Eligible corporate and professional groups may apply for a waiver of Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee for up to five nights. For larger groups, this can significantly reduce the overall cost of organising a meeting, conference or incentive programme in Bhutan.
The waiver is subject to specific eligibility requirements and approval by the relevant Bhutanese authorities. MICE Bhutan can assess your proposed event, prepare the required documents and manage the application on your behalf.
The Sustainable Development Fee, commonly known as the SDF, is a daily contribution paid by international visitors to Bhutan.
Revenue from the SDF supports Bhutan’s long term development priorities, including environmental conservation, cultural preservation, infrastructure, education and healthcare. It also supports Bhutan’s approach to responsible, high value tourism.
The current standard SDF for most international visitors is US$100 per adult per night. Concessionary rates apply to eligible children, while Indian nationals pay a separate SDF rate.
The MICE SDF waiver is an initiative introduced by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism to encourage qualifying Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions to be held in the country.
Approved participants may receive an SDF waiver for a maximum of five nights per event. These five nights include arrival and departure travel days.
The waiver applies only to the approved participants and approved event period. It is not automatically granted to every corporate group visiting Bhutan.
For 50 international participants staying in Bhutan for five nights:
| Calculation | Amount |
| Standard SDF per participant per night | US$100 |
| Standard SDF without waiver (for 50 pax) | US$25,000 |
| Potential qualifying SDF waiver | Up to US$25,000 |
This example assumes that all 50 participants qualify for the full five night waiver. Final eligibility and approval remain subject to the Department of Tourism and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment.
The actual saving will depend on participant nationality, number of approved participants, event duration and number of nights approved.
A qualifying event must meet the following key requirements:
MICE Bhutan is a locally based event and destination management company that can organise the programme and facilitate the application process.
The business component does not have to take place over two consecutive days.
For example, your programme could include four mornings of meetings followed by cultural, wellness or outdoor activities in the afternoons. The combined meeting or workshop time must amount to at least two complete days.
This allows your organisation to balance productive sessions with meaningful destination experiences.
A qualifying programme could include:
An incentive group may qualify if the programme includes a genuine business, meeting or professional component that meets the minimum requirement.
A leisure reward trip without a meaningful business component will not qualify. Adding a short or informal meeting to an otherwise leisure focused itinerary does not automatically make the programme eligible.
MICE Bhutan can help structure an incentive programme that supports your organisation’s objectives while meeting the prevailing application requirements.
The MICE SDF waiver is not intended for personal gatherings or general leisure travel.
The following activities do not qualify on their own:
Some of these experiences may still be included around an approved corporate event. They cannot be the primary reason used to support the waiver application.
The waiver applies only to approved event participants.
Accompanying spouses, partners, children, friends and other non participating guests are not eligible. These travellers must pay the applicable SDF for their stay.
Proof that each participant is connected to the organisation or has been officially invited to the event will be required.
The initial application must include the event’s objectives and proposed itinerary.
After conditional approval, further participant information will be required, including:
Passports must remain valid for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
Additional documents or approvals may be requested depending on the nature of the event.
Provide MICE Bhutan with your proposed dates, group size, event purpose, participant profile and preferred programme.
Our team will review the proposed programme against the current MICE SDF waiver requirements. We may recommend adjustments to the meeting schedule or itinerary before submission.
The application must be submitted by a Department of Tourism certified Bhutanese tour operator or hotel at least one month before the event. MICE Bhutan will handle this on your behalf.
The event objectives and proposed itinerary are submitted for review.
If the initial application meets the requirements, conditional approval may be issued.
Participant passports and proof of professional connection must then be submitted for verification.
The Department of Tourism reviews the participant information and seeks approval from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment.
The organiser can then proceed with the required immigration process, SDF waiver arrangements and visa or permit applications.
The event must follow the approved purpose and itinerary. The Department of Tourism or another authorised government body may monitor the programme through scheduled or unannounced visits.
MICE Bhutan must submit a report within one month of the participants’ departure from Bhutan.
The report should include:
Yes. Participants may extend their stay before or after the event and explore Bhutan as regular visitors.
The normal SDF will apply to any nights outside the approved waiver period. The five night maximum cannot be extended.
For example, a participant approved for five waived nights may stay for another three nights by paying the applicable SDF for those additional nights.
MICE Bhutan can arrange personalised extensions for delegates who wish to visit Punakha, Bumthang, Gangtey or other parts of Bhutan after the corporate programme.
Qualifying MICE events can be organised throughout the year. There are currently no stated seasonal blackout dates under the MICE SDF waiver procedure.
Flights, hotels and venues can become limited during popular festivals and the main spring and autumn travel seasons. Early planning is strongly recommended, especially for larger groups.
No. Every application is reviewed according to its stated purpose, programme, participants and supporting documents.
Eligibility cannot be confirmed until official approval has been received. Organisations should avoid presenting the waiver as confirmed or deducting it from the final event budget before approval.
MICE Bhutan will assess your programme carefully, prepare the required documentation and guide you through each stage, but the final decision rests with the relevant Bhutanese authorities.
Planning a corporate meeting, conference, exhibition or incentive programme in Bhutan?
Share your event details with MICE Bhutan and our team will conduct an initial eligibility assessment. We can manage the SDF waiver application alongside your flights, visas, accommodation, venues, transport, activities and event logistics.
To get started, please provide:
Check Your Group’s SDF Waiver Eligibility
The MICE SDF waiver remains subject to prevailing rules and official approval. Requirements may be revised by the Royal Government of Bhutan. You can also refer to the Department of Tourism’s official announcements for current policy information.
