Bhutan reopened its borders to tourists on 23 September 2022. The country’s reopening comes with a renewed focus on tourism sustainability, with priority placed on (i) upgrading infrastructure and services, (ii) elevation of tourists’ experiences, and (iii) maintaining carbon-neutral tourism.

Bhutan has revised standards for their service providers, implementing a more robust certification process for providers including hotels, guides, tour operators, and drivers.

Bhutan also added measures to step up its efforts to keep the country carbon-negative and a green destination for tourists, raising the Sustainable Development Fee for tourists to $200. The TCB noted that this fee will go toward activities that promote carbon-neutral tourism and build a more sustainable tourism sector. Tourists from India pay around $15 (INR1,200).

Borders between Bhutan and India were also reopened. Prior to their re-operationalization, a meeting was held on 22 September between officials of Bhutan and India, including Customs and police officers, at Jaigaon, India.

Related links

Wave of happiness among people over opening of India-Bhutan border 

Bhutan opens border after 30 months, Indians to pay ₹1,200 a day during stay 

Bhutan’s borders to reopen in September