Nepal Travel Documentation

Indian citizens

Indian citizens do not need a visa to visit Nepal. You should carry a valid passport or an original Election Commission voter ID card, which are generally the accepted photo identities. Aadhaar is not officially recognised by Nepal immigration, so we advise against relying on it. Airlines check ID at check-in, so a passport is the safest choice.

Children

Carry the child's birth certificate along with the parent's ID. If a minor travels without parents, additional documents are likely to be needed, so check with the airline and immigration authorities in advance.

Other nationalities

Other nationalities generally need a Nepalese visa, which many travellers obtain on arrival at Kathmandu airport or at land borders, or in advance through an embassy or online. Fees, validity and eligibility can change, so check the Department of Immigration of Nepal website before you travel. Make sure your passport has sufficient validity and blank pages.

Entering by road

The usual land crossing from the Siliguri side is Panitanki-Kakarbhitta. Border formalities, transport connections and the time of day can all affect the journey, so we plan road entries with buffer time. See Nepal with Darjeeling or Sikkim for how this fits into a combined trip.

Currency

Rules limit the amount of Indian currency you can carry into Nepal, particularly in higher denominations. Check current limits before you travel, and carry only what you need. Cards and ATMs are available in main towns.

What to carry

• Valid passport or accepted photo ID.
• Copies of key documents, stored separately.
• Hotel and itinerary details.
• Travel insurance information.
• Return or onward travel details, if requested.

Planning tip

We share a document checklist when you enquire, based on your nationality and route. For an overview of the destination, see the Nepal travel guide and our Nepal page.