The Government of India has revised travel-document requirements for Indian, Nepali and Bhutanese citizens travelling directly between the three neighbouring countries, introducing an exemption from the standard passport requirement under specified conditions.
The changes were notified through the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026, published in the Official Gazette by the Union Home Ministry on November 5, 2026.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: India revises passport and identity-document requirements for eligible travel between India, Nepal and Bhutan.
Location: India.
Authority/Organisation: Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Action Taken: Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026, notified through the Official Gazette.
- Impact: Eligible travellers receive an alternative document option, while specified transit and immigration restrictions remain in force.
Under the revised provisions, Indian citizens travelling to Nepal or Bhutan by land or air can use an identity document specified in the Central Government's Visa Manual instead of a passport. Similar provisions apply to citizens of Nepal and Bhutan entering or leaving India.
The exemption is subject to verification by immigration authorities. Travellers must produce an eligible identity document and provide any information requested by the immigration officer.
The amendment is relevant for cross-border travel because India, Nepal and Bhutan share close geographical, cultural and economic connections. People frequently travel between these countries for tourism, family visits, business, education and other purposes.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The amendment is important for cross-border mobility between India, Nepal and Bhutan, where people regularly travel for tourism, trade, employment, education and family-related purposes. Allowing eligible travellers to use approved identity documents instead of passports may make certain journeys more convenient. It can also help reduce confusion about the documents required at immigration checkpoints. However, the exceptions are equally important. Travellers who have transited through specified third countries may face different requirements, and airlines or immigration authorities may request additional documentation. Understanding these distinctions can help passengers avoid denied boarding, delays or complications at border checkpoints.
However, the revised provision is not an unconditional passport waiver for every traveller. Specific restrictions apply to Nepali and Bhutanese citizens who have embarked at or transited through China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan. Such travellers must carry a valid passport and visa when entering or leaving India.
The exemption also does not cover Indian citizens travelling to or returning from countries other than Nepal and Bhutan through the India-Nepal or India-Bhutan borders. Such travellers must carry valid passports and use designated immigration posts.
The amended order also covers several categories of foreign nationals residing in India. These include specified Pakistani nationals, certain members of minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who entered India within the prescribed deadline, registered Sri Lankan Tamil nationals and certain Tibetans.
Some of these categories receive exemptions from general passport or travel-document requirements, but they remain subject to the specific conditions and immigration procedures mentioned in the notification. Certain eligible individuals must obtain an appropriate visa to continue their stay in India.
The order also retains exemptions for Indian Army, Navy and Air Force personnel travelling on official duty, along with eligible family members accompanying them on government transport. Foreign crew members of military vessels visiting India for repairs are also covered under specified conditions.
For ordinary travellers, the most important step is to verify the acceptable identity documents before beginning a journey. The order refers to documents specified in the Government's Visa Manual; travellers should not assume that every commonly used identity card will automatically qualify.
The revised framework is intended to clarify cross-border immigration procedures while maintaining checks for travellers whose journeys involve third countries. Airlines, travel operators and passengers will need to follow the applicable document requirements and immigration instructions.
