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As of February 2024, Nepal and Bhutan are two countries where Indian citizens can visit without a passport. These are India’s two neighbouring countries that allow Indian nationals to enter with an original Indian voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India.
Read through the article to know everything about the permits, required documents, the best time to visit, safety essentials and many more about these two countries.
Wanderlust-stricken Indians have exciting options like Nepal and Bhutan when it comes to without passport visiting countries. Ditch the lengthy application process and embark on adventures to these destinations with just an Indian ID and some basic entry permits.
Indian citizens do not require a visa or entry permit to enter Nepal. You can freely travel to Nepal by air or road simply by showing valid proof of your Indian citizenship.
It’s crucial to note the documentation required for the following cases:
Indian citizens don't need a separate entry permit for air. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu or any other Nepali airport, you will go through immigration, where you will present your valid ID.
No separate entry permit is required to enter Nepal by road as well. Upon arrival at border checkpoints, present your valid passport or Election ID card for immigration purposes.
Indian registered vehicles like two-wheelers and cars get permits to enter Nepal temporarily by paying customs duty, which is known as the ‘Bhansar’ permit in the Nepali language. You can stay for up to 30 days with the permit and must return to India on the same day if entering on a 'Day Pass'.
The price for the Bhansar permit is INR 93 or NPR 150 per day for motorcycles and INR 312 or NPR 500 per day for cars. You can get the application form from the customs counter at the border checkpost (1).
The required documents are:
Certain restricted areas in Nepal require special permits for entry, even for Indian citizens. These areas may be select trekking routes, national parks, conservation areas, or sensitive border regions.
It's crucial to secure a permit from the Department of Immigration, which falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Most tourist destinations in Nepal, including major cities and popular trekking routes, do not require special permits for Indian citizens. However, it's always recommended to check with your tour operator or travel agency for any updates or specific requirements for your chosen itinerary.
Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Bhutan for tourism purposes. However, they need to obtain an Entry Permit issued by the Department of Immigration in Bhutan.
You can apply for an entry permit electronically through the Bhutan Immigration System (BIS) at least 48 hours before your flight. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, present the printed confirmation email from the BIS and the documents mentioned above to receive the actual entry permit.
Indian citizens entering Bhutan by road must carry the above necessary documents to obtain an ‘Entry Permit’ at the Immigration Office in Phuntsholing. This permit is valid for 7 days, and you need to show it at every checkpoint for verification.
If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Thimphu before the expiry of the initial permit.
If you're planning a road trip to Bhutan with your own car, get an ‘Extension Permit’ with your ‘Entry Permit’ from the Road Safety and Transportation Authority (RSTA). Indian cars can enter the designated zone, which is till Rinchending Check Post, without any charges.
However, if you go past Rinchending Check Post, you will have to pay Nu 4,500 daily for Green Tax. Also, register on the Check Post Management System (CPMS) to cross RBP checkpoints. Below are the required documents:
With the ‘Entry Permit’, you can only visit Thimpu and Paro. To visit other places in the country, Indian citizens are given a special Bhutan permit. You can apply for your “Special Area Permit” at the RGoB Immigration Office in Thimpu. The documents required to apply for the ‘Special Area Permit’ are as follows:
Most of Bhutan, including popular tourist destinations like Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and the Paro Valley, do not require any special permits for entry.
Bhutan charges a Sustainable Development fee from its tourists, with an objective to reduce the carbon footprint generated by the large number of travellers. Indian tourists must pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of INR 1,200/- per person per night.
Children under 5 are exempt, and those aged 6-12 get a 50% discount on SDF. People visiting places like Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar for 24 hours don't need to pay SDF.
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Disclaimer -
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions mentioned in your policy schedule and policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.
The information mentioned here about the countries, visa fees and others is taken from different sources. Digit Insurance is not promoting or recommending anything here. Please verify the same before you book your tickets, apply for a visa, buy a travel policy or make any other decision.
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