The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has amended India’s immigration rules for citizens travelling to Nepal and Bhutan. Under the revised provisions, Indian nationals travelling to either neighbouring country by road or air, or returning to India, must produce an identity document specified in the government’s Visa Manual before an immigration officer.
The amendment, notified on November 5, 2026, also clarifies when a valid passport becomes compulsory, particularly for travellers using Nepal or Bhutan as transit points to reach other international destinations.
What Are the New Travel Rules for Indians?
The revised provisions are part of the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026, which amends the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025.
Indian citizens travelling between India and Nepal or Bhutan by land or air must now establish their identity using any one of the documents specified in the government’s Visa Manual. Immigration officers can also request additional information from travellers.
The requirement applies to both outbound and inbound journeys. It means travellers cannot assume that the absence of a conventional passport requirement removes the need to carry valid identity proof.
When Is a Passport Mandatory?
The passport exemption applies only to journeys between India, Nepal and Bhutan. It does not cover Indian citizens travelling to or returning from a third country through either neighbouring country.
For example, an Indian traveller using Nepal as a transit point to reach another international destination must carry a valid passport. The same requirement applies to journeys involving Bhutan.
In such cases, travellers must also enter or leave India through designated immigration posts. The exemption cannot be used to bypass standard international travel documentation requirements.
What About Nepalese and Bhutanese Citizens?
The amended rules also apply to Nepalese and Bhutanese nationals entering or leaving India by road or air.
Citizens of both countries must produce an identity document specified in the Visa Manual before an immigration officer and provide any additional information requested.
However, the exemption does not apply to Nepalese or Bhutanese citizens travelling to or from a third country. They must carry a valid passport for such journeys.
There is an additional requirement for Nepalese and Bhutanese nationals who have embarked at or transited through China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan. They must possess both a valid passport and a valid visa.
Other Categories Covered Under the Amendment
The revised order also retains specific exemptions from passport, travel document and visa requirements for certain groups.
These include Indian Navy, Army and Air Force personnel travelling on official duty, along with eligible family members accompanying them on government transport. Registered Sri Lankan Tamil nationals who took shelter in India on or before January 9, 2015, and certain Tibetan nationals who entered through designated procedures are also covered.
The amendment further includes members of six minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan: Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians. The provision applies to eligible individuals who entered India on or before December 31, 2024, because of religious persecution or fear of persecution. They must obtain the appropriate visa category to continue their stay in India.
Summary
India has amended its immigration rules for travel between India, Nepal and Bhutan, making approved identity documents compulsory for citizens crossing these borders by road or air. The passport exemption remains limited to travel between the three countries. Indians travelling to third countries through Nepal or Bhutan must carry a valid passport and use designated immigration posts.
