Travelling to Nepal or Bhutan? Check New Home Ministry Rules for ID Proof and Passport

Planning a trip to Nepal or Bhutan? Indian travellers should take note of the latest changes to cross-border travel requirements announced by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The government has revised the rules governing identity documents and passport exemptions for Indian, Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens travelling between the three neighbouring countries.

The changes were notified through the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026, issued on November 4 and published in the Official Gazette on November 5, 2026.

Under the revised provisions, Indian citizens travelling to Nepal or Bhutan by land or air must produce an approved identity document before an immigration officer. The same requirement applies to Nepalese and Bhutanese nationals entering or leaving India.

The amendment clarifies that although passport exemptions continue for eligible journeys between these neighbouring countries, travellers cannot use these routes to enter or exit India when travelling to or returning from a third country without a valid passport.

What Are the New Travel Rules for Indian Citizens?

Indian citizens travelling directly from India to Nepal or Bhutan, or returning to India from either country, can continue to benefit from the passport exemption.

However, they must produce at least one identity document specified in the government’s Visa Manual to establish their identity before an immigration officer.

Travellers may also be required to provide additional information requested by immigration authorities.

The important point is that the passport exemption is limited to journeys involving Nepal and Bhutan. It does not automatically cover travel involving other countries through these borders.

When Will a Passport Be Mandatory?

The revised rules clearly specify situations in which Indian citizens must carry a valid passport.

If an Indian national uses the India-Nepal or India-Bhutan border to travel to or return from a country other than Nepal or Bhutan, the passport exemption will not apply.

In such cases:

• A valid passport is mandatory.
• Entry into or exit from India must take place through designated immigration posts.
• Travellers cannot rely solely on the identity-document exemption available for direct Nepal or Bhutan journeys.

This distinction is particularly important for people planning multi-country holidays or international travel through neighbouring countries.

Nepal and Bhutan Travel: What Documents Should You Carry?

Although the new amendment makes identity verification mandatory, the exact list of acceptable documents is determined by the government’s Visa Manual. Travellers should check the latest official requirements before departure.

There are also some important differences between the travel requirements for Nepal and Bhutan.

Travelling to Nepal

According to the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, Indian citizens travelling to Nepal by air must carry either:

• A valid Indian passport.
• An original Indian Voter ID card with a photograph, issued by the Election Commission of India.

Downloaded or digitally printed copies of Voter ID cards are not accepted. Aadhaar cards, PAN cards and driving licences are also not accepted as valid travel documents for air travel to Nepal.

Travelling to Bhutan

Indian citizens do not require a visa to visit Bhutan, but an entry permit is necessary.

According to the Indian Consulate General in Phuentsholing, travellers should carry:

• An original Indian passport with at least six months’ validity, or an original Voter ID card.
• Two recent passport-size photographs.
• For children below 18 years without passports, an original birth certificate in English, with travel accompanied by a legal guardian.

Travellers planning to explore areas beyond Thimphu and Paro may also need a route permit.

New Rules for Nepalese and Bhutanese Citizens

The amendment also introduces identity-document requirements for Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens entering or leaving India by land or air.

They must present an identity document specified in the Indian government’s Visa Manual and provide any additional information requested by immigration officers.

However, the exemption does not cover every international journey.

• Those travelling to or from destinations other than Nepal and Bhutan must possess a valid passport.
• Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens who have embarked at or transited through China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan must carry both a valid passport and a valid visa.

What Should Travellers Keep in Mind?

The latest amendment does not completely remove the passport exemption for Indian citizens travelling to Nepal and Bhutan. Instead, it makes identity verification an express requirement and clarifies the circumstances in which a passport becomes compulsory.

Before booking tickets, travellers should verify their documents, particularly if their itinerary involves connecting flights, transit through another country or onward international travel.

The amendment came into force on November 5, 2026, following its publication in the Official Gazette. Travellers should consult the relevant Indian embassy or consulate for destination-specific requirements before beginning their journey.