Countries Where Tourists Are No Longer Welcome

24. Bhutan–India Border Zones: Selective Welcome Within Borders

While Bhutan famously regulates all international tourism, it has recently started imposing restrictions even on Indian tourists—previously exempt from the Sustainable Development Fee. Overcrowding in border towns like Phuentsholing and trash left in sacred sites led Bhutan to require prior permits and suggest extending the SDF to Indian nationals as well. It’s a telling sign: even regional tourism can become unsustainable, and Bhutan is willing to enforce its values—even at the cost of friendly footfall.