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.
• For India–Nepal air travel, the accepted documents are a valid Indian passport or original Indian voter ID card with a photograph; Aadhaar, PAN and driving licence are not accepted.
• For Bhutan, Indians do not need a visa, but they must carry accepted travel documents and obtain an entry permit.

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 the ease of movement within the region is also ensured.

However, 'without a passport' does not mean 'without any identity document'. Indian citizens still need accepted ID proof, and the rule changes depending on the destination, route and age of the traveller.

For Nepal travel by air, Indian citizens should carry either a valid Indian passport or an original voter ID card with a photograph. Aadhaar, PAN card and driving licence should not be used as accepted travel documents for India–Nepal air travel.

For Bhutan, the Embassy of India in Thimphu states that Indian nationals must carry either a valid Indian passport with a minimum of six months' validity or a voter identity card issued by the Election Commission of India, along with recent passport-size photographs. For minor children below 18 years, if they do not have a passport, the original birth certificate is required.

If you are travelling from India to Nepal by air, carry either a valid Indian passport or the original voter ID card with a photograph. Do not rely on Aadhaar, PAN card, driving licence or downloaded voter ID copies for air travel because the official Indian Embassy page says these are not accepted.

For minors, senior citizens or travellers without a voter ID, it is safer to check with the airline and the nearest official mission before booking tickets, because document checks can be route-specific.

Indian nationals visiting Bhutan do not require a visa. However, they are issued an entry permit. The Consulate General of India in Phuentsholing states that Indian tourists should carry an original Indian passport with at least six months’ validity or an original voter ID card. For children below 18 years, a birth certificate in English or a passport is required, and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Two passport-size photographs are also required.

The entry permit is the permission given to Indian tourists to enter Bhutan and visit approved places. As per the Embassy of India in Thimphu, Indians entering Bhutan by road must obtain the entry permit from the Royal Government of Bhutan Immigration Office at Phuentsholing, while Indians entering by air must get it at Paro International Airport.

The same source states that the entry permit allows an Indian tourist to visit Thimphu and Paro only. Tourists going beyond Thimphu and Paro need a route permit from the Royal Government of Bhutan's Immigration Office at Thimphu on working days.

Passport-free travel and visa-free travel are different. Passport-free travel means Indians can enter without carrying an Indian passport, subject to accepted identity documents. Visa-free travel means Indian ordinary passport holders can enter without applying for a visa in advance, but the passport is still required.

Nepal and Bhutan are the only two countries covered here where Indians can visit without a passport. For other international destinations, a passport is generally required even when the destination offers visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival or e-visa.

Also Read: Passport Application Process in India

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.

Budget note: No official Indian government source was found for a fixed Nepal travel budget. The actual cost will depend on route, transport, hotel category, food choices and activities.

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.

Bhutan’s official tourism website states that Bhutan is a year-round destination and lists spring as March to May and autumn as September to November.

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.

Budget note: No official Indian government source was found for a fixed Bhutan travel budget. The cost can change depending on the route, season, hotel, guide, transport and permit-related requirements.

There are some countries that Indians cannot travel to without a passport but can visit without a visa.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs' visa facility page for Indian ordinary passport holders, 27 countries provide visa-free entry to Indian nationals. This MEA page was last updated on 26 May 2026.

Some visa-free destinations have conditions such as limited stay periods, return tickets, confirmed accommodation, minimum passport validity or arrival registration. For example, MEA lists Thailand under visa-free entry for 60 days for tourism and short-business engagements, with mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card registration before arrival.

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.

For practical travel planning, keep your passport ready even if you are currently planning only Nepal or Bhutan. Airline rules, immigration checks and route-specific requirements can differ, and a passport gives you more flexibility if your travel plan changes.

Also Read: E-Passport in India: Benefits, How To Apply, and More