List of Countries Indians Can Visit Without a Passport

• Nepal and Bhutan are the two countries Indians can visit without a passport.
• This exemption is granted to Indian citizens based on the diplomatic relationships India has with both these countries.
• There are some countries that Indians cannot travel to without a passport but can visit without a visa.

With increasing tourism activities among Indian citizens, travelling to foreign countries has also become more common. For most countries you wish to visit, you need to have a valid passport and must also apply for a visa.Meanwhile, there are also some countries Indians can visit without a passport and without a visa. In this blog, you will find out how many countries Indians can visit without a passport.

Countries Indians can visit without a passport are Nepal and Bhutan. This exemption is rooted in diplomatic relationships between India and these countries along with regional cooperation agreements. In fact, both the countries are also India's neighbours.Since you do not need a passport to travel to Nepal and Bhutan, your travel process becomes more streamlined and ease of movement within the region is also ensured.Instead of your passport, when you travel to Nepal, you can present your Aadhaar card or voter ID as a proof of identity. If you are heading to Bhutan, you can use the same documents and also get the option of a valid passport with a minimum six-month validity.

Nepal is among the two countries Indians can visit without a passport. It is known for the majestic view of the Himalayas, historical richness, and architectural greatness.

Best Time to Visit

You can plan your visit to Nepal during the autumn months from September to November or spring months from March to May.

Top Attractions

You can visit the Kathmandu Valley, trek to the Mount Everest Base Camp, trek the Annapurna Circuit, visit the shores of Phewa Lake in Pokhara, and visit the Chitwan National Park. You can also visit Lumbini, which is considered the birthplace of Buddha.You can experience white-water rafting on rivers like Trishuli or Kali Gandaki, engage in paragliding, and explore wildlife through a jungle safari.

What To Eat

For food, you must try dal bhaat , a staple dish of lentil soup, rice, and assorted sides, when in Nepal. Another popular favourite are Nepali momos.

Bhutan is also among the countries Indians can visit without a passport.It is referred to as the ‘Last Shangri-La’ and reflects traditional Buddhist culture. You can visit Bhutan for vacations with family and friends.

Best Time to Visit

You can plan your visit to Bhutan during the spring months (March to May) or the autumn season (September to November) for pleasant weather and local festivals.

Top Attractions

In Bhutan, you should visit Thimphu (the capital city known for its blend of tradition and modernity), Punakha, Paro, Haa Valley, and Phobjikha Valley.It is recommended to attend the traditional Bhutanese festivals for a display of vibrant ceremonies.You can also visit local monasteries for Bhutan's spiritual and cultural experience. You should embark on hikes to explore the landscapes, including the Dochula Pass and Chele La Pass.

What To Eat

For food, you can try popular Bhutanese dishes like Ema Datshi and the traditional Bhutanese butter tea.

There are some countries that Indians cannot travel to without a passport but can visit without a visa. As per the latest Henley Passport Index report, the Indian passport now ranks at the 85th position globally and you can have visa-free access to 62 countries.These countries include popular destinations across Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. You can also travel to Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Qatar, Seychelles, Jamaica, Macau, etc. without a visa if you are an Indian national.

A passport not only enables you to travel to foreign countries but also serves as a legal identity document. While you can travel to Nepal and Bhutan from India without a passport, having a passport is essential if you want to travel to anywhere else across the world. You can travel either for leisure, education or work opportunities but having a passport is mandatory at all times. Also Read: Lost your Passport while Overseas? Here’s what to do