The idea of exploring international destinations without a passport is attractive to people who like traveling. For Indian travelers, it is possible to enter dozens of countries without visas, but the entry requirements vary by destinations. Thanks to long-standing bilateral agreements, a few neighboring countries allow entry with alternative government-issued IDs. This article will introduce without passport visiting countries from India, essential safety tips, and answers to common questions.
Countries Indians can Visit Without a Passport
For Indian travelers seeking countries to visit without passport from india, Nepal and Bhutan stand out as accessible destinations. Starting from October 2024, two neighboring countries, Nepal and Bhutan allow Indian citizens to travel with a valid government-issued ID and stay for up to 150 days. Below is a detailed guide covering entry requirements, transportation options, permitted areas, and must-visit attractions for both countries.
Nepal
Nepal shares an open border with India, where you can travel easily by plane or by car. Here’s everything you need to know:
Documents Required
Only a photo ID that proves your Indian citizenship and identity is required. The ID must be valid for at least 6 months. Here are some examples.
It is issued to Indians aged 18+ by the Election Commission of India.
● Valid Passport (if available).
● Any photo IDs for those above 65 or under 15
It can be an Aadhar card (ID for Indian citizens and residents issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India), PAN card (Permanent Account Number issued by the Income Tax Department), driver’s license, ration card, etc.
● Birth Certificate as well as a School ID (for ages 15–18).
● Emergency Case
If your ID card is lost or stolen when traveling in Nepal, present an emergency certificate from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.
Travel by Air
It is the fastest way to fly to Nepal. Indian travelers usually land at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu or Gautam Buddha International Airport. The flight takes about 1-2 hours. After arriving, you only need to present a valid photo ID at immigration. No prior entry permit is required.
Travel by Road
It is the cheapest way to travel by bus. Most travelers choose to enter Nepal by road through Sunauli or Kakarbhitta, two popular border crossings. If you take public transportation, just bring an acceptable identification. However, if you drive your own vehicle (bikes, motorcycles, or cars), you must pay a customs duty fee at the checkpoint to obtain a temporary permit called ‘Bhansar’ that allows you to stay in Nepal for 30 days or a Day Pass that allows same-day return. For two-wheelers, it costs NPR 150 (equivalent to INR 93) per day. For motor vehicles, it costs NPR 500 (equivalent to INR 312) per day. To obtain the permit, you have to prepare the following documents.
● Vehicle Registration Certificate
● Valid Insurance and Pollution Certificate.
● A driver’s License.
● A valid photo ID.
Permitted Areas & Special Permits
You can travel freely in major cities and popular hiking routes in Nepal. However, heading to restricted zones (i.e. Upper Mustang, Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga trekking routes, etc.) requires a Nepal special permit. The permit can be applied from Nepal’s Department of Immigration (Kathmandu) or local trekking agencies.
Travel Tips
- Spring and autumn are the best time to travel to Nepal with pleasant climates. In spring, you can go trekking and sightseeing. In Autumn, you can enjoy celebrations for the Dashain Festival and the Tihar Festival, two wonderful and historic festivals in Nepal.
- Nepal features fascinating views. Every year, tens of thousands of visitors go sightseeing or adventure in the country, such as going on a Mount Everest Base Camp trek to appreciate the world’s tallest peak, boating on the Phewa Lake, paragliding with the Annapurna Range, etc.
- Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, makes Nepal a must-visit Buddhist pilgrimage site. Even if you are not a Buddhist, it is worth visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley: Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Durbar Squares.
Bhutan
Bhutan, located in the north of India, has serene landscapes and rich culture, making it a bucket-list destination. Although Indian citizens are exempted from the Bhutan tourist visa, an entry permit is mandatory. The permit is valid for 7 days. Supposing that you want to stay longer, request an extension from the immigration office before it expires.
Documents Required
The entry permit is issued by the Department of Immigration in Bhutan at the border, for example, at Phuentsholing or Paro Airport. To apply for the permit, you should prepare the following supporting documents.
● Valid proof of identity
It includes a passport or a voter ID with a remaining validity of at least 6 months beyond the estimated date of leaving Bhutan. Children below 18 can submit a birth certificate and a school ID.
They must be taken within the last 6 months and 35mm x 45mm with a plain white background. Make sure to satisfy the official requirements.
● Proof of accommodation
It should demonstrate where you will stay. A hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host is acceptable.
● Parental consent
It is required when minors are traveling without parents or guardians.
Travel by Air
Direct flights from India to Bhutan Paro Airport take about 0.5-2.5 hours, depending on the place of departure. It is recommended to file the application on the Bhutan Immigration System (BIS) at least 2 days (48 hours) before setting out and then obtain the entry permit after arriving.
Travel by Road
If you take a bus or commercial vehicle to enter Bhutan, just bring the required documents and present them to apply for the entry permit at the Immigration Office in Phuntsholing.
If you drive your vehicle, ride a bicycle, or ride a motorcycle, an extra Extension Permit is needed besides the entry permit. It is issued by the Road Safety and Transportation Authority (RSTA) and allows Indian cars to enter the designated area for free before reaching the Rinchending Check Post. However, to pass the subsequent RBP checkpoints, drivers have to pay Nu 4,500 (INR 4,502) per day for the Green Tax and register for Check Post Management System(CPMS) through the steps below.
