In a bid to promote cross-border tourism, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced that citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can enter India without a passport or visa starting September 1, 2025. The Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025, allows citizens of Nepal and Bhutan to enter India when arriving by land or air through their respective borders (without a passport or visa). The MHA informed, the requirement of a passport or any other travel documents, a visa for entry into, stay in and exit from India shall not apply if “a citizen of India entering into India by land or by air over the Nepalese or Bhutanese frontier, a citizen of Nepal or Bhutan entering into India by land or air over the Nepal or Bhutan border or if he possesses a valid passport while entering or exiting India from or to a place other than Nepal or Bhutan but not from China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan”.As per the MHA’s notification under Section 33 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025:Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan coming by land or air from their respective countries are not required to show a passport or visa.The rule is also applicable to Indian nationals entering India by land or air via Nepal or Bhutan.However, citizens of Nepal and Bhutan must carry valid passports and visas if entering from any third nation—except if arriving with such documents from China, Macau, Hong Kong, or Pakistan.Identity Documentation

Nepali and Bhutanese citizens still need to carry valid identity proof such as:Citizenship certificateVoter ID (issued by the Election Commission of their country)Limited-validity photo-ID issued by their mission in IndiaFor kids aged 10–18, a school principal’s photo-ID accompanying parents; no ID required for children under 10Extended Exemptions under the New Order

The 2025 exemption consolidates and replaces earlier provisions (1957 and 2007 orders), and also extends passport and visa relaxations to:Members of Indian Armed Forces, along with their families when travelling on government transport Registered Tibetans who entered via Special Entry Permits issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, both before and after May 30, 2003 Minority community refugees (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, Christians) from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2024, regardless of whether their travel documents are valid or expired Registered Sri Lankan Tamils who took shelter in India on or before January 9, 2015Impact on travellersNow Nepali and Bhutanese tourists and travellers planning to explore India can do that without worrying about a passport or visa. For tourism or personal visits, citizens from Nepal and Bhutan can directly enter from their home country using alternate IDs. This will simplify the documentation process and boost cross-border connectivity, trade, and ties while preserving national security.

Thomas Cook (India) and its group company, SOTC Travel, have signed a long-term memorandum of understanding with Tourism and Events Queensland to encourage travel from India to Queensland, Australia.

The agreement will cover content, education and training programmes and joint marketing, using Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s digital platforms and retail network to promote Queensland as a destination for leisure, meetings and incentives, business and sports tourism across metro and regional markets in India.

The agreement was signed by senior leadership from Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel with Katie Mills, international director at Tourism and Events Queensland, in the presence of David Crisafulli, premier of Queensland and minister for veterans.

Queensland offers a range of experiences for visitors, from UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest to the Gold Coast’s beaches and theme parks, the Whitsundays’ island stays and sailing, and Brisbane’s riverfront precincts and dining. Cairns and Port Douglas serve as gateways for reef and rainforest exploration. The state attracts families, couples, younger travellers and business groups, with sports tourism also a focus, including interest in cricket and the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.

Craig Davidson, CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland, commented: “This strategic connection with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel is a powerful step forward in our mission to position Queensland as the destination of choice for India travellers. Through collaborative marketing, education and content creation, we’re excited to inspire more India visitors to discover ‘Australia’s Holiday Feeling’, which can only be experienced in Queensland.”

“Our intent is to create innovative, immersive, experience-led itineraries that appeal to our range of segments across multi-generational families, millennials and Gen Z, couples, working professionals and our powerful MICE corporates,” said Rajeev Kale, president and country head – holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India).

S D Nandakumar, president and country head – holidays and corporate tours, SOTC Travel, added: “Our strategy will focus on the key pivots of product development, education and marcom – we intend to spotlight Queensland’s iconic natural beauty while also showcasing the state’s hidden gems and exciting experiences – ensuring truly memorable and repeat visitations.”