fee has been levied considering instances of some tourists disobeying the local law and order and also showing disrespect towards local customs and traditions. Meanwhile, the Bhutanese kingdom wants to control the flow of travellers from India and more such South Asian countries.