MHA tightens rules for travel between India, Nepal and Bhutan; ID proof must at border and airports

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has changed the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025. Under the change, Indian, Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens travelling between India, Nepal and Bhutan will now have to show a specified identity document to immigration officers.

The Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026 was issued under Section 33 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

Rules for Indian citizens

Indians entering India from Nepal or Bhutan, or leaving for either country, by land or air, must produce one of the documents listed in the Visa Manual to prove their identity. Also, they must also give any information the immigration officers ask for.

However, this relief is limited to travel to and from Nepal and Bhutan.

An Indian who uses the India-Nepal or India-Bhutan border to go to or return from any other country needs a valid passport and must enter or leave India only through designated immigration posts.

Rules for Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens

Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens entering or leaving India by land or air must also produce one of the identity documents listed in the Visa Manual and answer the questions of immigration officers.

As with Indians, the exemption does not cover those travelling to or from a third country. They will need a valid passport.

Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens who have boarded or passed through China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan must carry both a valid passport and a valid visa.

Other categories exempted

The amendment also lists groups who are exempt from passport, travel document and visa requirements. They include:

• Indian naval, military and air force personnel entering or leaving the country on duty, along with family members travelling with them on government transport
• Registered Sri Lankan Tamils who took shelter in India up to January 9, 2015
• Foreign crew of military vessels that come to India for repairs after receiving Military Ship Repair Permits
• Certain Tibetan nationals who entered India through designated procedures and registered with the authorities

Minority communities from three neighbouring countries

Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan will be covered by the exemption if they came to India on or before December 31, 2024, having been forced to seek shelter because of religious persecution or the fear of it.

This applies whether they entered without valid travel documents or with documents that have since expired. They will, however, have to obtain the appropriate category of visa after arriving if they wish to stay on.