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.

How Can You Travel to Nepal and Bhutan without a Passport from India?

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.

Documents Required for Entry Permit in Nepal for Indian Citizens

• A 6-month valid passport or an original voter ID card
• An Emergency Certificate issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu 

It’s crucial to note the documentation required for the following cases:

• For Indians aged above 65 years or below 15 years, any photo-identity proofs like a PAN card, driver’s license, ration card, etc., can be presented. 
  
• For Indians between the ages of 15 and 18, an identity certificate issued by their academic institution can be produced.

Nepal Entry Permit when Travelling by Air

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.

Nepal Entry Permit when Travelling by Road

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.

Nepal Entry Permit when travelling on your Own Vehicle (Car and Bike)

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:

• Vehicle registration certificate 
• Vehicle insurance paper in original with stamp 
• Driving license 
  
• Pollution under control certificate 
• Any government ID card like a passport, voter ID, or Aadhar card

Nepal Special Permit Areas

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.

No Permit Areas in Nepal

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.

Documents Required for Entry Permit in Bhutan for Indian Citizens

• A copy of your passport or a voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India if you do not have a passport.
• For children below the age of 18, a Birth Certificate and valid school identity card must be presented.
• 2 passport-sized coloured photographs.
• Accommodation and lodging details, including the address of the hotel.

Bhutan Entry Permit when travelling by Air

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.

Bhutan Entry Permit when travelling by Road

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.

Bhutan Entry Permit when travelling on your own Vehicle (Car and Bike)

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: 

• Driving license
  
• An original vehicle registration certificate
  
• Vehicle emission and roadworthiness certificate
  
• Vehicle insurance
  
• The owner of the vehicle must be the same person. An authority letter from the owner to the driver is required in case the driver and owner are different 

Bhutan Special Permit Areas

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: 

• A photocopy of the Route Permit, which is included in your Entry Permit.
  
• Duly filled application form. 

No Permit Area

Most of Bhutan, including popular tourist destinations like Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and the Paro Valley, do not require any special permits for entry.

Sustainable Development Fee for Indian Tourists

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.

• Places to Visit in Nepal 
  The world’s highest mountain peak, Mount Everest, can be viewed closely from the Kala Patthar viewpoint in Nepal. Like this, there are other places to visit in Nepal that you must add to your itinerary.
  Also, prioritize the safety of your trip by taking travel insurance for Nepal. 
• Best Time to Visit  
  The spring months (March-May) offer pleasant weather and clear skies, making it the best time to visit Nepal and embarking on trekking and sightseeing. 
• Airports and Entry Points in Nepal 
  Nepal boasts several domestic and international airports, each offering access to different regions. Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu is the main gateway, while Pokhara Airport (PKR) serves the popular lakeside town. 
• Currency in Nepal 
  The official currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee. 1 Nepalese rupee equals 0.62 Indian rupees (currency rates are subject to the market exchange rate).
• The Indian Embassy in Nepal
  The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu offers various services like visa assistance, passport renewal, and emergency support. Knowing the location and contact information of the Indian embassy in Nepal can provide peace of mind during your travels.

• Places to Visit in Bhutan
  Bhutan, famously known as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon, offers Himalayan peaks, vibrant monasteries, wildlife sanctuaries, UNESCO sites, and various natural attractions.
  Check out our list of amazing tourists places to visit in Bhutan, along with the location, timings, and entry fees for each place.  
• Best Time to Visit
  The seasons of spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are considered the best times to visit Bhutan.
• Airports in Bhutan
  Reaching Bhutan's wonders starts with choosing your entry point. Bhutan has a total of 4 domestic and international airports. Paro Airport (PBH) is the main international hub.
• Currency in Bhutan
  Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (Nu). 1 Bhutanese Ngultrums is equal to 1.00 Indian Rupees (Currency rate is subject to market exchange rate changes).  
• Indian Embassy in Bhutan
  The Indian Embassy in Thimphu facilitates the Indian citizens with passport renewal, encourages registration for safety and assistance, offers community support, and organises cultural events.

• Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended for financial protection in medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or baggage loss. Choose a policy covering planned activities. 
• Register with the Indian Embassies: Upon arrival in Kathmandu (Nepal) or Thimphu (Bhutan), register with the Indian Embassy for emergency contact and assistance.
• Keep Photocopies of Documents: Make photocopies of passport, visa, and travel insurance. Keep separate from originals and easily accessible.
• Stay Connected: Consider obtaining a local SIM card for better connectivity and communication during your trip.