Countries Indians Can Travel to Without a Passport
Posted on By Flying Squirrel Holidays
Did you know Indian citizens can cross two international borders without carrying a passport? All thanks to decades of historic diplomatic ties that make passport-free travel for Indians possible right in our neighbourhood.
What ‘Travel without a Passport’ Actually Means
Travellers often confuse the terms visa-free with passport-free. Visa-free means you do not need to pay for or apply for a visa in advance, but you absolutely still need a valid passport to board your flight. On the other hand, actual travel without a passport means you can physically cross an international border without carrying your Indian passport or even owning one.
To be more specific and simple, all you need to travel internationally is your Indian Voter ID card. You carry it, and you will be welcomed internationally.
This is totally different from visa-free travel countries like Thailand, Malaysia and the Maldives, which are visa-free for Indians, but you still need your passport to experience these destinations.
| Travel Type | Passport Needed? | Valid ID Accepted |
| Without Passport (Nepal, Bhutan) | NO | Indian Voter ID Card |
| Visa-Free (Thailand, Malaysia, etc.) | YES | Indian Passport only |
| Visa on Arrival (Maldives, Indonesia) | YES | Indian Passport only |
| eVisa (Vietnam, Sri Lanka, etc.) | YES | Indian Passport only |
Why should Nepal and Bhutan be your next international travel destination?
Two countries, two incredible destinations- they absolutely need to be on your travel list. With just a few hours of travel, you have the opportunity to experience the ultimate wonders of nature, history and vibrant culture. Here is everything you should know about exploring Nepal and Bhutan:
Nepal: The Himalayan Escape
Wondering if an Indian can travel to Nepal without a passport? Yes, Indians can travel to Nepal without a passport, and thanks to the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, the process is as simple as it gets. If you are planning to book a Nepal tour package from Kolkata without a passport, the process is hassle-free.
Nepal Entry Requirements for Indians
With an open border, Indian travellers can easily explore Nepal’s stunning natural beauty. When it comes to getting there, you have two convenient options: fly directly into Kathmandu for a quick and comfortable journey, or take the scenic overland route through the Raxaul-Birgunj border crossing for a more immersive experience.
Documents Needed: You must present a valid Voter ID card (EPIC card for travel abroad) issued by the Election Commission of India. Just keep in mind that Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and driving licenses are not accepted at the border.
Top Attractions:
- Do not miss the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and the massive Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu.
- For nature lovers, the serene waters of Phewa Lake in Pokhara and the wildlife safaris in Chitwan National Park are absolute highlights.
Must-Do Things: Take an early morning mountain flight for a close-up view of Mount Everest, watch a breathtaking Himalayan sunrise from Sarangkot, and treat yourself to a massive plate of authentic Nepali momos and Thukpa.
Expert Travel Tips: Always carry at least 3-4 photocopies of your Voter ID and recent passport-sized photographs. Border checkpoints can get busy, so booking a structured, curated, expert-created Nepal holiday package is the best way to ensure your transfers and paperwork are handled smoothly by local experts.
Bhutan: The Land of the Thunder Dragon
Recognised as the world’s only carbon-negative country, Bhutan is the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Due to a long-standing bilateral agreement between India and Bhutan in the 1949 Treaty of Friendship (revised in 2007), you can step into this legendary kingdom of happiness without even holding an Indian Passport.
Bhutan official Entry Rules: Bhutan is a country where an Indian passport is not required, but you cannot just walk across the border. You must obtain a Bhutan Entry Permit for Indians upon arrival at the Jaigaon Phuentsholing border crossing or at Paro International Airport.
Documents Needed: Adult travellers must carry their Indian voter ID and international travel document to obtain a Bhutan Entry Permit and pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of INR 1200 per person (with exceptions for children).
Top Attractions:
- The crown jewel is the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), clinging to a sheer cliff face.
- Explore the majestic Punakha Dzong, situated at the junction of two rivers.
- Visit the massive Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the Thimphu valley.
Must-Do Things:
Hike up the mountain trails to Tiger’s Nest, taste the fiery national dish Ema Datshi, which is made entirely of chillies and local cheese, and watch a traditional Bhutanese archery (“Dha”) and high-performance tournaments like Bhutan Grand Prix III.
Expert Travel Tips: Permit offices operate on specific timings and are closed on Bhutanese national holidays. To avoid getting stuck at the border, it is highly recommended to secure a curated Bhutan tour package so your travel team can pre-arrange the permit logistics for you.
Now that you know which countries you can visit without a passport, curious about where your passport can take you visa-free? Check out our full guide on visa-free destinations for Indians.
Leave the passport behind.
Experience the magic of Nepal and the joy of Bhutan with zero border hassle. Get your expert-created itinerary and start planning for the Himalayas with Flying Squirrel Holidays. Book now.
For more Call at + 91 33 4052 5777 / +91 833 697 8737 or write to us at connect@flyingsquirrelholidays.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which countries can Indians enter without a passport?
Indian citizens can travel to only two countries without a passport: Nepal and Bhutan. Both nations accept a valid Indian Voter ID card as proof of citizenship.
Is Voter ID valid for Nepal travel?
Yes, a Voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India is fully valid for travel to Nepal by air or land.
Can I use Aadhaar to travel to Nepal or Bhutan?
No. The Aadhaar card is not recognised as a valid travel document for crossing international borders, including Nepal and Bhutan.
How can I go to Bhutan from India?
Indian citizens can reach Bhutan either by taking a direct flight to Paro International Airport or by crossing the border by road at Jaigaon-Phuentsholing.
Can I travel to Nepal from India by road without a passport?
Yes, you can easily drive or take a bus across the border using specific checkpoints. Just make sure to carry your original Voter ID card for a smooth entry.
