The Ministry of Home Affairs has amended the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2026. The new rules require Indian citizens who are returning from or departing to any country other than Nepal or Bhutan to carry a valid passport when they enter or exit through designated immigration posts.

For land or air travel to Nepal or Bhutan, citizens can use the identity documents listed in the Visa Manual and do not need a passport. Those traveling outside those two countries must present a passport at a designated post and are barred from using non-designated immigration points.

The amendment gives certain foreign nationals exemptions. Specific groups, including certain Pakistani citizens, minority refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, Sri Lankan Tamils and Tibetans, may be exempt from passport and visa requirements under the new rules.

The exemption does not apply to all foreign nationals; it excludes those who have married or acquired property in Pakistan or who have adverse reports from police or security agencies.