- Visit the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) portal and click on the “Register” button.
- Enter your vehicle number, type of vehicle, date of journey, and choose your destination. The system will retrieve other details of the vehicle automatically. If there is nothing wrong, click on the “Continue” button.
- Click on the “Add driver” button and enter your personal information, including driver’s license number, mobile number, purpose of visit, and so on.
- Click on the “Add passenger” button and provide the passengers’ information (if any).
- Save and submit the application.
Permitted Areas & Special Permits
The entry permit stated before is a standard one, allowing the holders to access Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and Paro, a charming town in Paro Valley. As for other regions, Indian travelers should apply for a Special Area Permit (SAP) from the RGoB Immigration Office in Thimphu.
Must-Visit Destinations
Similar to Nepal, the best time to visit Bhutan is spring and autumn. There are breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultural activities, wildlife reserves, and UNESCO sites. These spots should not be missed.
- Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest): A cliffside monastery offering breathtaking hikes and spiritual solace.
- Thimphu: Explore Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma Statue, and the Weekend Market.
- Punakha Dzong: A 17th-century fortress at the confluence of Pho and Mo Rivers.
- Phobjikha Valley: Winter home to endangered black-necked cranes and Gangtey Monastery.
- Haa Valley: Secluded landscapes with sacred temples like Lhakhang Karpo.
Safety Essentials to Undertake While Visiting Nepal and Bhutan
Traveling to no passport required countries from India is convenient, but it doesn’t mean you can start your trip without any preparation. It is necessary to prioritize your safety. These tips will help you navigate Nepal and Bhutan safely, from staying connected to preparing for emergencies.
● Register with Indian Embassies:
It is advisable to inform the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu (Nepal) or Thimphu (Bhutan) about your itinerary after arrival. In this case, you can get swift assistance during emergencies like natural disasters, lost documents, or political unrest.
● Purchase Travel Insurance
The travel insurance can compensate for unexpected costs during your trip abroad due to medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, adventure activities, etc. Ensure it covers the length of your stay, hospitalization in Nepal/Bhutan, and medical evacuation back home.
● Get a Local SIM Card
Compared with international roaming, a local SIM card offers affordable data and calls, so you don’t need to pay high fees for map navigation, web services, and telecommunication. SIM cards are available at the Airport, official outlets, or authorized resellers of the communication operator.
● Make Photocopies of Documents
Make copies of your voter ID, permits, and insurance, and separate them from the original ones. Alternatively, keep a digital copy on your phone or cloud storage. They serve as proof of identity and legal stay when the originals are lost.
Countries Indians can Visit Without a Visa
Indian passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 50 destinations, reflecting India’s growing global mobility. According to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, the Indian passport ranks 79th, with access to 33 countries or regions without a visa for short-stay purposes. Here is a full list.
| Angola | Barbados | Bhutan* | British Virgin Islands |
| Dominica | Cook Islands | Fiji | Grenada |
| Haiti | Iran | Jamaica | Kazakhstan |
| Kenya* | Kiribati | Macao (SAR China) | Madagascar |
| Malaysia* | Mauritius | Micronesia | Montserrat |
| Nepal | Niue | Qatar | Rwanda |
| Senegal | Seychelles* | St. Kitts and Nevis | St. Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Thailand* | Trinidad and Tobago | Vanuatu |
*Notes:
- An entry permit is needed for Bhutan.
- An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required by Kenya or Seychelles.
- Register for the Electronic Travel Registration & Information (eNTRI) to visit Malaysia.
- Fill out the new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before entering Thailand.
Although visas are exempted, foreign visitors must also bring supporting documents, including a valid passport, proof of financial capability, and return ticket. The length of stay and entry requirements vary by country. It is necessary to contact the embassy or consulate of your destination to check the latest information before traveling.
FAQ
Q: Can Indians go to Bali without a passport?
A: No. Bali requires a passport and a visa-on-arrival for Indians.
Q: Can I visit Thailand without a passport?
A: No. Thailand mandates a passport and offers a 90-day visa-free trip. Starting from 1 May 2025, Indian citizens must obtain a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online 72 hours (three days) before arrival.
🔎Read Also: Visa on Arrival Thailand Photo Size & Requirements
Q: Can I go to Maldives without a passport?
A: No. You must carry a passport valid for at least 1 month to apply for a visa-on-arrival (VoA) at the Maldives border checkpoint.
Q: Which country has no required passport?
A: Nepal and Bhutan are the only two without passport countries for Indian.
Conclusion
While a passport is a mandatory travel document for most international trips, without passport visiting countries from India is possible due to bilateral agreements between India and Nepal, India and Bhutan. However, the entry requirements differ according to how you arrive. Make sure to verify entry rules and carry valid IDs before the trip. Always prioritize safety with travel insurance and embassy registration. For visa-free destinations, keep your passport handy and enjoy hassle-free adventures.
Erin Lo