How to travel to India from Nepal
Traveling from Nepal to India is fairly easy because of the open border and the close cultural connections between the two nations. There are two main ways to travel: by plane or by road. The optimal choice relies on your available funds, time limitations, and visa stipulations.
1. Traveling by Air
The most efficient and frequently preferred method of travel between Nepal and India, particularly when heading to significant Indian urban centers, is by air.
Airlines: Several airlines operate direct flights from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) to major Indian cities. Popular airlines include Air India, IndiGo, Nepal Airlines, SpiceJet, and Bhutan Airlines.
In 2024, budget carriers like FlyBig and Himalaya Airlines have introduced fresh routes from Kathmandu to less prominent Indian cities such as Lucknow and Varanasi, offering travelers more economical choices.
Primary Routes: The Kathmandu (KTM) to New Delhi (DEL) route is the most frequented, with direct flights typically lasting around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. Flights are also available to other major Indian cities including Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Varanasi, although some may include stopovers.
It's recommended to secure your flights beforehand, especially during peak travel periods, to secure better pricing. Explore well-known flight comparison platforms like Skyscanner, Kayak, MakeMyTrip, or directly on the respective airline websites.
Visa for First Entry
For your initial entry into India using an Indian e-Visa, arrival must be through a designated airport or seaport. Land border crossings are typically not permitted for the initial entry when using an e-Visa. Should your first entry into India be planned via land, a conventional sticker visa, secured beforehand from an Indian embassy or consulate, is generally required.
In 2024, India has increased the number of entry points for e-Visas to include more than 30 international airports and several seaports. Notably, land border crossings are not currently included, preventing initial entry into India via land borders on an e-Visa.
However, once a traveler has initially entered India through an airport or approved seaport using an e-Visa, they are permitted to depart and then re-enter India through land border crossings. This is permissible if the e-Visa remains valid and allows for multiple entries.
For example, a person might fly into India through New Delhi airport using an e-Visa, then go to Nepal by land, and later come back into India through the Sonauli border crossing, assuming their multiple-entry e-Visa hasn't expired. It's really important to double-check the rules and how long your particular e-Visa is good for before you make any plans to travel over land.
Sticker Visa Required for First Land Entry
If you´re planning your first land entry into India, you´ll usually need a standard sticker visa in your passport. You can get this from an Indian embassy or consulate in your home country, or potentially in Nepal if you meet their criteria.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal, often processes visa applications for people wanting to enter India by land. Just keep in mind that processing can take 3 to 7 business days, depending on your nationality and the type of visa you're applying for. They might also ask for supporting documents like your travel plans, hotel reservations, and tickets for your onward journey, like train or bus tickets. Since visa fees and requirements differ based on your nationality, it's important to look up the most current information and plan ahead.
Documents needed for travel to India from Nepal
- A valid passport (with at least six months’ validity beyond your intended stay)
- A valid Indian visa (if required for your nationality)
- Flight tickets
2. Traveling by Land
For your trip, you'll need a valid passport that's good for at least six months after you plan to leave. Also, have a valid Indian visa if your nationality requires one, and don't forget your flight tickets.
Border Crossing Points
There are several official land border crossings. The most commonly used by foreign travelers are:
- Sonauli / Belahiya (Siddharthanagar, Nepal): This is the busiest and most well-known border crossing, linking Gorakhpur in India with Bhairahawa/Lumbini in Nepal. Buses readily travel between the two sides. While it's open around the clock, customs and immigration procedures can occasionally be time-consuming, particularly for commercial goods and personal vehicles.
- Raxaul / Birgunj (Nepal): This is another important and well-traveled border crossing, linking to Bihar, India. It's a convenient option, especially for those going to Patna or Kolkata, and generally has pretty decent infrastructure.
- Kakarbhitta / Panitanki (Nepal): In eastern Nepal, this connects to Darjeeling/Sikkim regions of India. It operates roughly from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though hours may vary.
- Banbasa / Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Nepal): In western Nepal, this area borders Uttarakhand in India. It's generally less busy and less populated, making it a good option for those traveling to Uttarakhand. However, the roads are less traveled, so travelers should be cautious about their safety.
Visa Requirements for Land Entry (Crucial for Foreigners)
- e-Visa Limitation: As mentioned, if you are making your first entry into India on an e-Visa, you cannot use a land border crossing. You must enter via an airport or a designated seaport.
- Sticker Visa Required for First Land Entry: If you're planning your first land entry into India during your trip, you'll usually need a standard visa, which is a sticker in your passport. You can get this visa from an Indian embassy or consulate in your home country. You might also be able to get it in Nepal, depending on their specific requirements.
- Multiple-Entry Visa: If you've previously entered India through an airport or seaport with a multiple-entry e-Visa or a traditional sticker visa, you can usually re-enter the country via land borders. However, it's essential to always verify the specific terms and conditions of your visa.
No Visa for Indian/Nepali Citizens
Citizens of both India and Nepal are exempted from visa and passport requirements when traversing the border between the two nations. Instead, they are permitted to use valid national identity documents:
- For Indians: Aadhaar card, voter ID card, or passport
- For Nepalis: Citizenship certificate or passport
Nevertheless, even though a passport is not essential, border officials might request legitimate identification for record-keeping purposes, particularly for individuals traveling in private vehicles. It is advisable to carry appropriate identification to ensure a seamless border crossing.
How to Cross by Land (General Steps)
- Travel to the Border Town: Begin your journey by bus or taxi from your location in Nepal (such as Kathmandu or Pokhara) to the Nepalese border town (for example, Belahiya to reach Sonauli).
- Nepal Immigration Exit: Find the Nepalese Immigration Office (often located a short distance from where your bus disembarks) and have your passport stamped with an exit stamp.
- Cross "No Man's Land": Walk or take a short rickshaw/auto-rickshaw ride across the short stretch of "no man's land" between the two border posts.
- Indian Immigration Entry: Locate the Indian Immigration Office on the Indian side of the border. Present your passport and a valid visa to receive your entry stamp.
- Indian Customs: Be prepared for a possible customs check.
- *Onward Travel in India:* From the Indian border town (like Sonauli or Raxaul), you can find transportation options such as buses, shared jeeps, or taxis to your onward destination in India. Popular onward destinations include major Indian cities such as Gorakhpur (for Sonauli) or Varanasi.
Important Notes for Land Travel
- Currency Exchange: It's recommended to exchange currency in larger towns before reaching the border, as some crossings don't have ATMs or official money exchange services readily available.
- Tickets: Bus and train tickets purchased directly at the border frequently cost more than those bought from official stations located in cities.
- Avoid Scams: Refrain from using informal "helpers" or unofficial agents offering to handle paperwork at the border, particularly those not wearing uniforms or official identification, as scams are prevalent.
- Arrive Early: Border crossings can be crowded. Arriving early in the morning can help you save time.
- Currency Exchange Rates: Money changers are present on both sides of the border, though the exchange rates may not always be favorable.
- Carry Copies: Keep photocopies of your passport and visa separate from the original documents.
- Food and Water: Bring your own snacks and water, especially when crossing less developed borders.
Conclusion
Choosing between air and land travel depends on your priorities. Air travel offers speed and convenience, while land travel provides a more adventurous and budget-friendly experience, provided your visa allows for land entry. Always verify the latest visa regulations for your nationality before planning your trip.
India’s visa policies and border protocols can change, so it’s crucial to check official resources or consult local embassies before traveling. With proper planning, your journey from Nepal to India can be smooth, safe, and memorable.
