Planning a trip to Nepal or Bhutan is always special for Indian travellers — two neighbouring countries blessed with natural beauty, cultural depth, and spiritual charm. The best part is that both destinations share deep historical and cultural ties with India, making travel smoother and more welcoming for Indian citizens. However, before you set out on your journey, it’s essential to know the key travel requirements, documentation, and entry rules so you can enjoy a hassle-free experience. This post provides clear guidance on passport and permit requirements, valid identification proofs, currency usage, and local travel tips for Indians visiting Nepal and Bhutan.
1. Currency Limits and Denominations
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian citizens may carry up to ₹25,000 in Indian currency while travelling to Nepal and Bhutan. Travelers are advised to exchange some amount for local currency at authorized exchange counters in either country.
While Indian Rupees (INR) is widely accepted, particularly in urban areas, denominations of ₹500 and ₹2,000 are not permitted in Nepal. Hence, it is recommended to carry smaller denominations (₹100 and below) or obtain Nepalese Rupees (NPR) for local transactions and rural markets.
Before exchanging currency, travelers should verify the prevailing exchange rates, which may vary based on location and the currency used.
2. Digital Payment Facilities
In both Nepal and Bhutan, digital payment systems, including Unified Payments Interface (UPI), are increasingly accepted by merchants, hotels, and restaurants. This facilitates easy and secure payments without the need to carry large amounts of cash. However, some remote areas may not have reliable internet access, so it is prudent to keep cash for essential purchases.
3. Valid Travel Documents for Nepal
(a) Visa Requirement
Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal for tourism or other permitted purposes, owing to the open-border arrangement between India and Nepal.
(b) Accepted Travel Documents
For air travel between India and Nepal, only the following two documents are recognized as valid for Indian nationals:
1. Valid Indian Passport, or
2. Original Voter Identity Card with photograph, issued by the Election Commission of India
Note: Downloaded or online print versions of the Voter ID card are not accepted. Other identity documents such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Driving Licence, or Certificate of Registration issued by the Indian Embassy are not valid for travel to Nepal.
(c) Additional Identity Documents
The following documents are also recognized under specific circumstances:
* Emergency Certificate issued by the Embassy of India, Kathmandu
* Identity Certificate issued by the Embassy of India, Kathmandu
Special Provisions:
* Children (15–18 years): May travel on the basis of an Identity Certificate issued by the school principal in the prescribed format.
* Persons aged below 15 years or above 65 years: Exempted from producing approved identity documents but must carry any document with a photograph to establish identity and age.
* Emergency or Identity Certificates issued by the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, are valid for a single journey back to India only.
(d) Road Travel
Travelers using road routes must obtain a vehicle permit and specify the intended duration of stay.
4. Currency Regulations in Nepal
(a) Cash Carrying Limit
As per the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) guidelines, both Nepali and foreign nationals may bring in or take out up to USD 5,000 (or equivalent in other foreign currencies) without customs declaration.
For example, a traveler arriving in Nepal from the United States may carry USD 5,000 in cash without filling a customs declaration form. The same rule applies for equivalent amounts in Euros, Pounds, or other major currencies.
(b) Declaration Requirement
If the cash carried exceeds USD 5,000 (or equivalent), travelers are required to declare the amount to customs authorities at the entry or exit point. The funds must be officially certified, failing which the money may be confiscated and legal action may be initiated.
5. Practical Currency Tips
* Smaller Transactions: Keep some Nepalese Rupees in smaller denominations for daily purchases or payments in rural or trekking areas.
* Receipts: Retain bank or exchange receipts as proof of legitimate currency conversion or cash withdrawal.
* Cash for Essentials: Use cash for expenses such as tips, souvenirs, or incidental purchases where digital payments may not be accepted.
Travel Guidelines for Indian Citizens Visiting Bhutan
A. Entry and Visa Requirements
Indian citizens do not require a visa to visit Bhutan. However, a permit is mandatory for entry and stay.
* For road travel, the entry permit is issued at Phuentsholing or other designated border check posts.
* For air travel, the permit can be obtained upon arrival at Paro International Airport.
B. Valid Travel Documents
Indian nationals may enter Bhutan using one of the following documents:
1. Valid Indian Passport, or
2. Original Voter Identity Card with photograph, issued by the Election Commission of India
Note:
* Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or other documents are **not accepted for entry into Bhutan.
* Minors (below 18 years of age) may be allowed entry with a birth certificate and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian carrying a valid travel document.
C. Currency and Payment Rules
(i) Acceptance of Indian Currency
Indian Rupees (INR) are widely accepted throughout Bhutan, at par with the **Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)**, which is pegged to the Indian Rupee.
* Denominations up to ₹500 are accepted in most areas.
* ₹2,000 notes are not accepted in Bhutan.
(ii) Currency Exchange
Indian travelers can exchange currency at banks or authorized foreign exchange counters in Bhutan. Carrying a mix of BTN and smaller INR notes is advisable for convenience.
(iii) Cash Limits
While there is no specific limit prescribed for carrying INR within the ₹25,000 ceiling set by Indian regulations, travelers should declare foreign currency if the value exceeds USD 10,000 (or equivalent) upon entry or exit.
D. Digital and Card Payments
Digital payments, including UPI and RuPay cards, are increasingly accepted in Bhutan, especially in Thimphu and Paro. However, connectivity may be inconsistent in smaller towns and rural areas, so carrying cash remains essential for local transactions.
E. Practical Currency Tips for Bhutan
* Carry ₹100 and ₹200 notes for local shopping and transport.
* Use RuPay debit cards where accepted for cashless transactions.
* Keep bank receipts or exchange slips for record-keeping and currency verification.
Conclusion
Travel between India, Nepal, and Bhutan is relatively seamless due to strong bilateral relations and open-border arrangements. However, travelers must ensure they carry valid travel documents, adhere to currency restrictions, and maintain **proof of currency exchange** where applicable.
Being mindful of local payment norms, currency limits, and documentation requirements ensures a smooth and compliant travel experience in both countries.
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Disclaimer: This article is written and updated from time to time based on RBI circulars or FEMA rules and amendments taken place. We make every effort to stay as accurate and updated as possible. However, for further validation, you may refer RBI circular on ‘Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) for Resident Individuals’. The author of this article is not responsible for the mistakes, errors, ambiguity, inconsistency, discrepancy, doubts, or quality of information provided in this article. The liabilities or claims of any nature on account of the information provided in this post for whatsoever cause is not recognized.
