Thinking of a trip to the serene landscapes of Nepal or the majestic kingdom of Bhutan? There's an important update you need to know. The Indian government has revised the rules for travel documents, impacting how citizens enter these neighbouring countries.
What is the New Immigration Order?
India's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued the 'Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026', which came into effect on November 5, 2026. This new order makes it mandatory for Indian citizens travelling to Nepal or Bhutan, by air or land, to produce specific identity documents at immigration checkpoints. The primary goal is to formalise and streamline the long-standing open-border policy, enhancing security and creating a more consistent process for the free movement of people between these friendly nations. Previously, the list of accepted documents could vary, but this amendment aims to bring uniformity. The new rules mandate that travellers present an identity document specified in the government's official Visa Manual.
Updated Document Rules for Nepal
For Indian citizens, travelling to Nepal has always been straightforward, with no visa required. The new order reinforces the need for proper identification. According to the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, when travelling by air, Indians must present either a valid Indian Passport with at least six months of validity or an original Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India. It is crucial to note that downloaded or printed online versions of a Voter ID are not accepted for air travel. Furthermore, other common documents like Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, or driving licenses are not considered valid for entry into Nepal by air. While a passport is recommended for a smoother process at the airport, having an original Voter ID is an acceptable alternative.
Guidelines for Travel to Bhutan
Similarly, Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Bhutan but are required to obtain an entry permit. To get this permit, the accepted travel documents are a valid Indian Passport (with a minimum of six months validity) or an original Voter ID card. For children under 18 without a passport, a birth certificate in English is required. It's important to remember that Aadhaar cards are not accepted as valid identification for entry into Bhutan. In addition to the entry permit, Indian tourists are required to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). As of late 2026, this fee is INR 1,200 per person, per night. It's advisable to apply for the entry permit online in advance to avoid long queues and processing delays, especially at land border crossings like Phuentsholing.
A Key Rule for Onward International Travel
The new exemption order comes with a critical condition that every traveller must be aware of. The flexibility of using non-passport IDs applies only for direct travel between India and Nepal or Bhutan. If an Indian citizen is using Nepal or Bhutan as a transit point to travel to or from another country (e.g., flying from Nepal to a third country), a valid Indian passport is mandatory. In such cases, travellers cannot rely on other identity documents and must use designated immigration posts for their entry and exit. This rule is strictly enforced to ensure that all international journeys are properly documented.
What This Means for Your Travel Plans
The spirit of easy travel between India and its Himalayan neighbours remains, but with a greater emphasis on standardized documentation. For anyone planning a trip, the key takeaway is to stop relying on a patchwork of old identity cards that may have worked in the past. The safest and most streamlined approach is to carry a valid Indian passport. If you don't have one, ensure you have your original, physical Voter ID card as a backup. Before you book your tickets or head to the border, doublecheck the latest requirements on the official websites of the Indian Embassies in Nepal and Bhutan, as rules can be updated. This small step can save you from potential hassles and ensure your journey is smooth and enjoyable.
