The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has introduced revised immigration rules clarifying the identity documents required for Indian, Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens travelling across their shared borders. The changes were notified on November 5 through the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026.
Under the amended provisions, Indian citizens travelling to Nepal or Bhutan, or returning to India from these countries, must carry at least one approved identity document listed in the Visa Manual. The requirement applies to both air and land journeys. Nepalese and Bhutanese nationals travelling to or from India must follow the same rule.
However, the exemption is restricted to travel between these three countries. Indians using Nepal or Bhutan as transit points to reach another country must carry a valid passport and use a designated immigration post. Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens travelling beyond India, Nepal and Bhutan also require valid passports. Additional passport and visa conditions apply to those arriving from or travelling through China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan.
The amendment retains exemptions for certain military personnel, registered Sri Lankan Tamil refugees and specific Tibetan nationals.
It also covers members of six minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who entered India by December 31, 2024, due to religious persecution or fear of it. However, they must obtain the appropriate visa to continue their stay in India.
