Pretty much every time you go abroad, your passport is your most important document. However, Indian citizens can travel to certain foreign spots without a passport or using only a little paperwork. There are a number of situations where the rule can’t be applied and this guide lists them all.
This thorough travel article lists the countries Indian travelers can visit without a passport and includes those allowing entry with a voter card. We’ll also go over the rules, helpful exceptions and information about traveling
Is It Really Possible to Travel Abroad Without a Passport?
Yes, there are special circumstances where it happens, mostly for a few selected nations. Certain neighbors of India have agreements with the country that allow people to travel without using a passport, as long as they carry their voter ID or other government-given documents.
However, these permissions often come with special rules:
- Travel is limited to tourism or family visits
- You must follow official border protocols
- Travel is typically by land or specific air routes
Countries You Can Visit from India Without a Passport
Let’s break down the without passport visiting countries available for Indian citizens:
1. 🇳🇵 Nepal
Entry Allowed With: Voter ID card or Passport
Visa Required: No
Stay Duration: Unlimited for Indians
Modes of Travel: Road, rail, air
Nepal is the most popular without passport visiting country for Indians. Thanks to the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, Indian citizens can enter Nepal using just a valid voter ID card (EPIC) or passport.
Documents Accepted:
- Voter ID card
- Passport (if preferred)
- Aadhaar card is not acceptable for air travel entry
Highlights:
- Explore Himalayan destinations like Pokhara and Kathmandu
- Enjoy a visa-free, open-border experience
2. 🇧🇹 Bhutan
Entry Allowed With: Voter ID card or Passport
Visa Required: No
Stay Duration: 14 days (extendable)
Modes of Travel: Road (from West Bengal), air
Bhutan, the peaceful kingdom nestled in the Himalayas, allows Indians to enter without a passport if they carry a voter ID card. However, a passport is required for those entering by air.
Documents Accepted:
- Voter ID card (for land entry)
- Passport (for air entry)
Highlights:
- Visit monasteries in Thimphu and Paro
- Experience the Gross National Happiness culture
Important: Countries Where Passport Is Mandatory
Most other countries—even neighboring ones like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, or Maldives—require a valid passport and, in many cases, a visa.
These include:
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
- Maldives
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Singapore
- UAE
Even if they offer visa-on-arrival or e-visa services, you must carry a passport.
Why Voter ID Works for Nepal and Bhutan
India has special open-border agreements with both Nepal and Bhutan:
- Nepal–India Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950)
- Bhutan–India Friendship Treaty (2007)
These allow the free movement of people across borders without visas or passports, provided they carry government-issued IDs like voter cards.
Rules to Remember for Traveling Without a Passport
If you plan to explore without passport visiting countries, here are some essential rules:
1. Carry Valid ID
- Only Voter ID (EPIC) is accepted.
- Aadhaar, PAN card, Driving License are not accepted for air travel.
2. Children Need Birth Certificates
Minors traveling to Bhutan or Nepal need:
- Birth certificate
- School ID or letter from school with photo
3. For Air Travel, Carry a Passport
Even though land routes allow entry with voter ID, airlines often insist on a passport. Always confirm with the airline.
4. Local Permits May Apply
In Bhutan, Indian citizens must obtain an Entry Permit at the Immigration Office (Phuentsholing for land entry or Paro Airport for air travelers).
Entry Points from India to Nepal & Bhutan
Land Routes:
For Nepal:
- Raxaul–Birgunj (Bihar)
- Sunauli–Bhairahawa (Uttar Pradesh)
- Panitanki–Kakarbhitta (West Bengal)
For Bhutan:
- Jaigaon–Phuentsholing (West Bengal)
Air Routes:
- To Nepal: Flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai to Kathmandu
- To Bhutan: Limited flights from Kolkata and Delhi to Paro
Note: Airlines may still require a passport even if it’s not mandatory by the destination country.
Travel Checklist for Passport-Free Countries
Here’s a handy list of things you must carry when traveling to Nepal or Bhutan without a passport:
| Item | Purpose |
| Voter ID (original) | Entry document |
| Photocopies of ID | Backup and hotel check-ins |
| Passport (optional) | If you plan to fly |
| Hotel bookings | Required in some check-ins |
| Local currency or Forex card | INR accepted in both countries |
| Recent passport-sized photos | For permits or formalities |
Conclusion
While most international destinations require a valid passport, Indians are lucky to enjoy exclusive access to two beautiful neighbors: Nepal and Bhutan—without needing a passport.
For any other country—even those offering visa-on-arrival or e-visa—you’ll absolutely need a passport.
So if you’re itching to explore the world but haven’t applied for your passport yet, start with Nepal or Bhutan. They’re not just beautiful and culturally rich—they’re also accessible with minimal paperwork!
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