Check your passport-specific visa exception
Citizens of Nepal or Bhutan entering by land or air over their respective border are exempt from passport and visa requirements. If entering from another place, carry a valid passport; the exemption does not apply to entry from China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan. Check with the Indian Mission if your itinerary includes one of those places.
Check whether your passport meets the exception
Citizens of Nepal or Bhutan entering by land or air over their respective border are exempt from passport and visa requirements. If entering from another place, carry a valid passport; the exemption does not apply to entry from China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan. Check with the Indian Mission if your itinerary includes one of those places.
If your passport does not qualify, confirm the visa route before travel
Check the destination’s current official visa instructions for your place of residence.
Check the stay and entry conditions
A visa or visa waiver does not guarantee admission. Follow the dates and conditions set by the destination’s immigration authority.
What to prepare for your trip
Check each item as you prepare it. Labels show which documents are required, conditional, or recommended.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Arrival paperwork is a separate step
India e-Arrival card
All foreign nationals must submit the e-Arrival card before entering India. Complete it online up to 72 hours before arrival; it records arrival information and does not replace a visa.
Open India e-Arrival cardDetails that can change your plans
Nepalese and Bhutanese entry is route-dependent
Citizens of Nepal or Bhutan entering by land or air over their respective border are exempt from passport and visa requirements. If entering from another place, carry a valid passport; the exemption does not apply to entry from China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan. Check with the Indian Mission if your itinerary includes one of those places.
Official guidanceIndia at a glance
- Capital
- New Delhi
- Currency
- INR
- Calling code
- +91
Questions for this route
Do travelers with an ordinary passport from Bhutan need a visa for India?
Nepalese and Bhutanese entry is route-dependent. Citizens of Nepal or Bhutan entering by land or air over their respective border are exempt from passport and visa requirements. If entering from another place, carry a valid passport; the exemption does not apply to entry from China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan. Check with the Indian Mission if your itinerary includes one of those places.
Do I need to complete India e-Arrival card?
Required for this route. All foreign nationals must submit the e-Arrival card before entering India. Complete it online up to 72 hours before arrival; it records arrival information and does not replace a visa. It does not replace a required visa or travel authorisation.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official websites
Use these government websites to confirm requirements and complete any application.
About this guide
This guide covers short tourist visits on an ordinary passport. Your nationality, residence, travel document and purpose can affect the entry conditions. Check the linked official guidance before travel; the border authority decides admission and your permitted stay.
Suggest a correction