Visa-free entry: The central government on Tuesday issued a new directive under which citizens of Nepal, Bhutan will no longer require a passport or visa to enter India. This new move relaxes the earlier conditions.
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The Home Ministry said in its statement, “A citizen of Nepal or Bhutan who enters India directly through the border of Nepal or Bhutan by land or air will not require a passport or visa.”
However, certain other documents are required for entry, including:
- Nepal/Bhutan passport
- Nepal/Bhutan citizenship certificate
- Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of Nepal/Bhutan
- Limited validity photo ID card issued by Nepalese Mission/Royal Bhutanese Mission in India, if required
Provisions have also been made for children. Photo ID issued by the school principal will be valid for children aged 10 to 18 years, provided they are accompanied by their parents and the parents have valid travel documents. No documents will be required for children below 10 years of age.
It was also clarified that if a citizen of Nepal or Bhutan enters India from any other place (i.e. from a country other than Nepal/Bhutan), he or she must have a passport.
This provision will also apply to Tibetans, whether already living in India or entering now, provided they are registered with the designated authorities and have a valid registration certificate.
Further, this rule is also applicable to Tibetans who entered India after 1959 but before 30 May 2003 and who had a special entry permit issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. At the same time, Tibetans entering after May 30, 2003 will have to obtain a new special entry permit from the Indian Embassy and pass through the immigration post at the Indo-Nepal border designated by the Centre.
