Key Takeaways
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Indians can visit many foreign countries without a visa, or get a visa on arrival, but they still need a passport to enter. When you narrow the list to destinations where a passport itself is not required, only Nepal and Bhutan remain. Even then, you need the right ID and must follow each country’s entry rules.
This guide covers entry requirements, travel options and vehicle rules for visiting these two countries without a passport from India, along with places to visit and approximate trip costs.
Which Countries Can Indians Visit Without a Passport?
For Indians, Nepal and Bhutan are the only two foreign countries where you can travel without a passport, as long as you carry the right alternative ID.
1. Nepal
Nepal is usually the easiest option for passport-free travel from India. But it depends strictly on the ID you carry and your mode of transport.
Documents Required to Travel to Nepal from India Without a Passport
For adults:
- Original Voter ID card with photograph, issued by the Election Commission of India; it is accepted for both air and road travel.
- For air travel, only the original physical card is accepted; downloaded or printed copies are not valid.
- For air travel, you cannot use Aadhaar, PAN card or driving licence instead.
- For road travel, some border points may accept other photo IDs, but carrying the original Voter ID is the safest option.
For children:
- Under 15 years: Original birth certificate
- 15 to 18 years: An Identity Certificate from the school or college principal is required, with the child’s photograph, date of birth and official seal.
How to Reach Nepal From India
By Air: Direct flights run from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, while travellers from other Indian cities can take a connecting flight through a major Indian airport.
By Bus: The Delhi-Kathmandu international bus service has buses operated by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Nepal-based Swoyambhu Manjushree Yatayat. DTC operates its Delhi service from Dr Ambedkar Stadium Bus Terminal near Delhi Gate, travelling to Kathmandu via the Sunauli border. The DTC fare is INR 2,800 for passengers aged five and above.
By Your Own Vehicle: Indian cars and motorcycles can enter Nepal temporarily, but they need a pass issued by Nepal Customs (Bhansar). You can now pre-register the vehicle through Nepal’s online Temporary Import of Vehicle (TIV) system, pay the applicable fee and receive a QR code before reaching the border.
The pass should cover the exact number of days you plan to stay in Nepal, and the fee ranges from 100-500 INR per day, depending on the vehicle type. An Indian-registered vehicle can stay in Nepal for a maximum of 30 days in total in a year, not 30 days per visit.
Carry your valid driving licence, the vehicle’s original Registration Certificate (RC) and any authorisation required if the vehicle is registered in someone else’s name. Keep the pass with you during the trip and make sure the vehicle leaves Nepal before it expires.
Places to Visit in Nepal
Nepal brings together historic cities, Buddhist sites, mountain landscapes and wildlife experiences. Here are some of Nepal’s top places to visit:
- Kathmandu: Start here for Nepal’s main cultural sights, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath.
- Pokhara: Spend time around Phewa Lake, enjoy views of the Annapurna range and try activities such as paragliding. Sarangkot is another popular stop for mountain views and sunrise.
- Chitwan: Head to Chitwan National Park for jungle safaris, where you can see one-horned rhinoceroses, wild elephants and, with luck, Bengal tigers.
- Lumbini: Visit the Maya Devi Temple, built around the site traditionally recognised as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and visit other religious sites in the surrounding area.
How Much Does a Trip to Nepal Cost?
Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR). INR 1 is roughly equal to NPR 1.6, although exchange rates can change.
Nepal is generally the cheapest country to visit from India without a passport, especially if you travel by road and choose budget accommodation.
For a budget trip, plan around 1,700-2,500 INR per person per day for a hostel or basic guest house, local meals, shared transport and simple sightseeing.
A 7-day trip can cost around 12,000-18,000 INR per person for these expenses, excluding travel from your Indian city to Nepal.
Indian travellers also get discounted entry at many heritage sites under Nepal’s SAARC rates.
2. Bhutan
Bhutan is another option for passport-free travel from India, with Indian citizens needing an entry permit to visit the country.
Documents Required to Travel to Bhutan Without a Passport
For adults:
- Original Voter ID card with photograph
- Bhutan entry permit
- Travel insurance is recommended
- A recent passport-size photo if you are applying for the entry permit at the border
For children:
- Under 18 years: An original birth certificate in English can be used with an entry permit, and the child must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
How to Get a Bhutan Entry Permit
- You can apply online before travelling to Bhutan or at the port of entry; applying online can save time at immigration.
- For an online application, upload a digital copy of your Voter ID and a recent digital passport-size photograph.
