Travelling from India to Nepal: all you need to know

Key Points Summary

identification, even without a passport
A passport is recommended, but alternative documents like a Voter ID card or Aadhaar card are accepted
Our Smartphone iD passport photo tool ensures your ID photos meet all requirements

Nepal is a popular destination for Indian travelers. But before starting your trip, it’s essential to know the travel requirements. Do you need a passport to visit Nepal? What documents are accepted? This guide answers all your questions and provides tips for a smooth journey.

1. Key Points Summary:

2. Is a passport required for Nepal?

3. Which documents can be used to travel to Nepal?

4. Tips for traveling to Nepal from India:

Is a passport required for Nepal?

The good news is that Indian citizens do not strictly require a passport to travel to Nepal! While a passport is always the preferred and recommended travel document, there are alternative forms of identification accepted at the India-Nepal border for Indian nationals.

Which documents can be used to travel to Nepal?

The following documents are valid for travel to Nepal by Indian citizens:

Passport
Voter ID card with photograph
Aadhaar card
Registration certificate issued by the Indian Embassy to Indian citizens residing in Nepal
Ad hoc/temporary identity certificate issued by the Indian Embassy

So if you don’t have a passport, you can still visit Nepal with your Voter ID card or Aadhaar card. However, it’s advisable to carry at least two forms of valid identification.

Tips for traveling to Nepal from India:

To make your trip to Nepal as smooth as possible, keep these tips in mind:

Visa: Indian citizens generally do not require a visa for entry into Nepal. A stay of up to 90 days is granted on arrival.
Valid identification: Carry at least two forms of valid government-issued photo identification, such as a passport, Voter ID card, or Aadhaar card.
Travel insurance: It’s wise to purchase travel insurance to cover any unforeseen medical emergencies or trip disruptions.

Bonus tip!

photo on line for official documents 36 1024x578

If you don’t have a passport-style photograph for your ID, our Smartphone iD app online passport photo service can help! You can easily take your own passport photo from home using just your smartphone. We’ll ensure it meets all the required specifications.

FAQs

1. How to reach Nepal from India?

There are several ways to travel from India to Nepal:

By air: Regular flights operate from major Indian cities to Kathmandu
By road: You can drive or take a bus to the India-Nepal border checkpoints like Sunauli-Bhairawa or Raxaul-Birgunj
By train: A train runs between Jaynagar in India and Janakpur in Nepal

2. Is a passport required for Nepal from India by road?

No, a passport is not mandatory for Indian citizens traveling to Nepal by road. You can present an alternative government-issued photo ID like a Voter ID card or Aadhaar card, at the border.

3. Do Indians need a visa for Nepal?

Indian citizens typically do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days in Nepal. A stay permit is granted on arrival at the immigration checkpoint.

4. Is a passport required for Nepal from India by air?

While a passport is not strictly mandatory, it is highly recommended to carry one when traveling to Nepal by air. Check with your airline for their specific ID requirements.

5. Can Indians enter Nepal without a passport?

Yes, Indian citizens can enter Nepal with alternative government-issued photo identification like a Voter ID card or Aadhaar card in lieu of a passport.

6. Can I travel to Nepal with an Aadhaar card?

Yes, an Aadhaar card is an accepted form of identification for Indian citizens traveling to Nepal by land or air.

7. Can I travel to Nepal with a Voter ID card?

Yes, a Voter ID card with a photograph is a valid document for Indian citizens to enter Nepal.

8. Which countries can Indians visit without a passport?

Nepal and Bhutan are the two countries that Indian citizens can visit without a passport, though an alternative government-issued photo ID is required.

9. Is a passport needed for domestic flights within Nepal?

While you may not need a passport for domestic travel within Nepal, it’s best to carry a government-issued photo ID like your Indian Voter ID or Aadhaar card.

Sources

https://www.indembkathmandu.gov.in/valid-travel-documents