Travelling to Nepal and Bhutan? India Clarifies Passport and Identity Proof Rules for Indians

Nepal and Bhutan Travel Alert: MHA Changes ID Proof Rules for Indians, Check New Guidelines

Indian citizens travelling to Nepal and Bhutan will need to ensure they carry the prescribed identity documents under revised immigration regulations issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The government has amended the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2026, introducing specific requirements for Indians travelling between the three neighbouring countries by air or land.

The amended order was notified on November 5, 2026. Under the new provisions, Indian nationals entering India from Nepal or Bhutan, or travelling from India to either destination, must present an identity document recognised under the government’s Visa Manual before an immigration officer.

Immigration officials can also seek additional information from passengers as part of the verification process.

New Immigration Rules for Indians Visiting Nepal and Bhutan

The latest amendment retains the existing exemption that allows eligible Indian citizens to travel directly between India and Nepal or Bhutan without the usual passport requirement.

However, travellers must carry an approved identity document to establish their nationality and identity. The rule applies to both air passengers and those crossing international land borders.

It is important to understand that the amendment does not mean all government-issued identity cards are automatically valid for international travel. Only documents recognised under the prescribed Visa Manual will meet the requirement.

Travellers are advised to check the latest list of acceptable documents with immigration authorities or their airlines before departure.

Travelling to a Third Country via Nepal or Bhutan? Passport Is Mandatory

The exemption does not cover Indian citizens using Nepal or Bhutan as transit points to reach another country.

Anyone travelling to or returning from a third country through these routes must possess a valid passport. They are also required to use designated immigration checkpoints while entering or leaving India.

Therefore, the relaxed documentation arrangement is applicable only to eligible direct journeys between India, Nepal and Bhutan.

Rules for Nepalese and Bhutanese Citizens Entering India

The amended regulations also cover citizens of Nepal and Bhutan travelling to India by air or land.

They must produce an identity document specified in the Visa Manual and provide additional information if requested by immigration officers.

However, Nepalese and Bhutanese nationals travelling to or returning from countries other than Nepal or Bhutan must carry valid passports.

The rules impose additional conditions on travellers who have embarked from or transited through China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan. Such passengers must possess both a valid passport and a valid Indian visa to enter or exit India.

• Important Travel Checklist for Passengers
• Before travelling to Nepal or Bhutan, Indian citizens should take the following precautions:
• Check the updated list of identity documents accepted under the Visa Manual.
• Carry the original prescribed identification document.
• Confirm the requirements with the airline before travelling.
• Follow the applicable immigration procedures at land borders and airports.
• Carry a valid passport when travelling to a third country through Nepal or Bhutan.

What Does the New Rule Mean for Indian Travellers?

The latest amendment does not end the special travel arrangements between India, Nepal and Bhutan. Eligible Indian citizens can continue to benefit from the existing passport exemption for direct journeys between these countries.

However, the updated provisions make identity verification an essential part of the travel process. Passengers should not assume that visa-free or passport-exempt travel means identification documents are unnecessary.

Checking the accepted documents in advance will help travellers avoid boarding complications and delays at immigration counters.