New Delhi: In a major step to strengthen regional ties, the Government of India has announced that citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can now enter India without carrying a passport or visa. The rule came into effect on September 1, 2025, and applies to both land and air travel through designated border points.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the move has been introduced under the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025. While India has historically maintained an open-border policy with Nepal and Bhutan, this order formally recognizes and regulates the arrangement.
Authorities have clarified that though passports and visas are not mandatory, travelers must still carry valid identification documents such as a citizenship certificate, voter card, or a school-issued photo ID for minors between 10 and 18 years of age. The exemption is limited to those entering directly from Nepal and Bhutan and does not apply to passengers routed through China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Pakistan.
Officials said the decision is expected to boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between India and its neighbors. At the same time, states bordering Nepal and Bhutan have been instructed to strengthen monitoring measures. For instance, Uttar Pradesh has introduced stricter reporting rules for institutions hosting foreign nationals to prevent misuse of the relaxed policy.
With this announcement, India aims to balance regional goodwill and security needs, making cross-border travel smoother while keeping a close watch on immigration flows.
