Archive · 26 Jul 2026
Nepal Requests India to Accept National ID for Travel
Nepal has asked India to allow its biometric National Identity (NID) card as a travel document for crossing the border.
Currently, Nepali citizens need a passport or citizenship certificate to travel to India.
The NID card has fingerprint scans, facial imagery, and iris patterns, making it secure and technology-friendly.
Over 4.5 million Nepalis have this card, and nearly 20 million more have applied.
Nepal believes this will make travel easier and more convenient.
India is reviewing the request and has shown a positive attitude towards it.
Both countries are also discussing ways to better organize travel between them.
Nepal has requested India to recognize its biometric National Identity (NID) card for cross-border travel.
Currently, Nepali citizens need a passport or citizenship certificate to travel to India.
The NID card includes fingerprint scans, facial imagery, and iris patterns.
Over 4.5 million NID cards have been issued, with nearly 20 million applications submitted.
India is reviewing the request and has shown a positive attitude towards it.
- Who
- Nepal and India
- What
- Nepal's request to India to accept the biometric NID card for cross-border travel.
- When
- The proposal has been forwarded to India through diplomatic channels.
- Where
- Nepal and India
- Why
- To streamline travel and offer convenience to travellers lacking immediate access to a passport or citizenship certificate.
Nepal's Perspective
India's Perspective
Convenience vs. Security
Nepal's Perspective
Nepal believes the biometric NID card will streamline travel and is secure and technology-friendly.
India's Perspective
India may have concerns about the security and verification processes of the NID card.
- Nepal's Request
- Approval to use biometric National Identity (NID) card for cross-border travel.
- Current Travel Documents
- Passports and citizenship certificates.
- NID Card Features
- Fingerprint scans, facial imagery, and iris patterns.
- NID Card Distribution
- Over 4.5 million issued, nearly 20 million applications submitted.
- Bilateral Discussions
- Establishing mechanisms to log cross-border travel data.
Sources
Nepal Seeks India's Nod To Allow National ID Card For Cross-Border Travel
Nepal Urges India To Recognise National ID Card As Valid Travel Document
Nepal seeks India's nod to accept national ID as valid document for cross-border travel - Telegraph India
