The Indian government has amended its immigration rules, changing the documents required for certain international journeys. The new policy creates a crucial distinction between travelling directly to neighbouring countries and using them as a transit
point.
What Exactly Is Changing?
The Ministry of Home Affairs has updated the regulations for Indian citizens travelling to Nepal and Bhutan. Under the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026, which took effect in early November, eligible travellers on direct routes to these two countries may use alternative identification instead of a passport. The primary goal is to formalise and streamline the documentation process for the large volume of travellers who cross these borders for tourism, work, and family visits, while clarifying the rules for more complex journeys. The core of this change lies in distinguishing direct neighbourly travel from journeys where these countries are merely a layover spot.
The Key Distinction: Direct vs. Transit Travel
Understanding the difference between these two travel categories is now essential. 'Direct travel' refers to a journey where your final destination is either Nepal or Bhutan. For these trips, by land or air, the passport exemption can apply. In contrast, 'third-country transit' applies when you travel through Nepal or Bhutan en route to another nation. For example, if an Indian citizen flies from Delhi to Bangkok via Kathmandu, that journey is considered third-country travel. In this scenario, the passport exemption for direct travel to Nepal does not apply, and a valid Indian passport is mandatory for the entire trip. The rules are based on your ultimate destination, not the layover point.
Required Documents for Nepal and Bhutan
For Indian citizens travelling directly to Nepal or Bhutan, the government has affirmed that a passport is not the only acceptable form of identification. Travellers can instead present one of several other official documents to establish their identity. These alternatives are specified in the government's official 'Visa Manual'. While the exact list is detailed in the manual, it provides flexibility for citizens who may not have a passport but possess other valid government-issued IDs. However, it's important to remember that immigration officers at the border may still request additional information to verify a traveller's identity and purpose of visit.
Passports Are Mandatory for Third-Country Transit
The new regulations explicitly state that the passport exemption does not apply to Indian citizens who are travelling to or from a country other than Nepal or Bhutan. If you use the India-Nepal or India-Bhutan border as part of a longer international journey, you must carry a valid passport and use designated immigration checkpoints. This ensures that India's border protocols align with international travel standards, which require passports for entry and exit when travelling to most nations globally. This rule is strictly enforced to maintain the integrity of immigration controls for travellers proceeding to destinations beyond the immediate neighbourhood.
Why This Matters for Travellers
These updated rules provide welcome clarity for a common travel scenario. By formally distinguishing between direct and transit travel, the government helps prevent confusion at the border. For frequent travellers to Nepal and Bhutan, the continued acceptance of alternative IDs makes journeys more convenient. For those venturing further afield, the directive serves as a critical reminder: a passport is indispensable. The amendment also includes specific clauses for citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, particularly noting that they must carry a passport and visa if their travel to India involves transit through China, Macau, Hong Kong, or Pakistan, reinforcing a security-conscious approach to regional travel.
