India Tightens Travel ID Rules for Nepal and Bhutan Citizens

Cross-border travel in South Asia is set to become more regulated as India introduces stricter identity verification requirements.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has amended immigration rules covering citizens of India, Nepal and Bhutan travelling between the three countries.

Under the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026, Indian citizens travelling to or returning from Nepal and Bhutan must present an approved identity document.

The requirement applies to both land and air travel. Additionally, travellers must provide any information requested by immigration officers.

Similarly, Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens entering or leaving India must carry one of the identity documents listed in the Visa Manual. They must also cooperate with immigration officials during verification.

However, these relaxed travel arrangements have clear limitations. Indian citizens travelling to or returning from countries other than Nepal and Bhutan cannot use the exemption.

Instead, they must carry valid passports and use designated immigration checkpoints. The same requirement applies to Nepalese and Bhutanese nationals travelling to or from other countries.

Furthermore, additional restrictions apply to Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens who have travelled through or transited via China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan. Such travellers must possess both a valid passport and an appropriate visa.

The amendment also retains exemptions for specific groups. These include Indian military, naval and air force personnel travelling on official duty.

Their family members travelling with them on government transport also qualify. Certain registered Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, Tibetan nationals and foreign military vessel crew members receive specified exemptions.

Meanwhile, the order covers minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who faced religious persecution or feared persecution can qualify.

They must have entered India on or before December 31, 2024. The provision covers individuals who entered without valid documents or whose documents later expired.

However, eligible individuals must obtain the appropriate visa category for their continued stay in India.

Issued under Section 33 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, the amendment strengthens identity checks while preserving specific humanitarian and official exemptions.

Consequently, travellers should verify their document requirements before beginning their journey.

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