India requires passports for third-country travel via Nepal or Bhutan
India now obliges Indian citizens to carry a valid passport for any journey that passes through Nepal or Bhutan en route to a third country, effective 5 November 2026. The change also clarifies document rules for Nepalese and Bhutanese nationals travelling through India.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Valid passports required for Indian citizens using Nepal or Bhutan as transit to a third country
- Timing
- Effective from 5 November 2026 after Gazette publication
- Who is affected
- Indian travellers transiting via Nepal or Bhutan, and Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals with similar itineraries
The details
- Announced by
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Takes effect
- 5 November 2026
- Previous rule
- Indian citizens could travel directly to Nepal or Bhutan without a passport, using recognised identity documents under the Visa Manual.
- New rule
- For journeys that involve a third country, Indian citizens must hold a valid passport and use designated immigration posts when entering or leaving India via Nepal or Bhutan.
Amendment overview
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026 on 4 November. The order amends the 2025 exemption framework and clarifies when passport exemptions apply. The key change is that the exemption no longer covers trips that use Nepal or Bhutan merely as a transit point to another destination.
Effective date and legal basis
The amendment takes effect on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, which occurred on 5 November 2026. It is authorized under Section 33 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and references the central government’s Visa Manual for acceptable identity documents.
Implications for travellers
Indian nationals travelling directly to Nepal or Bhutan may still use the passport exemption, provided they present an identity document listed in the Visa Manual, such as an original Election Commission voter card. However, any itinerary that continues beyond Nepal or Bhutan to a third country now requires a valid passport and passage through an officially designated immigration post.
The order also specifies that Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens must hold a valid passport when their travel to or from India involves a third country, while still allowing identity documents for direct bilateral movement.
- Designated immigration posts must be used for entry or exit when the journey includes a third country.
- Airlines and travel agents must verify the full itinerary before departure.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing bookings that use Nepal or Bhutan only as a stopover now need a valid Indian passport.
- Travelers must confirm that their chosen border crossing is a designated immigration post for third‑country itineraries.
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced by the amendment.
- Indian citizens must ensure a valid passport is on hand; identity cards alone are insufficient for transit trips.
What you need to do
- Obtain or renew an Indian passport before traveling through Nepal or Bhutan to a third country.
- Check the official list of designated immigration posts for the intended border crossing.
- Verify the full travel itinerary with airlines or travel agents to avoid document issues.
Who this affects
-
Indian citizens transiting via Nepal or Bhutan
The amendment removes the passport exemption for journeys that continue to a third country after Nepal or Bhutan.
What to do Must carry a valid passport and use a designated immigration post.
-
Indian citizens travelling directly to Nepal or Bhutan
The exemption for direct bilateral travel remains, but only with recognised identity documents.
What to do Present an approved identity document such as an original voter ID card.
-
Nepalese nationals travelling through India to a third country
The order requires a passport for any movement that involves a country other than Nepal or Bhutan.
What to do Must hold a valid passport for such journeys.
-
Bhutanese nationals travelling through India to a third country
Similar to Nepalese citizens, the exemption is limited to direct travel; third‑country trips need a passport.
What to do Must present a valid passport for those itineraries.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indian citizens need a passport to travel from India to Nepal?
No, Indian citizens can still travel directly to Nepal without a passport if they present an identity document recognised in the Visa Manual, such as an original voter ID card.
When does the new passport requirement for transit through Nepal start?
The requirement becomes effective on 5 November 2026, the date the amendment was published in the Official Gazette.
Can I use a digital voter ID card for air travel to Nepal?
No, only the original physical voter identity card is accepted for air travel; printed or digital copies are not valid.
What is a designated immigration post?
It is a border crossing authorised to process entry and exit for international travellers; Indian citizens on third‑country routes must use one of these posts when crossing via Nepal or Bhutan.
Do Nepalese citizens need a passport to enter India from Nepal?
For direct travel between Nepal and India, a recognised identity document is sufficient, but a passport is required if the journey involves a third country.
Will airlines check my full itinerary before boarding?
Airlines and travel agents are required to verify the complete international itinerary before departure to ensure the correct documents are presented.
