Archive · 3 Sep 2025
India Eases Travel Rules for Nepal, Bhutan, and More
India has updated its travel rules to make it easier for some people to enter the country.
Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can enter without a passport or visa.
This also applies to Indian citizens returning from Nepal and Bhutan, as well as Indian military personnel on duty.
Religious minorities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, who arrived by December 31, 2024, can also benefit.
Tibetan refugees with registration are eligible, too.
This change simplifies the process for these groups.
The new rules don't grant Indian citizenship and require proper identification from travelers.
Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can enter India without a visa or passport.
Indian citizens returning from Nepal and Bhutan also do not need a visa or passport.
Indian armed forces and their families on government duty are exempt from visa/passport requirements.
The rules are outlined in the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
Religious minorities who entered India before December 31, 2024, are included.
- Who
- Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, Indian nationals, members of Indian Armed Forces, Tibetan refugees, religious minorities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
- What
- Easing of travel rules; exemptions from visa and passport requirements
- When
- Ongoing, with specific deadlines for certain groups
- Where
- India
- Why
- To facilitate travel and provide relief to persecuted minorities
- Affected Groups
- Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, Indian Nationals returning from Nepal or Bhutan, Indian Armed Forces, Tibetan Refugees, Religious Minorities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
- Nepal/Bhutan Citizens Exemption
- Can enter India without visa/passport
- Indian Nationals Returning
- Not required to have visa/passport from Nepal/Bhutan
- Armed Forces Exemption
- Indian Armed Forces members and families on government duty exempt
- Required Documents (Nepal/Bhutan)
- Passport, citizenship certificate, or voter ID
- Children Entry
- Under 10 no documents; 10-18 school ID with parent; adults must carry required documents
- Applicable Act
- Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025
- Religious Minorities
- Includes Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians
- Minority Entry Deadline
- December 31, 2024
- Excluded Group
- Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who arrived before January 9, 2015
Sources
Nepal, Bhutan citizens can now enter India without passport and visa, says MHA in its new directive
Nepal, Bhutan Citizens Not Required To Carry Passport, Visa To Enter India: Home Ministry
Hindus, Sikhs and Other Refugees Can Stay in India Without Passport Under New 2025 Rules
Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists from Pak, Afghanistan & Bangladesh allowed to stay in India without proof
Beyond CAA: India widens protection for migrants fleeing persecution, 2024 new relief cutoff
MHA eases travel rules for Nepal, Bhutan citizens & certain groups entering India
