India visa for Nepali citizens

Check the official site before you travel. imptpune.in is a hotel and travel site; it does not issue visas. Visa rules change: confirm on indianvisaonline.gov.in.

Under the India–Nepal treaty arrangements, Nepali citizens can enter India without a visa for visits. You need a valid passport or the identity document accepted for your mode of arrival. This applies for tourism, family visits, or short-term stays. Check the official site for any updates before you travel.

What the visa-free status means

Nepali citizens can travel to India without applying for a visa beforehand. This is a permanent arrangement under bilateral treaties. You can enter by air, land, or rail without a visa. The status covers tourism, short visits, and transit. It does not automatically permit work, study, or long-term residence.

You must carry a valid passport or an identity document accepted by Indian immigration. For land border crossings, a government-issued photo ID may be sufficient. Check the official site for the list of accepted documents for your route. The rules apply equally to adults and children.

Before you travel and on arrival

Before departure, confirm the documents accepted for your mode of arrival. If flying, a valid passport is standard. For land or rail crossings, an official photo ID such as a voter card or citizenship certificate may be accepted. Check the official site for the latest list.

At Indian airports, immigration officials will check your passport. No visa stamp is required. You may be asked about your purpose of stay and duration. Answer clearly. Keep your passport accessible during the flight. For land crossings, present your ID at the border checkpoint.

Arriving in cities and travelling between them

Once in India, you can travel freely between cities and states. No internal permits are needed for Nepali citizens. You can use domestic flights, trains, buses, or taxis. Carry your passport or ID with you at all times. Some hotels may ask to see it during check-in.

For domestic flights, airlines require a valid passport or government-issued photo ID. For train travel, your ID is needed when booking tickets and during inspections. Keep photocopies of your documents in a separate place. This helps if the original is lost.

Staying longer, working, or studying

The visa-free arrangement is for short visits. If you plan to work, study, or stay for an extended period, you need a proper visa. Apply through the official site. The site lists categories for employment, education, and long-term stays. Processing times vary; check the site for details.

You must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) if you stay beyond a certain period. The exact duration is set by Indian regulations. Check the official site or contact the FRRO for current rules. Carry your passport and proof of address when registering.

Step by step

1. Check the documents accepted for your mode of arrival on the official site.
2. Book your transport to India: flight, train, or bus.
3. Travel to India with your valid passport or accepted ID.
4. Carry your passport or ID at all times while in India.
5. Register with the FRRO only if you plan a long stay; check the rules first.
6. Keep photocopies of your documents separately from the originals.

Documents to carry

• Valid passport
• Government-issued photo ID (for land or rail crossings)
• Photocopies of your travel documents
• Proof of address if registering with the FRRO

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