Is Passport Required for Nepal from India by Air

Indian citizens can travel to Nepal by air without a passport. It is not mandatory. But a valid photo ID is required. You cannot board the flight without showing original documents.

Many people ask, is Passport Required for Nepal from India by Air? Indian citizens do not need a passport, but they must carry one government-approved photo ID. This applies at all Indian airports when flying to Nepal. Aadhaar card is not accepted.

If you are 18 or older, you can use your Voter ID. Children or minors can show a birth certificate or school certificates. Senior citizens can carry a PAN card or driving licence. The document must be original. Photocopies or soft copies are not accepted at check-in.

This guide explains which documents are allowed for each age group, what airport officers check, and what not to bring. Every rule here is based on the latest travel rules for Indian citizens flying to Nepal without a passport.

Documents You Must Carry to Fly from India to Nepal

To fly from India to Nepal, every Indian citizen must show their original ID at the airport. No visa is needed, but immigration will only accept certain documents. Soft copies, Aadhaar, or printed downloads are not allowed.

Documents required for Adults

You can board a flight to Nepal with one of these:

• Indian passport (original, not expired)
• Voter ID card issued by Election Commission of India

Only these two are valid. You must carry the original card. No photo printouts or phone copies are accepted at check-in or immigration.

Documents for Children Below 18

Children do not need a voter ID or passport if they have other valid papers. Based on age, here’s what works:

• Birth certificate with child’s name and parent details (for kids under 3)
• School photo ID with date of birth
• Identity letter signed by school principal (on letterhead)

These must show the child’s photo, name, and age clearly. Originals only.

Senior Citizen Rules

People above 65 can travel with:

• PAN card
• Aadhaar card
• Driving licence
• Senior citizen ID

But this works only if they are flying with their family. If traveling alone, they still need a passport or voter ID.

Group Travel Relaxation

If one adult in the family has a valid passport or voter card, other members can show supporting photo IDs such as:

• Ration card with family names
• CGHS card
• School ID for child
• State or central government employee ID

These are accepted only when the family is flying together. All documents must be original and include a photo.

What Is Not Allowed

Avoid bringing these as your main travel ID:

• Aadhaar (not valid unless part of senior or family group)
• e-Aadhaar or any printout from online
• Embassy registration certificate
• Digital photos of ID on phone

If your name is not on an approved original card, you will not be allowed to board.

Why Passport is Still Useful When Traveling From India to Nepal

Even though Indian citizens can fly to Nepal using a voter ID, carrying a passport still helps in many situations. It is a globally accepted identity proof and can make things easier during travel.

Here are the real reasons why many travelers carry their passport anyway:

• Accepted at all hotel check-ins in Nepal
• Helpful if voter ID is damaged or missing
• Needed for return by land through border posts
• Valid backup if airline staff request additional ID
• Recognized for emergency consular help abroad
• Required in case of urgent exit during disruption
• Useful when filing lost ID complaints in Nepal

The passport works everywhere without questions. If you have one, bring it. It makes your trip smoother, especially if something goes wrong or if extra proof is needed.

Airport Process for Indian Citizens Flying to Nepal

Flying from India to Nepal counts as an international trip. Even if no visa is needed, the airport process still includes check-in, immigration, and security checks.

Each step must be followed with valid travel documents like passport or original voter ID. Here is a direct breakdown of the full process from airport gate to boarding.

1. Terminal Entry Check

As soon as you arrive at the airport, head to the international departure gate. You must show two things to the security guard: your flight ticket and a valid ID.

For Nepal, either a passport or original voter card works. Photocopies or phone images are not allowed. Your name on the ticket and ID must match exactly. Once verified, the guard allows you to enter the terminal.

2. Airline Check-In Counter

Go to your airline’s check-in counter. Show your booking reference and the same ID again. Airline staff will confirm your details and give you the boarding pass. If you are using a voter ID instead of a passport, they may cross-verify manually but it is fully valid.

Families with minors should carry the original school ID or birth certificate for the child. Carry these papers in hand to avoid delays.

3. Immigration Clearance at Departure

After check-in, walk toward the immigration area. This is where exit details are recorded. If you are carrying a passport, the officer will stamp it. If using a voter ID, you will go to the manual counter.

Your details are noted digitally and the officer may hand you a small slip or just clear you directly. No stamp is placed on the voter ID. This is normal for Nepal-bound Indians. Expect a few quick questions about your trip. No visa is needed.

