Travelling To Nepal And Bhutan? Use These ID Proofs Instead Of Aadhaar Card

Bhutan and Nepal, renowned for their scenic spots, attract millions of global tourists annually, especially from India. Visas and passports are typically necessary for international travel. Indians, however, enjoy the privilege of not requiring these when visiting Bhutan and Nepal. Both the countries allow Indian citizens without the need for a visa or passport. Reciprocally, India has granted the same privilege to citizens of these two nations, fostering increased tourism and strengthening cooperation. This mutual arrangement also contributes to the security of Indian borders, emphasising the collaborative relationship between the countries. Although Aadhaar is a crucial document in India, it is not recognised as a valid form of identification in Nepal and Bhutan. Indians travelling to these countries need to consider alternative documents. What documentation is then necessary for Indians visiting Nepal and Bhutan, considering that Aadhaar is not accepted?

In 2017, India’s Home Ministry explicitly stated that Aadhaar is not accepted as a valid document for entry into Nepal and Bhutan. Instead, citizens above 15 years of age can use alternative documents such as Voter ID, Driving License, Ration Card, or PAN Card for travel to these countries.

For children accompanying adults on a trip to Nepal or Bhutan, where they typically don’t possess a Voter ID or PAN Card, presenting their birth certificate or school ID card is accepted as a valid document for entry into these countries.

Recently, an elderly woman was booked by Sahar police after immigration officials at Mumbai airport discovered she was attempting to travel to Nepal using an Indian Aadhaar card, despite being a Nepali citizen. The 71-year-old explained she was heading to Nepal to meet her two children. The incident occurred on Wednesday at around 9 am, just before her scheduled flight to Kathmandu at 10.25 am, when she presented her Aadhaar card and boarding pass at the immigration counter at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA), Mumbai.