- You also need to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which is separate from the entry permit. Indian adults pay 1,200 INR per person per night; children aged 6 to under 12 pay 600 INR, while children under 6 are exempt.
- For a visit of up to 24 hours, you do not have to pay the SDF when staying within the designated areas of Phuentsholing, Samtse, Gelephu or Samdrup Jongkhar. The charge applies if you travel beyond the permitted border-town area.
How to Reach Bhutan from India
By Air: Direct flights connect Paro International Airport with Bagdogra, Guwahati, Kolkata and New Delhi in India. Flight schedules can vary by airline and season, so check availability for your travel dates.
By Road: Bhutan has four official road entry points from India: Phuentsholing, Samtse, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar. Phuentsholing is the most convenient gateway for travellers heading towards Paro and Thimphu.
By Your Own Vehicle: Indian citizens can take their own car or motorcycle into Bhutan, but the vehicle has separate entry requirements.
For a self-driven vehicle, Bhutan currently charges 4,500 BTN (approx. 4,500 INR) per vehicle per day. You also need the vehicle’s original Registration Certificate, a valid Indian driving licence, insurance, pollution-control documents, and an entry permit.
If the vehicle is registered in someone else’s name, carry an authorisation letter from the owner. Vehicles must also meet Bhutan’s applicable age and roadworthiness requirements.
Places to Visit in Bhutan
Bhutan’s main tourist areas include historic towns, mountain valleys, monasteries and nature spots. For a first trip, focus on Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, which you can cover together on a short itinerary.
- Paro: Visit Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), one of Bhutan’s main attractions, and see sights such as Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum of Bhutan.
- Thimphu: Spend time in Bhutan’s capital, where you can visit Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong and other cultural and religious sites around the city.
- Punakha: Visit Punakha Dzong, built at the meeting point of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, and walk across the nearby Punakha Suspension Bridge.
- Phobjikha Valley: Head here for valley walks and views of the surrounding mountains. It is also the winter habitat of the black-necked crane, which arrives in Bhutan during the colder months.
How Much Does a Bhutan Trip Cost?
Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu./BTN). It has the same value as the Indian Rupee, so 1 INR equals 1 BTN.
Bhutan usually costs more than Nepal, mainly because of the SDF and the cost of transport within the country. For a budget-to-mid-range trip, plan roughly INR 4,500-7,000 per person per day for accommodation, food and transport, excluding the SDF and travel from India.
For a 4-night trip, expect around INR 18,000-28,000 per person for basic stay, food and local expenses, plus INR 4,800 SDF for an adult staying all four nights.
Your journey from India, guide charges and private transport can increase the total considerably. A major cost difference is whether you travel alone or in a group. Sharing a vehicle and guide makes Bhutan much more affordable than hiring them alone.
Conclusion
For Indians without a passport, Nepal and Bhutan are the only options for international travel, but both have specific document requirements.
A valid Voter ID can be used instead of a passport, while Bhutan also requires an entry permit and has additional costs such as the Sustainable Development Fee.
The most important thing is to carry the right documents for your chosen route, as air travel, land crossings and travelling in your own vehicle can have different requirements.
Once these details are sorted, you can plan your trip with much more confidence. For help planning an international holiday around your travel needs, contact Dimaak Tours.
FAQs About Countries Indians Can Visit Without a Passport
1. Which countries can Indians visit without a passport?
Indians can travel to Nepal and Bhutan without a passport, provided they carry the required alternative ID and complete the entry formalities. Nepal is usually the simpler and more affordable option, while Bhutan requires an entry permit and has additional visitor charges.
2. What documents do Indians need to go to Nepal and Bhutan without a passport?
For Nepal, adults can use an original Voter ID card instead of a passport. Children have separate requirements, including a birth certificate for those under 15 and an Identity Certificate from their school or college for those aged 15 to 18.
For Bhutan, adults need an original Voter ID card and an entry permit. Children under 18 can use an original birth certificate or passport along with the required permit.
3. Which is the cheapest country to visit from India without a passport?
Nepal is generally the cheaper option, particularly when travelling by road and staying in budget accommodation. A budget trip to Nepal can cost roughly INR 12,000-18,000 for 7 days, excluding travel from your Indian city to Nepal. Bhutan usually costs more because of the Sustainable Development Fee, along with accommodation, transport and other travel expenses.
4. Can Indians travel to Nepal or Bhutan in their own vehicle without a passport?
Yes. Indians can take their own car or motorcycle to both Nepal and Bhutan, but the vehicle needs separate paperwork. Nepal requires a vehicle pass from Customs, while Bhutan requires the relevant vehicle documents and entry permit.