4. Airport Security Check

After immigration, you will go through security. Place your hand baggage on the scanner belt. Walk through the metal detector. You may be frisked. This step is the same as for all flights. Once cleared, go to your boarding gate lounge. Keep your boarding pass and ID handy.

5. Final Boarding Gate Clearance

When boarding starts, approach the gate with your ID and boarding pass. Staff will match your face, pass, and ID. This takes only a moment. You can now board the flight to Kathmandu or another Nepal airport. Keep your documents safe for arrival checks.

Right after landing at Kathmandu airport, walk toward the immigration hall. Pick up an Arrival Card from the desk or get one from the airline staff. Use a pen to fill basic details like name, nationality, ID number, flight code, and hotel or home address in Nepal. Indian citizens do not need a visa, but filling this card is still required.

Arrival in Nepal: Entry and Immigration

Right after landing at Kathmandu airport, walk toward the immigration hall. Pick up an Arrival Card from the desk or get one from the airline staff. Use a pen to fill basic details like name, nationality, ID number, flight code, and hotel or home address in Nepal. Indian citizens do not need a visa, but filling this card is still required.

Use Indian or SAARC Queue

Look for a queue marked “Nepali and Indian Nationals” or “SAARC Citizens.” If you don’t see a special line, join any available counter. Both Indian passport and voter ID are accepted. Keep the same ID you showed while boarding in India.

Show ID to Officer

When you reach the desk, give your passport or voter ID along with the Arrival Card. If you have a passport, the officer will stamp your entry date. If you show a voter ID, there will be no stamp, but your arrival will be digitally recorded. In some cases, you may get a small slip, but this is not always given. No visa or fee is needed.

Collect Bags and Walk Through Customs

Pick up your checked bags from the baggage belt. Head toward the customs exit. Most Indian travelers use the Green Channel since they carry personal luggage. Customs is usually quick unless you bring items for trade or large cash amounts.

Currency Rules to Note

Indian currency notes of ₹100 and ₹200 are fully accepted in Nepal. You can carry a few ₹500 notes, but avoid ₹2000 bills or any old discontinued series. Always check the latest rule before travel.

Step Out and Begin Your Visit

Once customs is cleared, walk out of the terminal. There is no need for any stamp if you use a voter ID. You are now free to move anywhere in Nepal without a visa. Your visit is considered legal and official as long as you used one of the accepted Indian IDs.

Returning to India from Nepal by Air

Indian citizens can return from Nepal using the same ID shown at entry. No visa is needed. Carry your original passport or voter ID. At the airport, follow standard steps: ID check, immigration, and baggage pickup. The process is simple and quick.

Show the Same ID You Used for Entry

Before you check in for your return flight from Nepal, keep your ID ready. If you traveled using a passport, present it again. If you used a voter ID, show the same one. Airline staff and immigration officers in Kathmandu are used to this. Just make sure the ID is original and not damaged.

Go Through Nepal Immigration Smoothly

At the airport in Kathmandu or another city, head to the immigration counter after check-in. If you have a passport, you’ll get an exit stamp. If you used a voter card, they’ll check it and update your departure digitally. No stamp is given on voter ID, and that’s normal. Nepal’s rules allow Indians to leave freely without a visa or departure stamp.

Tip: If asked later why no exit stamp is visible, you can explain that Indian citizens are visa-exempt and often exit via land without formal clearance.

Arriving in India as a Citizen

Once you land at an Indian airport, go through immigration entry. Show your Indian passport or voter ID. If you use a passport, an entry stamp will be added. If you used voter ID, there won’t be a stamp, but your arrival will be recorded in the system. The process is quick. Indian citizens don’t need a visa to return – just valid ID.

Collect Bags and Exit

Pick up your luggage from the belt. Walk toward the customs area. Unless you’re carrying expensive goods or high amounts of currency, you can pass through the Green Channel. Customs checks for return flights from Nepal are light.

Carry Backups for Safety

While not required, keep a printed copy of your ID, ticket, and child documents during your return. If your voter card gets lost or damaged, having a copy will help at least explain your identity. Some people carry both passport and voter ID – using one, but keeping the other as a backup.

Visa Rules for Indians Visiting Nepal

Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter or stay in Nepal. You can fly in or cross the border using a valid passport or voter ID. No pre-approval or travel permit is needed.

As per the Indo-Nepal Treaty, Indian nationals can live, work, and study in Nepal without restrictions. For tourism, you can stay up to 150 days in one calendar year without any paperwork. Long-term stays may require local registration depending on your reason for staying.

Nepal does not stamp a visa or charge a visa fee for Indian citizens. Entry is recorded at immigration using your submitted ID. For most travelers, it is as simple as showing your passport or voter ID and continuing your journey.

Carry ID During Your Stay

Even after entry, always keep a valid photo ID with you. Hotels, airports, and internal transport checks may ask for identification. A voter ID or passport is accepted in most places.

OCI Cardholders and Foreign Spouses

The visa-free rule applies only to Indian citizens. If you hold an OCI card or are a foreign spouse of an Indian citizen, you are treated as a foreign national. You will need a valid foreign passport and may be required to get a visa on arrival in Nepal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is passport required for Nepal from India by air?

No, a passport is not mandatory. Indian citizens can fly to Nepal using either a valid passport or an original Voter ID card. These are the only two documents officially accepted for air travel. Aadhaar card is not valid for boarding.

Q2: Can Aadhaar card be used to fly to Nepal?

No, Aadhaar is not accepted for air travel to Nepal. Only citizens under 15 or above 65 may show Aadhaar with other supporting documents in rare cases, but it is not a standalone travel ID for flights.

Q3: Do minors need a passport to go to Nepal?

No, children under 18 can travel without a passport. Carry an original birth certificate or school photo ID. Infants can travel with just a birth certificate showing parent names and photo.

Q4: Can I use PAN card or driving licence to travel?

No, PAN card and driving licence are not valid travel documents for flying to Nepal. They will not be accepted by airlines or immigration. Only a passport or voter ID are allowed.

Q5: What ID is needed for senior citizens above 65?

Seniors flying alone must carry a passport or voter ID. If flying with family, Aadhaar card or other government photo ID may be accepted at discretion, but it is safer to carry approved ID.

Q6: Will Nepal immigration stamp my passport or ID?

If you use a passport, it may get stamped. If using a voter ID, there will be no stamp – your entry will be logged digitally or noted in the system. A slip may be given as proof.

Q7: How long can Indians stay in Nepal without a visa?

Indians can stay up to 150 days in a calendar year without any visa or permit. For longer stays, register with local authorities. No visa is needed for entry or exit.

Q8: Is there any visa fee or arrival charge for Indians?

No, Indian citizens pay no visa fee or border charge while entering Nepal by air or land. Nepal gives full visa-free access under the Indo-Nepal Treaty.

Q9: What if my voter ID is damaged or unreadable?

A damaged voter card may be rejected. Always carry the original physical card in good condition. It must be readable and match your booking name. No digital copy or laminated Aadhaar is allowed.

Q10: Can an OCI or PIO cardholder travel to Nepal like Indians?

No, only Indian citizens can travel visa-free. OCI, PIO, or foreign spouses of Indians must carry their foreign passport and follow standard visa rules for Nepal.

Conclusion

Traveling from India to Nepal by air is smooth and simple for Indian citizens. A passport is not required if you carry an original voter ID card. This makes the journey easy even if you do not have a passport. Nepal allows Indian nationals to enter without a visa, under the open-border agreement.

Just make sure to carry valid ID like a passport or voter ID. Bring school ID or birth certificate for children, and age proof for senior citizens if needed. At the airport, follow normal steps like check-in, immigration, and security screening.

The close ties between the two countries mean you can enjoy visa-free access and travel with less paperwork. If you understand what documents are allowed, and how air travel works between India and Nepal, your trip will be stress-free. For most people, the answer to whether passport required for Nepal from India by air is clear: only if you do not have a voter ID.

Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Nepal
• https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/visa-documents.html
• https://www.cgibirgunj.gov.in/page/consular/
• https://www.reddit.com/r/Nepal/comments/1jye90e/i_am_an_indian_citizen_traveling_to_nepal_by_air/
• https://himalayan-masters.com/nepal-visa-on-arrival/
• https://nepalairlines.com.np/documents-required-for-nepalese-and-indian-passengers-travelling-to-nepal-india
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/india/aadhaar-card-can-now-be-used-to-travel-to-bhutan-nepal-by-indians- under-15-and-over-65-years-of-age/ps67622604.cms